As we continue with our study of David and Saul we continue to see more and more of the flesh in action in Saul’s life. We want to remember that Saul is a picture to us of man in the flesh. At every test, Saul has failed just as the flesh fails at every test. But we now begin to see David (a wonderful type of Christ as well as a type of the new man that constitutes a believer’s life) come on the scene. The more we see of David and his ways, the more we think of our blessed Lord Jesus.
We also want to see that David is a very good example of the way in which the new man reacts to the situations that he faces. Every real believer is a new creation in Christ because he has the Spirit dwelling within him and he possesses the very life of Christ. This eternal life reacts in a very different way than the flesh.
We notice now that in Saul’s mad rush to destroy David he has so lost his courage and discernment that he is unable to act without the help of others.
1. When Saul heard that David had come to Engedi with his followers, he felt sure that God had delivered him into his hand in order to kill him. What did the Jews desire to do to the Lord Jesus? Matt. 26:___
2. Saul did not have courage to face David alone. He had to call “all” the people to go with him. What did the officers and chief priests send with Judas to Gethsemane in order that he might bring back the Lord Jesus as a prisoner? John 18:___
3. David had the ephod (the means by which the mind of God might be known) with him so that he could know what he should do. He was warned of the plans of Saul and thus escaped. What promise did the Lord Jesus make to those who followed Him in truth? John 7:___
4. When Saul was in a cave he was so far away from God in his heart that he did not realize that David was near him. How did the Lord Jesus characterize the religious leaders who had rejected Him? Matt. 15:___
5. David refused to kill Saul though he had it within his power to do so. What are Christians taught about vengeance upon those who persecute and misuse us? Rom. 12:___