Slings and Arrows

1 Samuel 20:1-42

February 25, 2024 • Andrew Murch • 1 Samuel 20

1 Samuel 20:1-42 | Andrew Murch | It could be said that life is all about relationships. We are shaped by our primary and formational relationships whether for good or harm. We carry significant memories, insecurities, and motivations from key relationships in our lives. We often make decisions in light of certain relationships and grieve for one reason or another when relationships come to an end. Humans who have tried to live in isolation have found greater anxiety, depression, and aimlessness. Relationships are so important and how sweet it is that the Scriptures are not devoid to depict these relationships. This is perhaps most evident in the events and descriptions of David’s life. We have seen his role as a youngest sibling in relation to his brothers. We have seen David as a servant to the king. And we have seen David as a best friend to Saul’s son Jonathan. It is this very relationship that will come to a premature end though not as a result of their own hands.

More from Harp & Spear: A Tale of Two Kings

Saul’s Final Decision

April 28, 2024 • Jake Gamble • 1 Samuel 31

1 Samuel 31:1-13 | Jake Gamble | It’s not how you start the race, but how you finish it that matters. Tragically, Saul did not finish the race well. This week’s passage recounts the death of Saul. His story seemed to start so strong: he was the people’s choice for king, taller and more handsome than any in Israel. Yet he continually rebelled against God, turning from his ways and spiraling downward in pride, fear, and paranoia. Now, in this passage, the once mighty king meets his ignominious end.

The King in Enemy Territory

April 21, 2024 • Andrew Murch • 1 Samuel 30, 1 Samuel 29

1 Samuel 29:1-30:31 | Andrew Murch | In this week’s text, David arguably hits his darkest moment. While his years of exile are coming to a close, he does not know that yet. Here, even his enemies cast him out; his village is burned, his family taken captive, and possessions taken; even his own people are ready to stone him. He is tempted to despair. But here, at his lowest, David does what God's people always ought to do; he turns to God.

Enough Said

April 14, 2024 • Andrew Murch • 1 Samuel 27, 1 Samuel 28

1 Samuel 27:1-28:25 | Andrew Murch | In 1 Samuel 27 and 28, we see David, once again and in a twist of irony, fleeing Saul and going to the land of the Philistines. Meanwhile, King Saul turns to the occult. He feels like God has let him down and is not answering him the way he wants. So he seeks dark and forbidden spiritual powers to rescue him. He consults the medium of Endor to raise the ghost of Samuel in an attempt to save his own skin.