By Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read 1 Samuel 18:1-33

“God said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22.

By Rev. Ron Purkey

David’s greatest test of faith was not when he faced Goliath; it was when he had to serve daily in Saul’s court. David’s faith was tested in different ways:

First, David was tested by popularity 1 Samuel. 18:1-11. David was beloved by Jonathan, Saul’s son, and this in itself was an opportunity for testing. David would be the next king, but, by rights, Jonathan should inherit the crown. The friendship between these two men of God is a great example for us.

Certainly there was no jealousy on Jonathan’s part because of the honor bestowed upon David.

However, with Saul it was another matter, for David was popular with the people. The fact that the women praised David and not David’s God is significant. David was wise enough not to put too much stock in their words.

But Saul’s heart filled with envy when he heard that David had more praise than he did. “As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise” Proverbs 27:21.

Praise is like a hot furnace: it reveals what a person is really made of. The praise that made David humble only brought the dross to the top in Saul’s heart and revealed his pride and desire for glory.

Second, David was tested by demotion 1 Samuel 18:18:12-16. Verse 5 suggests that David was the head of Saul’s personal body-guard, but now he is demoted to being merely the captain over one thousand men. Did this change David? No.

His faith was in the Lord, and he continued to serve and honor his king. This made King Saul all the more afraid. The king knew that God had departed from him and had given blessings to David.

It takes real faith to experience a demotion before the eyes of the people and still maintain your humility and service.

Third, David was tested by disappointment 1 Samuel 18:17-30. Saul had promised one of his daughters to the man who defeated Goliath 1 Samuel 17:25, and now he was going to fulfill his promise. Notice David’s humility before the king in verse 18. But, did Saul keep his word? No.

The woman was given to another man. Then Saul tried to use his daughter Michal as a tool to slay David; for the king demanded an impossible dowry, hoping that David would be killed in trying to obtain it. But the Lord was with David, and he completed the mission successfully.

It is unfortunate that he did marry Michal, for the union was never a happy one. While in exile, David lost Michal to another man 1 Samuel 25:44, but he gained her back when he started to reign at Hebron 2 Samuel 3:13-16. Her attitude toward David led to a complete separation later 2 Samuel 6:20-23.

Read Ron Purkey’s free Bible study outlines atrcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.