Thoughts on the End of 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 30-31

            A number of points in these two chapters. First, a historical note: I thought that Saul had exterminated the Amalekites? Where did these Amalekites come from then? Here I think we have to think of the Amalekites as a tribal people, scattered and wandering. Tribal peoples don’t always live altogether. So, we have to assume that Saul destroyed the largest of the tribes and that this is a smaller tribe that has now joined itself with other tribes.

            Second, a royal note: I love how David insists that all of his men will have a share in the plunder. Jesus tells a parable of a man who hires workers in the morning, noon, and even late afternoon, and pays them all the same way. Some think they deserve more, but the master reminds them he paid them what he promised. It’s a kingly, even divine thing; it’s certainly a matter of grace, to share the blessings. There’s something significant there that this is what God does for us: blesses us all the same.

            Third, a personal note: I admit, I read yesterday’s readings today, and 1 Samuel 30:4-6 really struck me. They wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. I was like that many years ago when my father died. I have ministered to people who have suffered like that. I have felt that way myself—just plain hopeless. Then there’s the statement, “But David found strength in the Lord his God.” That sounds like a magic pill, and I wish it was as simple as that. It’s not. When I’ve gone through those times, it has been a struggle to pray, it has been a struggle to submit to the Word. But one has to keep on “inquiring of the Lord,” seeking His Word, casting one’s struggles on Him. For David, the resolution was pretty quick; for us, the resolution may not be. But finding strength in the Lord and in His Word remains the same.

            Finally: at the end of his life, Saul is still trying to control everything, even the manner of his death. First, he asks his armorbearer to kill him; then, he commits suicide. Saul’s tragedy is complete. The only glimmer of good news is that the men of Jabesh Gilead remember that Saul’s first act as king was to save them in their trouble, and they rescue his body from the desecrations of the Philistines. It’s a reminder that ultimately many things are out of our control, and it draws us back to my previous paragraph, that casting ourselves on God’s mercy is our only course.