The reading for Monday, March 20, 2023 , is 1 Samuel 23 - 25

1 Samuel 23 - 25 

In the beginning of chapter 23, it seems that one can inquire of the Lord and have a very clear answer. That has not generally been my experience. 

Now, Saul is pursuing David to kill him. Earlier David had played the lyre to soothe Saul and ranked highly in Saul's courts. David is hiding, but Jonathan, Saul's son, knows where David is and comes to David. This surely must have put some strain on the relationship between Saul and Jonathan. Also, Jonathan tells David that David shall be king over Israel and Jonathan shall be next to David. This is interesting because, by lineage, Jonathan should have followed Saul on the the throne. 

I find it a bit difficult to understand that David is stricken by his conscience when he cuts of the corner of Saul's robe. Yet, it explains that David acknowledged Saul as the Lord's anointed, but even David's men tell him that this is David's chance to get Saul. 

Then the story of Nabal. This, too, seems very much a cultural story. Nabal does not offer the expected hospitality and David is angered to the point of battle. However, Abigail, a woman is the hero in this story. I always like that!

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