Preserved or Pickled?

"the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went " (2 Sam 8.6, 14)

Sour as Vinegar

Sweet as Sugar

The boy shepherd chosen (I Sam 16) to replace Israel's first King.  A King who lost the Kingdom because of his stubborn, willful ways.  Began Humble, ended defeated because of his attitude.

David's background:

    Early Life as a Shepherd:

David's initial role is that of a shepherd, tending his father's flock in Bethlehem. This involved not only physical labor but also facing dangers like lions and bears, which he recounts to King Saul.
    Lessons Learned:
David's time as a shepherd is portrayed as formative. He learns bravery, integrity, and reliance on God's protection, which he later applies in his battles and leadership.
    From Shepherd to King:
God uses David's experience as a shepherd to prepare him for his future role as king of Israel. This transition is highlighted in 2 Sam 7:8, where God speaks of taking David from the sheep pen to be prince over Israel.

The truth of all one reads of King David, regardless of some bad decisions from which he repented, is sweetness and humility with the strength and integrity expected of a King. In 2 Samuel 9, after many battles, it seems the King is weary.  He has buried his friends and taken care of his family.  He begins to reminisce in 2 Sam 9 of how things use to be.  His heart longs for the happy, quiet, peaceful days just beyond his boyhood.  The King loved him.  The King's son was his best friend.  Where did it all go?

Instead of getting bitter about all the loss, he discovers the whereabouts of Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth.  He invites him to the Kings house and feeds him.  These actions bring the King much joy.

Simply put (2 Sam 9.7) indicates a broken, kind heart.  King David did not allow himself to become jaded, bitter or "pickled."  He turned his time and attention to those things that brought the most joy, helping others.  So should you, dear reader.

God bless and keep you is my prayer,

Site Moderator, Ps 57.7

Wilderness of Ziph

 

I Samuel 26.2

Then Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph,...

Geography is as important in scripture as the characters in the accounts written.

Why was Saul in the "wilderness of Ziph, which means 'flowing, overflowing, overwhelming, becoming liquid, refining, purifying, cleansing (Hebrew 2203, 2128)?" 

Ziph is also a southern town in the city of Judah.

As a side note to this location - all conflicts seem to take place in barren, deserted places.  There may be much vegetation in surrounding areas but the conflict must have uncluttered, clear view of the enemy.

The "Ziphites" or peoples in this wilderness were loyal to Saul.  For a vengeful character it would've seemed advantageous to ally with those who appeared allegiant to the jealous King.

It is a given that King Saul knew of this allegiance. This is why he was in the "wilderness of Ziph."

Before the "why," let us discover the "where."

David remained in the hill country of this wilderness whilst escaping the vengeance of King Saul.  He would've been protected by many caves and hills which would've obscured the view of the vengeful King.  

The wilderness of Ziph was approximately 21 miles south of Jerusalem.  Jersualem, as bible students would note, would eventually be called "the city of David." David's birthplace was roughly 5 miles south of Jerusalem.  

David's conflicts with the King are all around the city from where he will eventually reign.  Sovereignty at work.  

God will sends these conflicts to give us  "the expected end." (Jer 29.11)

Now a little "why."

God also sends these difficulty's to conform us to His will - not our own. (Rom 12.2, I Thes 5.18, Eph 5.17, Jms 4.15)

In the life of every believer, challenge and conflict must come, yea will come.

Yet, even before there was a Romans 12:19-20, "Vengence is mine, saith the Lord," David understood, especially with his words regarding Goliath, that the "battle was the Lord's."  However, the "soft answer" (Pro 15.1) did not resolve the conflict with the current King.

So, why did they King and his esteemed young man end up in this particualar wilderness?

It appears the wilderness struggle was for David's good on his way to the throne.  The end of King Saul was destined to be failure.  He could not let go of the jealousy that drove him to seek the life of this gentle shepherd.

