Act #1- Saul Loved David Series

Series: Israel’s 1st King [#11]

ACT #1- SAUL LOVED DAVID

1 Samuel 16:13-23

Introduction:

Has anyone in your life ever broken your heart because they rebelled against God? You did your best for them, prayed for them, and encouraged them; but they failed. If you’ve had that experience, then you know how Samuel felt when King Saul rebelled against the Lord and disobeyed His Word.

1 Samuel 15:34-35

God regretted that He made Saul king. God is hurt when we fail. Just as a child hurts his parents when he rebels against them, so God’s heart was broken when Saul rebelled against Him; but disobedient people can’t hinder God’s plan or stop Him from working. God knows what He is doing, and He always has someone ready to step in and do the job.

1 Samuel 16:1

Samuel mourned for Saul as though he was dead. He might have been praying that Saul would repent and that God would change His mind; but God had other plans. David was taking care of his sheep when Samuel arrived with his horn of anointing oil, so his family had called him in from the fields. Samuel anointed David.

1 Samuel 16:13

David was anointed, while Saul was abandoned.

1 Samuel 16:14

Saul didn’t want to follow God; therefore, God couldn’t entrust the Holy Spirit’s power to Him. In verses 15-23, Saul and David were brought together by God. God brought David into Saul’s life because Saul needed David’s help. Saul was being disciplined by God because of his disobedience. The only way he could find relief was to have someone play music that would bring peace to his heart.

1 Samuel 16:15-18 (NIV)

Saul sent for David and brought him into his court. This was the beginning of a lot of drama between Saul and David. This type of drama still exists today- When you find someone who is being blessed by God and they come in contact with someone who has been abandoned by God, you find conflict.

This drama falls into 3 acts:

Act #1: Saul loved David (1 Samuel 16-17).

Act #2: Saul envied David (1 Samuel 18-20).

Act #3: Saul exiled David (1 Samuel 21-31).

The 1st act is in 1 Samuel 16-17- Saul loved David. It is interesting to notice that a loving relationship existed in the beginning between Saul and David.

Saul gave David 2 jobs:

1 Samuel 16:19-22

David was Saul’s…

1. Armor-bearer.

To be the armor-bearer to the King was a big deal. He was one of the most trusted people in Israel. David was in a place of honor. His job was to serve Saul, especially in battle. At 1st, this was a part time job. David was going back and forth between Saul and tending his father’s sheep. After David’s victory over Goliath, his position became permanent. David’s permanent position turned into being in charge of the King’s bodyguard.

1 Samuel 16:23

David was Saul’s…

2. Musician.

Whenever Saul experienced one of his attacks, David would sing and play his harp, and this would calm Saul down.

Conclusion:

Saul loved David because David was a great servant to him. David took care of Saul’s armor and was prepared to go to battle with him at any time. He also was a comfort to Saul. Saul lived for himself, while David lived for others. Saul was proud and rebellious, while David was humble and obedient.