Topical Encyclopedia The persecution of David is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating the trials and tribulations faced by the future king of Israel. This period of David's life is marked by his flight from King Saul, who, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne, sought to kill David. The accounts of David's persecution are primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.Background David, the youngest son of Jesse, was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). His rise to prominence began with his victory over Goliath, the Philistine giant, which earned him the admiration of the people and the favor of King Saul (1 Samuel 17). However, as David's popularity grew, Saul's jealousy turned into a murderous intent. Saul's Jealousy and Attempts on David's Life Saul's jealousy was fueled by the songs of the women of Israel, who sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). This comparison incited Saul's anger, and he began to view David as a threat to his reign. Saul's initial attempts to kill David were indirect, such as sending him into dangerous battles against the Philistines, hoping he would be killed (1 Samuel 18:17, 25). Saul's hostility escalated to direct attempts on David's life. On multiple occasions, Saul tried to pin David to the wall with a spear (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10). David's close friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son, provided him with warnings and protection during these times (1 Samuel 19:1-7; 20:1-42). David's Flight and Life as a Fugitive David eventually fled from Saul's court, beginning a life as a fugitive. He sought refuge in various locations, including Nob, where he received assistance from Ahimelech the priest (1 Samuel 21:1-9). This act of kindness led to the massacre of the priests of Nob by Saul, further illustrating Saul's descent into paranoia and violence (1 Samuel 22:18-19). David's time in the wilderness was marked by strategic movements and encounters with Saul. Despite having opportunities to kill Saul, David consistently refrained, respecting Saul as the Lord's anointed and leaving vengeance to God (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9-11). These episodes highlight David's faith and integrity, as he chose to trust in God's timing and justice. Support and Challenges During his time as a fugitive, David gathered a group of loyal followers, including those discontented with Saul's rule (1 Samuel 22:2). He also received support from various allies, such as Jonathan, who reaffirmed his covenant with David (1 Samuel 23:16-18), and Abigail, who later became his wife (1 Samuel 25:32-35). David faced numerous challenges, including betrayal by the Ziphites (1 Samuel 23:19) and the Amalekite raid on Ziklag, where his family and the families of his men were taken captive (1 Samuel 30:1-5). Despite these hardships, David sought the Lord's guidance and strength, which ultimately led to his success and the recovery of all that was lost (1 Samuel 30:8, 18-19). Resolution The persecution of David came to an end with the death of Saul and his sons in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:1-6). David's lament for Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17-27) reflects his respect and love for them, despite the persecution he endured. David's rise to the throne of Israel marked the fulfillment of God's promise and the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's history. The persecution of David serves as a profound example of faith, patience, and reliance on God's providence amidst adversity. His experiences foreshadow the trials faced by believers and the ultimate triumph of God's anointed. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 31:13For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 59:1,2 Library Vespasian Commands the Descendants of David to be Sought. Psalm 44. 1 2 3 8 15-26. The Church's Complaint in Persecution. Psalm 119:17. Seventeenth Part. Courage and Perseverance under ... Psalm 94:2. 16-23. Second Part. God Our Support and Comfort; Or ... Psalm 53. 4-6. victory and Deliverance from Persecution. The Psalms of David Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution. Psalm 53 victory and Deliverance from Persecution. Psalm 44 the Church's Complaint in Persecution. Psalm 119 Part 17 Courage and Perseverance under Persecution. Resources How should a Christian respond to persecution? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians react to persecution against the LGBTQ community? | GotQuestions.org What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.org Persecution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Persecution is Inconsistent With the Spirit of the Gospel Persecution is Sometimes to Death Persecution of John the Baptist Persecution of Prophets Martyred by Jezebel Persecution of Saints, is a Persecution of Christ Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna Persecution of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) Persecution of the Righteous: A Mode of Divine Chastisement Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From Persecution of the Righteous: Diffuses the Gospel Persecution of the Three Hebrew Young Men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) of the Captivity Persecution: All That Live Godly in Christ, Shall Suffer Persecution: Blessedness of Enduring, for Christ's Sake Persecution: Cannot Separated from Christ Persecution: Christ Voluntarily Submitted To Persecution: Christ Was Patient Under Persecution: False Teachers Shrink From Persecution: God Delivers out of Persecution: God Forsakes not his Saints Under Persecution: Hypocrites Cannot Endure Persecution: Lawful Means May be Used to Escape Persecution: Men by Nature Addicted To Persecution: Originates: Hated to God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Hatred to the Gospel Persecution: Originates: Ignorance of God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Mistaken Zeal Persecution: Originates: Pride Persecution: Pray for Those Suffering Persecution: Preacher of the Gospel Subject To Persecution: Saints May Expect Persecution: Saints Suffer, for the Sake of God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Commit Themselves to God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Exhibit Patience Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Glorify God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Deliverance Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Those Who Inflict Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Rejoice Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Return Blessing For Persecution: Spirit of Chaldeans Persecution: Spirit of Gentiles Persecution: Spirit of Jezebel Persecution: Spirit of Pharaoh Persecution: Spirit of Pharisees Persecution: Spirit of Zedekiah Persecution: Suffering of Apostles Persecution: Suffering of Daniel Persecution: Suffering of David Persecution: Suffering of Hebrews Persecution: Suffering of Jeremiah Persecution: Suffering of Micaiah Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Barnabas Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Silas Persecution: Suffering of Peter Persecution: Suffering of Saints of Old Persecution: Suffering of The Church Persecution: Suffering of The Prophets Persecution: The Hope of Future Blessedness Supports Under Persecution: The Wicked: Active In Persecution: The Wicked: Addicted To Persecution: The Wicked: Encourage Each Other In Persecution: The Wicked: Illustrated Persecution: The Wicked: Punishment For Persecution: The Wicked: Rejoice in Its Success Related Terms |
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