Reading for March 19th

 Read 1 Samuel 19.1-24. In 19.1-24: More attempts on David's life. In verse 5: Killing innocent person was a serious crime that could taint an entire nation and bring the wrath of God. In verses 11-17: This was originally the continuation of the story of David's marriage in 18.20-29 and took place on the couple's wedding night. In verse 12:The house was evidently built into the city wall, so that David went through the window and escaped the city. In verse 13: An idol: The Hebrew word "teraphim," refers to household gods like those that Rachel took from her father (Gen 31.33-35).The one used by Michal must have been close to life-size. In verse 17: Michal lies to protect herself. A threat from David could not explain her ruse with the bed after his departure. In verse 18: Ramah, Samuel's hometown, was about two miles north of Gibeah, while David's home, Bethlehem and Judah, lay to the south. David would hardly have fled north. The story is included here for literary and theological reasons. Naioth may be not a proper name but a word meaning "camps" or "huts" where the prophets lived near their leader Samuel. In verses 23-24: The saying is Saul also among the prophets? has a different explanation here from the one offered in 10.10-12. The perspective on Saul is this later case is negative. The depiction of his lying naked is degrading. The fact that the Lord's spirit comes upon him to prevents him from arresting David clearly shows that God is on David's side against Saul. Comments or Questions..