2 Samuel 1 (Part 2) Bible Study | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Second Samuel, please meet me in your Bibles in that precious

book that we began last week. Second Samuel.

2 Samuel 1 · chapter mention

Chapter 1. And beginning, here in verse 17.

Pray with me. Lord, we thank you again for

this time and we thank you for your word.

We know that this word is your voice.

It is god-breathed and we pray that you would breed this word

into our hearts, it would bring life to us.

It would blow away all the things that should not remain in

the heart of your temple. We ask Lord that you would

sanctify us edify us build our faith.

Lord in this, in this time, where things are so unknown,

Lord, we We stand on the Promises of God.

We come to your word for wisdom for Christ to be seen and for us

to be conformed Into His Image. In Jesus name, we pray, amen.

Last week we learned about the astounding response.

Of David and his men when they received the news of Saul's

death and to our surprise, what we saw was a man and his his

fellow Warriors Express, genuine sorrow, genuine grief when that

amalekite came and announced the death of Israel's King.

And what we saw with David was morning, we saw that there was

even fasting until the evening. We saw that there is this

Contrition the sense of Brokenness over the humiliation,

even if they're sworn enemy, And if you and I were perplexed by

the honour that David showed in that moment with his men

prepared to be challenged further as we discover what he

will do in the rest of this chapter.

David's honor of Saul will exceed that of emotional

distress as heartfelt as that is.

He will, he will come to a point now where he will make his, his

pain and his love for saw and for Jonathan, and for Israel

public. He's going to make it known.

He's actually going to etch it in a way that it would.

It would remain as a memorial for generations and that is

significant concerning the history that Saul and David had.

So, as you come to this portion of the book, you will see that

David writes, a, an elegy, a type of poem that is a

reflection of deep deep meditation concerning, someone's

death, and it's a lament. It's a formal way of expressing

a genuine thing going on in the heart, concerning someone, or

some people. And that's what the rest of this

chapter is really dedicated to this song.

And it's a unique one in the Old Testament.

So unique that it is it is it is written in a book.

As you see here in verse 18 called The Book of Jewish are

That's a book that's not found in our Bibles but it's reference

more than once in our Bibles. And it's really this this type

of book that holds accounts of significant moments in Israel's

history and one of those moments of Israel's history that is to

be remembered and to be meditated upon is Saul's death.

Saul and his son Jonathan's downfall.

So this is important. It's so important to God that he

didn't just leave it in the Book of Joshua, that's not in the

Canon of scripture. He takes that out of all the

things that are written that book and he includes it in holy

writ. There's something that the Lord

wants us to learn from this personal lament by David for the

people of Israel for you. And I today and this time of

History, That's what God wants us to know.

And so we look at this and we think to ourselves before we

even enter into the text, That there is something about David's

character here already. I mean, let's just read the

first two verses verse 17 and David lamented with this

limitation over Saul and Jonathan his son and he said it

should be taught to the people of Judah.

Behold it is written in the book of just char.

Why did they do this? Any idea?

Why David is doing this? and he Clues any Potential

motives to why David would actually take the time to write

not about not. Okay?

If it was just Jonathan, I would understand.

But what's all really you actually going to write a

tribute to Saul? Yes.

There's something to learn about Saul and his downfall that would

be beneficial to the people of God.

I agree with that. Yes.

Okay, very good. So there's something to learn

from David's interaction, which saw throughout his time with

Saul, that he thinks the people of God can actually learn and

grow from, I think there's something there.

Anything else any reasons? There's a genuine love that he

has for Saul. I think that's a legitimate

motive. It might be a surprise, anyone,

but it is a legitimate one and the other reason and the other

ideas. Yes.

Yes. The position.

Yes, so there's there's a prophetic element to this very

likely, very good answers. Any other one before we move on

into this taxed, Anything else? Yeah, yes.

Very good point. I mean, David was an interesting

figure. You'll notice David, whenever it

came to to death people's death. He really, he was really broken

over those deaths and you're going to see in second Samuel,

one portion. I believe the reason why David

was so sensitive to the death of others is because he had an

understanding of Eternity. I believe that we see it in the

Psalms he was a prophet, he had he had a I believe he was a New

Covenant type of believer, living in the old Covenant, he

had a revelation of that and so there is something there that we

should be broken over the death of the wicked.

We should be broken over that. Yes, very good, very great

perspective action. Anything else?

Well, look. Some might say that this is a

strategic thing that this is David trying to make his heart

known to his own people. So that there would be no

confusion about the fact that he has anything against all on a

personal level saw might have had personal things against

David, but David wants to make sure that there is no harbored

bitterness. There's no anger.

There's no malice toward Saul, he actually he actually wants to

show. This is a man that I truly loved

and cared for But I believe it's not merely that I don't even

think. That's the main reason though.

