Preserved or Pickled?

 "the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went " (2 Sam 8.6, 14)

Sour as Vinegar

Sweet as Sugar

The boy shepherd chosen (I Sam 16) to replace Israel's first King.  A King who lost the Kingdom because of his stubborn, willful ways.  Began Humble, ended defeated because of his attitude.

David's background:

    Early Life as a Shepherd:

David's initial role is that of a shepherd, tending his father's flock in Bethlehem. This involved not only physical labor but also facing dangers like lions and bears, which he recounts to King Saul.
    Lessons Learned:
David's time as a shepherd is portrayed as formative. He learns bravery, integrity, and reliance on God's protection, which he later applies in his battles and leadership.
    From Shepherd to King:
God uses David's experience as a shepherd to prepare him for his future role as king of Israel. This transition is highlighted in 2 Sam 7:8, where God speaks of taking David from the sheep pen to be prince over Israel.

The truth of all one reads of King David, regardless of some bad decisions from which he repented, is sweetness and humility with the strength and integrity expected of a King. In 2 Samuel 9, after many battles, it seems the King is weary.  He has buried his friends and taken care of his family.  He begins to reminisce in 2 Sam 9 of how things use to be.  His heart longs for the happy, quiet, peaceful days just beyond his boyhood.  The King loved him.  The King's son was his best friend.  Where did it all go?

Instead of getting bitter about all the loss, he discovers the whereabouts of Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth.  He invites him to the Kings house and feeds him.  These actions bring the King much joy.

Simply put (2 Sam 9.7) indicates a broken, kind heart.  King David did not allow himself to become jaded, bitter or "pickled."  He turned his time and attention to those things that brought the most joy, helping others.  So should you, dear reader.

God bless and keep you is my prayer,

Site Moderator, Ps 57.7

Separation or Departure?

 Current devotions are in I Samuel 20.  David is in fear of his life from King Saul.  King Saul is so jealous he wants to kill the man who has "stole his thunder."  "Jealousy is as cruel as the grave." (SOS 8.8) 

So, David comes to a stone named "Ezel."  If one believes that in God's economy nothing is done without "purpose or plan," (Jer 29.11, Rom 8.28) then the meaning of this stone is significant in the life of every believer.

"Ezel" means separation or departure and also, the stone that sheweth the way. 

Are you at a "crossroads or turning point in your life?"  If you are not now, you soon will be.  It is the way in the life of every believer - like the ocean - every changing and moving. 

click on photo for explanation

The Stone of Ezel

“Jonathan said to David... "And when thou has stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself...and shalt remain by the 'stone Ezel.'" (I Sam 20.19)

Ezel means either separation or departure. Hence the stone of separation or the stone of departure. Ezel also signifies “The stone that sheweth the way.”

What this tells us is that David is now at a place where the decision is no longer his. He is waiting for his fate to be decided by another, or better yet, decided by God.

The story within this story is the stone! It’s the stone of destiny, because from this stone David was shown the way he was to go.

And that stone is Jesus Christ (Isa 28:16, 1 Pet 2:4, 1 Cor 10:4, Matt 7:24). Jesus as that stone shows us the way. He is our stone of destiny.

Like David, we really don’t know whether we’re coming or going half the time, and so we need to wait upon the Lord, and as we wait, He renews our strength (Isa 40:31). And while the circumstances we find ourselves in are out of our control, we place ourselves, we hide ourselves, in Jesus, and He will guide us in the good and right way.

So, let’s take our stand at the Empty Tomb and the Stone Rolled Away.

Ps 57.7, Amen