1 Samuel 18 – David: the Successful Messiah
We’re told of three incidents after the giant-killing: Jonathan and David’s developing friendship (verses 1-5); David’s praise by the people and Saul’s jealousy (verses 6-16); David marrying Saul’s daughter (verses 17-30). Each incident closes by noting David’s success – verse 5, verses 14-15, and verse 30. It’s like everything David touches turns to gold. Goliath clearly was no fluke, David being successful in all his undertakings, surpassing everyone else. And he’s loved for it. We’re told 6 times: Saul’s son loved him (verses 1 and 3); Saul’s daughter Michal loved him (verse 20 and 28); Saul’s servants loved him (verse 22); and Saul’s subjects loved him (verse 16). He is winning the hearts of Saul’s son, daughter, servants, and subjects.
He’s winning battles and winning hearts because the LORD was with him (verse 14). Samuel anointed him with oil, and God anointed him with the Holy Spirit. It is the empowering and equipping of the Holy Spirit that brings success for God’s king.
All this talk of success and prospering echoes Deuteronomy 29:9: “Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.” Keepers of the Law will be prospered by God. The Law is not just the Ten Commandments, but the sacrificial ritual too. Those who kept the Covenant were those who offered faith-filled repentance and loving obedience. Here is an insight into David’s heart – he loves God and his Law. Therefore God blesses him. After the giant-killing David is a success and a sensation. He receives plaudits, praises and popularity. God is with him and success follows him.
Do you too want to be successful in all you do? Here is the secret – keep God’s Law. That doesn’t simply mean keeping commandments. God’s Law required the people to walk in faith that their sins were covered by sacrifice. We must walk by faith in Christ and in obedience to Christ.
Questions
- Why was “keeping the covenant” not simply a matter of obeying commandments?
Prayer Points
- Ask for God to be with you, as he was with David, granting you success.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.