That could be one reason I believe.

The simple fact is that he is sincerely broken.

He's sincerely remorseful about what happened to the king and

what happened to his friend and what happened to the glory of

Israel. And so he is about to express

that in a very beautiful way, but think about it in this way,

as well, what did Saul's death mean for David's future?

You become king. I mean the red carpet is laid

out. The one obstacle in your way is

now removed. You are right there at the

threshold of God's promise and your destiny.

The very thing that has been prolonged for so many years is

now. Here Saul is gone.

Your throne is now vacant. It's available.

You can have it now, when you think about it, that way, we see

the character of this, man, because instead of rejoicing in

that fact, he is, he is weeping. He's crushed, he smashed.

And the reason why is because this man instead of celebrating

at the opportunity that this tragedy created for him.

He steps back and laments, the loss of a man who was created in

the image of God. He steps back and he realizes

the contempt that will come to God's people because of the

failure of the leader over God's people.

See what you see here about. David is a man who has his

priorities right more than his ambition more than his comfort

more than his position. He had the good of man and the

glory of God before him. That is the mark of the greatest

men and women of God in this book and throughout church

history, whether they are known or unknown, you see it with

Moses when they break that law, that wasn't even delivered.

On those tablets yet, they were dancing around a golden calf.

God, expresses his anger to Moses and he tests Moses, at the

same time he goes, hey, I'm paraphrasing.

Why don't we just get rid of these guys once and for all and

I'll make it people out of you. That's, that's a pretty

remarkable offer. In essence, what God is saying

is I'm willing to remove Abraham as the father of this people and

make you the father of a new people.

How does that sound Moses? You know what?

Moses says, no way. Because the Nations will say you

only brought these people out to destroy them, the Nations will

think that you weren't able to bring them through that, you are

able to preserve them. I will not accept because I have

your glory in mind more than my own.

And here, you see, David showing at least by this moment of

reflecting upon Saul reflecting upon his friend and the glory of

Israel, the glory of God, that Thrones and palaces there in the

backseat, there are not priority in my life.

They don't mean to me as much as God's reputation means to me.

And so I'm going to be broken. And this is something that you

and I should reflect on our own lives and our own Outlook in

life. Where is man's salvation?

And my priority list, where is God's glory and my priority

list. Does it affect me?

If something offends me, or is removed from me?

More than what would offend God? And remove him from being

glorified and exalted? You'd be amazed to know, be

amazed to know, what would offend people.

And how it relates to their lack of concern for what offends God?

So we come into this text and what do we read in verse 17

David lamented with this limitation over Saul and

Jonathan his son and he said that it should be taught to the

people of Judah. I love that.

It should be taught. He wants the men of Judah.

Those are men from whose tribe. His tribe.

He's teaching the closest ones to him.

I'm going to show you what it looks like to honor even your

enemies. I'm going to show you what it's

like to respect. I'm going to show you what it's

like to be a true lover of people.

And so he's going to teach them and though this man was deeply

broken over the death of this, man.

Of this royal family, really it's so obvious that there was

some soul reflection during this morning.

It's so obvious that he was contemplating and he was putting

things together and he arrived at certain conclusions.

He arrived at certain conclusions with this tragic

event and he desired for his people to learn from his Lament.

And I think that's an incredible point when you really meditate

on it. Because if you are a child of

God then this is your assurance. That pain that sorrow that grief

that Affliction has something to teach you as well.

If you're willing to believe it, if you're willing to believe it,

then the loss great loss no matter what kind of loss it is,

can actually be great gain when you're walking hand-in-hand with

the Lord Jesus Christ. David learned some things during

this time as our brother said and he wants to teach it.

And I want to tell you today, that one of the great privileges

of walking with the Lord is that even in the most miserable

moments, there is something to be gained, there is something to

be received. There's something to learn and

it is incredible. What kind of Revelation that you

and I can arrive at when we endure tragedy?

You know, in my own life, I can tell you that certain truths in

the word of God, that may have been kind of irrelevant.

That the didn't seem to kind of speak to me suddenly became very

loud and applicable Because now my heart has been opened.

My ears are now our signal to certain promises and principles

that seem to have no significance when things were

going very well. A lot of us want to know.

Jesus personally be careful. Be careful of that request

because when we say we want to know Jesus we want to know him

in the way. Paul said he was wanting to know

him and the power of his resurrection.

But remember there was a second part, The Fellowship of what his

sufferings we want the good stuff, we want the testimonies,

we want the glory, And there's another dimension, which Jesus

will pull you into suffering so that you can do a fellowship

with him. You want to know what?

It's like to be like me. You want to know what?

It's like to know me. Then here's some suffering.

Here's some betrayal. Here's some accusation.

Here's some, here's some loss. And in those moments things in

the scriptures promises principles become very real.