Again, the meaning of "the wilderness of Ziph." 

wilderness of Ziph, which means 'flowing, overflowing, overwhelming, becoming liquid, refining, purifying, cleansing 

This was clearly more of a testing and proving ground for Israel's greatest King.  David was indeed "going with the flow," though overwhelmed at times by the circumstances.  He was also in a time of refining, purifying and cleansing.  All of which would aid him in his future judgments as King.

Much analysis of the geographical location noted here.  Rugged, dry, barren.  Does your life seem this way sometimes?

However, as a believer do you understand the Lord's plan in your life?  Maybe not but you can rest assured He has one.  There is a purpose and plan in the life of every believer, no matter the conflicts, struggles, jealousy and vengeance of the enemy.  

The reward?  Peace (Jn 14.27) in knowing there is joy in the journey as well as the end of the journey.

David saw many victory's on his way to the throne.  Our "throne," of course is heaven and we know this hope (I Pet 1.3-4) and depend upon Him for it.

Believer, do not despair or quit in this "wilderness."  You will make it, "all the way home."

In His blessed Name,

Site Moderator

Jealousy - what will you do with it?

Which way?

Bro. Rudy - ...convenient (contentment)

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: (Pro 30.8)

 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (I Tim 6.6-10)

 For the love of money is the root of all evil:

No job, no income, faith, contentment?, roof, clothes, food, bed, strength, church, loved ones, family, beautiful, strong, godly daughter, sweet son in law, wonderfully sweet, granddaughter, saved, headed home to be with the Lord one day, goodly heritage, Christian friends, special friend, burdens, candlesticks who preached truth to this weary heart, praying women now and  gone, "backlight" who prays daily for me, 

Further scripture to encourage in this spiritual journey:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jer 29:11-13)

Which way?   His way...

Trust and obey for there is no other way

 to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.

...happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. (Ps 144.15)

the joy of the Lord is your strength.(Neh 8.10)

 

Changes:

Good morning faithful bloggers.  It's been a while and I needed to catch you up. Moving on from January, there are things one thinks will last forever or at least until retirement.  I'm proof, it doesn't!

Seven years given to a job that was financially blessed, then it's done.  Again, since such thing are private, no details will be given. Except the verse which ushered the end of this phase of my life.  Joshua 7 details the account of one of their own taking "the accursed thing" from the spoils of war.  

While this had a different meaning for the man that took of "the accursed thing," to me it was the signal that I was to leave a job of the last seven years.  I was cut off from this place and must give resignation.

I gave two weeks notice and was asked to leave at the beginning of the second week.  I refuted the charges laid at my door but also understood the Lord was giving me leave, with four days vacation!  Only God!

The question becomes, "now what?"  I must continue to work but at present am following a nudge sensed this morning in my heart.  I would covet any prayers given on my behalf.  

Retirement is still several years away but I serve One who can do the impossible.  He's done it before in the life of this believer and I believe "He'll do it again."

The next phase of this command was to honor Joshua 3 where the priests put "the soles of their feet" in the Jordan river to cross over on "dry ground."  The people faithfully followed the Ark of the Covenant (a type of the Lord Jesus) to the other side which is what I will do also!  He's never failed me and mercifully guided my every step, even when I stumble.  
The song on my heart regarding the next monumental step is this:

There was never a time

 Are you weary from the battle you're fighting?

Does it seem like the storm just won't break?
Is there a mountain in front of you
That doubt says will never move?
And you wonder, "Will God make a way?"

Well, tell me a time  He's not been faithful
Tell me a morning His mercies weren't new
Tell me a moment He wasn't able to carry you through
Tell me a day He was less than Almighty
When He could not roll back the tide
Child, when you look back You'rе gonna find

There was nevеr a time

So, be strong in the Lord and remember
To take hold of faith and stand firm
Oh, you can be confident The Lord keeps His promises
If you doubt it, just read through His Word

And tell me a time He's not been faithful
Tell me a morning His mercies weren't new
Tell me a moment He wasn't able to carry you through
Tell me a day He was less than Almighty
When He could not roll back the tide
Child, when you look back
You're gonna find

There was never a time

Stay faithful and follow His will..."Whatever He tells you to do...do it." (Jn 2.5)