David's Service in Saul's Court

The early days of Israel's monarchy include the account of David serving in the court of Saul. Saul has already been rejected and God's choice of David as his replacement has been made known.

David has become a man who is honored and respected, not only by the people of Israel, but also by other members of Saul's family. In this account we learn of the great blessing a godly friendship is as we see the relationship of David and Jonathan, Saul's son.

We see the sovereign hand of God over all the people even when He allows the ungodly to rail against the godly. The great encouragement is in seeing He will, for us as well, prove to be the source of strength and joy.

Behind the scenes we see the arch enemy of God, Satan, working through those people, who with him, have rejected God's authority and are intent on causing conflict. All such activity, although causing difficulty, ultimately is of no avail as the plans and purposes of God continue to move forward. David has been chosen to be king so he knows he is safe. God always protects His children so they can complete their work for Him.

Throughout the course of events what is manifested is the godly character of David, the man after God's own heart and chosen by Him to be Israel's next king. His character is all the more pronounced by the difficult circumstances, hence the people of the nation he will lead develop a high regard for the 'shepherd boy' who will be their king.