Sundays After Pentecost, Year B 2023 – 24: Old Testament Passage – Journeying with the Divine

“On David’s return from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand. Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.” (I Samuel 17:57 – 58)

This is not the first time that David talked to king Saul. On the battle field David promised king Saul that Goliath would fall in death just like the bears and lions fell to death when David rescued from their jaws the lambs that he was charged with protecting. And as I write this, I think of all of the symbolism and arcs that connect this statement to the Messiah. The first of which is the fact that David came from Bethlehem as his father before him. Saving lambs, standing up to & felling enemies, and proclaiming that there is a God, Yahweh, in Israel. You may wonder, as do I beloved reader, did David connect this meeting with king Saul to the anointing that Samuel gave him at his father’s homestead. Or did David’s humility and modesty stop him from seeing/actualizing that king Saul would at some point be vanquished by David’s destiny. If not, it certainly seemed that Jonathan saw something in this David.

“When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (Chapter 18, Verse 1)

King Saul did too, but upon reflection Saul saw the danger that David might present.

“Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house.” (Verse 2)

I am also reminded of Samuel’s warning that a king would take the best and the bravest of their sons – meaning the people of Israel. For that is what Saul did – took David from his home, and over the course of time changed simple David to king David. Or was it the Lord God Yahweh who took the Divine’s Own and changed the course of his life to what he was destined to be. I actually find comfort in that; that the Divine set the course of David’s life. It gives me hope that the course of my life is also bound up with the Divine.

“Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; as a result, Saul set him over the army. And all the people, even the servants of Saul, approved.” (Verses 3 – 5)

Even when it seems like our life circumstances are turned around and upside down; that what we thought was a sure thing turns out to be chaos and turmoil. I remind myself that the Creator made out of chaos, and my soul is at peace. Hopefully David remembered that and was comforted as well.

“The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; and Saul threw the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence, and made him a commander of a thousand; and David marched out and came in, leading the army. David had success in all his undertakings; for the LORD was with him.” (Verses 10 – 14)

I am starting to get a sense that young David felt here might have shown up in the verses that psalmist David wrote. Do you see it, beloved reader? Victory in situations where he has comparatively little experience, killing bears and lions notwithstanding. Victory when logic would say there is great chance of misadventure. But of course, the Lord knows the God-Self’s Own.

“When Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David; for it was he who marched out and came in leading them.” (Verses 15 – 16)

There is the other side, of course. Later in king David’s life when family turns against him – his wife and then his children conspire against him. When he makes missteps and feels the displeasure of the Divine. Journeying with the Divine, beloved reader, is never easy or simple. But for those of us who have staunch faith, belief, and hope – there is no other way we could life! Shalom & Selah!