1. God is king “Saul pursues David” 1 Samuel 19 - 23

2. God rules He is king He is in charge He is in charge

3. Dramatis Personae: Saul – the first king of Israel David – anointed to succeed Saul as king Jonathan – his son, a friend of David Michal – David’s wife, daughter of Saul Ahimelech – a priest at the temple Doeg – Saul’s chief shepherd, an informer Abiathar – a priest, one of Ahimelech’s sons

4. God rules 1 Sam 19 Psalm 59 Of David. When Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Ps 59:1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me Ps 59:11 But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about, and bring them down. NIV God shows what Saul’s heart is really like God will have a faithful king God frustrates Saul’s plans

5. God rules 1 Sam 20 David and Jonathan want God’s plans to succeed They know God is faithful they promise to be faithful to each other they promise to be faithful to each other God is with them and uses them to advance his kingdom

6. God rules 1 Sam 21 David relies on his own cunning He thinks that going to Gath is a good idea David has been foolish, yet God protects him Psalm 34 Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech (Achish), who drove him away, and he left Ps 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry

7. God rules 1 Sam 22 David and 600 desperadoes hide in a cave David asks God for guidance Saul and Doeg’s sin unites God’s chosen king and God’s priest … which advances God’s pattern for his kingdom

8. God rules 1 Sam 23 Keilah needs rescue David asks God for guidance God is with David, and Keilah is rescued God warns David that he is not safe God uses the Philistines to rescue David Ex 28:30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.

9. God rules 1 Sam 19-23 God is in control No-one can thwart God’s plans No-one can thwart God’s plans His plans will succeed His plans will succeed God frustrates the plans of the wicked God uses foolish or weak people – showing that it is his power at work, not ours 2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us