You think about it to the sincerity of our trust in God,

is often tested is a not. When we try to withstand certain

things that try to overwhelm us and sweep us off our feet in

those moments. There's that question.

Become more real than any other time do.

I really believe God. Do I really believe God you'd be

amazed to know how kind of what kind of Revelation comes with

idolatry and suffering that when things are removed from us or

things are taken or whatever the case may be, oftentimes what is

revealed is an is an over-dependence or attachment to

that thing. And then we realized this wasn't

just something, I love this was something I worshiped.

This is something that I adored more than God.

And it's in Lost. Sometimes it's it's in tragedy

where those things are revealed. What about the comfort of God?

The comfort of God, a special touch from the Lord that only

deep pain can make you available to where he finds very

incredible. Ways of embracing you mysterious

means by which he makes his his attention towards you known.

And you know that God is holding you.

There is indeed much gain to have in pain.

This man learned some things and he wants to teach some things

based off his pain and for a wise, then we also will learn

The laments of others. We will learn from the tragedies

that others have experienced so that we too would be better

prepared when it comes our way or we too will learn how to

avoid when people experience self inflicting pain because of

sin or other things in life that is wisdom.

And because we want to be a wise people, we will look at a text

like this and position ourselves to learn what God has taught

David to teach us. So that we can, we can be better

prepared. And so let's learn and verse 19.

What are we read? Your glory, Your Glory, our

Israel is slain on your high places.

How the mighty have fallen. That is the chorus of the song.

That is the refrain. How the mighty have fallen.

Look at verse 25, how the mighty have fallen?

Look at verse 27, how the mighty have fallen?

That's the theme. That's what that's what the holy

spirit is trying to hammer in the hearts of God's people.

Now, what's incredible about this song is that David does not

go. The route of disclosing Saul's

sins. You will not find one place in

this text where he tries to expose any faults.

That came from Saul quite the opposite, he's covering it.

He is he is he is putting it behind a veil of Of commendation

and praise and honor. So when we read, how the mighty

have fallen David doesn't tell us necessarily how because

that's not his intent but you and I know how you and I know

how and this is extremely beneficial for us.

Because what we learn from this song immediately, is that it is

possible. Listen, that the mighty of the

mightiest can fall Can fall. They have fallen, they can fall,

and it is possible to avoid a fall.

Saw was mighty for different reasons.

Look at verse 23. It says here in the second part

they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than than

than Lyons speaking about a military prowess.

This is speaking about an agility in a strategy that is

that is unmatched. And he is trying to trying to

show that they were successful and what they were called to do

to a certain extent. But here's the point, no ability

or agility of body and mind can overcome The destructive

consequences that's in Longs to bring upon the children of God.

Sin does not respect your position.

I could care less sin does not care about your achievements.

Sin does not hesitate to do what it wants to do.

When it realizes your, your wonderful family life.

What kind of ministry you have? or even how theologically sound

you may be sin has one desire and that is to destroy and to

destroy to the uttermost and the mighty of the mightiest have

been victims to sin, though. It could have been avoided.

It could care less again of anything else.

Other than a heart that knows God and fears.

God, it is Relentless. It is Relentless to destroy your

reputation. It is Relentless to destroy your

relationships. It is Relentless to destroy even

your resources. It wants to burn it all down.

And the mighty have fallen. And if we are aware of the goal

of sin, we won't be so comfortable with it.

If we see that it is this deceiving and has destructive

force, then we will not be so comfortable with it.

And the Bible gives us so many clear examples of how the mighty

over the years have indeed fallen and solves case it was

Pride. Can I give you another one that

has littered history? Of Mighty Men, Mighty woman to

be slain. Here's one example, it's in the

Book of Proverbs. It's in Chapter 7 It's in verse

25. The Bible says in Proverbs 7:25

Proverbs 7:25

let not your heart. Turn aside to her ways, do not

stray into her paths. For many of victim, she has laid

low and all her. Slain are a mighty throng.

Understand what that means, right?

A throng simply means a multitude of assembled peoples.

And here's what the holy spirit is saying.

The context is adultery, the context is lust being satisfied.

And the scripture is clear, mistresses.

Have brought down geniuses. Have brought down record

Breakers. Have brought down strongman

Heroes and even theologians there.

Have been a wreckage over time both for men and women.

My teeth wrong, not even just Unknown People, But Mighty

people. Famous people, loved people have

been slain by this, and this is just one example.

And, you know where it all began.

Look at the verse. Clearly in verse 25, let not

your heart, turn aside to her, that's where it all starts.

That's where it all starts. No matter how a mighty a man is

externally, no matter what kind of Feats he has done, no matter

what kind of accolades he has no matter what he has done with

these hands, with this mind with, with his feet with his

strength, if he doesn't know how to conquer the Heart, by the

power of the Holy Spirit. He will be a victim soon enough.

