Influence of God's GlorySample

Transitions in Leadership

The passage of Scripture in 1 Samuel offers a detailed record of David’s life as he tried to evade the threats from Saul and his men. Chapters 21–29 describe the hardships and the blessings that David and his men experienced. Samuel passed away and left Saul without a spiritual prophet. Saul began to experience an even greater decline in his abilities and character. David decided to protect himself and his men by moving into the territory of Gath, a Philistine land. David agreed to serve one of the Philistine commanders, Achish, in exchange for the protection of his people.

Saul prayed but was unable to determine God’s will so the desperate king sought advice from a medium in Endor. Saul asks for and receives a vision of Samuel, and Samuel informs Saul that he, his sons, and his soldiers will meet a tragic end as a result. David was just a boy when Samuel anointed him a king, but now, many years later, David would transition his life and step into his calling.

1. Chapter 4 describes the deaths of the key leaders that stood against David. Skim that chapter then read 1 Chronicles 28: 2–3. What was another important consequence of David’s transition to king of Israel? Do you believe David lived fully in God’s will or that God’s will was fully accomplished through David? (Hint: See Psalm 25) How does that distinction make a difference?