Let not your heart those who are giving to the sin of lust.

Those are given to the sin of adultery those who are given to

the sin of pornography. They don't have a hormone issue,

they have a heart issue. One hundred percent of the time.

And if if a man doesn't have the Revelation that I must inwardly

subdue Myself by God's power, then there is no telling where I

will go outwardly. If a man does not realize that

Great Falls begin within before they happen outside.

Then they will indeed fall. And the mightier, they are the

greater the fall. It happened, the song, it all

started with a jealous thought and I went downhill from there.

Happened to David, it started with one glance, and he didn't

kill that thing. When it was a suggestion, it

became illicit sex. And it led to his fall as well.

How the mighty have fallen how sad it is to think about that.

There would be those whether we don't see it necessarily but How

we would say the same of him years later.

After this point, And so the mighty can fall, that's the

first lesson but we move on to verse 20.

Tell her not in gath publish it, not in the streets of Ashkelon

less, the daughters of the Philistines Rejoice less the

daughters of the uncircumcised exalt.

He goes on to say, Do not publicize.

What just took place? We have to censor this.

We can't let it be known in the cities.

The main cities of the Philistines Ashkelon in gath.

We cannot let it come to the streets so that they would

parade and they would celebrate what just happened to our

leadership, and, to our people. And this is David giving a wise

charge to the people of God. Not to give the news of the

mighty who have fallen to the enemies of our God.

For what reason. So that.

So that the daughters of the Philistines which is a

synonymous way of understanding the world would be able to

Rejoice over And have greater reason to.

Be strengthened in their unbelief and in the might of

their idols and their gods. We want to avoid that David

saying there's no reason to fuel it.

There's no reason to give him more ammunition to work with and

this is for our instructions, some Christians foolishly, bring

the issues and the Affairs within the church to the

unbelieving. Before dealing it with the

people of God before, dealing it among the saints.

And in 1st Corinthians 6, Paul gives clear instructions about

that and he actually calls such Behavior shameful shameful.

It's shameful for the people of God, to bring the problems

within the household of God to those who do not belong to God.

And he's very clear Whenever there are difficulties among

members and then lawyers are contacted, and then court dates

are set, no matter what a brother may have one over

another brother. No matter what kind of Victory,

he may claim to have in the natural know this.

It is always a win for Satan. Every time I mean, Paul is so

concerned about the testimony of the church that he says might as

well, even if you are in the right 100%, even though you can

counter-attack, even though you can gain something lose it, just

give it up. Just just let them have it for

the sake of Christ, name for the sake of his glory.

Because what we do when we when we actually make what has

happening in here, public and I'm not saying on the news, I'm

saying, even just in our own worlds, we testify to the world

that we are unable to resolve and reconcile.

According to the principles of God's word, it doesn't work.

God's word doesn't work to bring situations to rest.

We need the world's wisdom and the world's courts to deal with

ours issues. What kind of testimony puzzle?

What kind of testimony is that might, as well give it all Go

away for the sake of Christ name, unfortunately, many, many

Believers. Don't even think about it like

that. It's about me.

It's about me being, right? It's about me being satisfied,

but me, having gained, but so many things are solved.

Listen, so many things in life can be solved.

So many issues can be avoided when God's glory is our most

desire. So many fights can be avoided.

So much money can be saved. So many phone calls can be

avoided if we just give it to God's glory.

But I don't think that's the main point of what he's saying

here, when he says tell it not in gath because do we really

believe that David didn't know that the Philistines knew about

Saul's death? Is it really think that they're

not going to know about it and not just know about it but

celebrate him and make a whole hoopla about it?

No, he is fully aware of it. So then why is instructing his

Brethren not to say anything about it.

And I believe it's this, that the Israelites though this would

become public knowledge. Must be aware of how of how they

speak. About the fall of their leaders,

more than not mentioning it at all.

Yes, primarily we want to be very careful, not to share the

sins of the church when it doesn't warrant it.

But that is that is that is not always the case.

There are some sins that are so serious and they become so known

and so public that they cannot be ignored.

And when it comes to that from within and from outside,

Believers must know how to communicate and express such

issues and Redemptive ways. And Redemptive ways.

What do I mean by that? Unfortunately, there are some

professing Christians that are just as exhilarated by the news

of a recent Scandal than the unbelieving world.

They're just as quick to share that.

Then the gospel maybe even more than the gospel.

And for some, they find personal benefit in that, there's some

kind of Glee to know that somebody has fallen and pointing

people to the failures of others because there's something to, to

be known in that. And our day, I think it's

YouTube views. I look at some YouTube stuff and

I said if these channels were just as eager to share the

glories of Jesus Christ, instead of just updating the world about

how, the how the church is inconsistent and failing.

We probably see much more fruit but oh, we want the, we want the

fame and we want, we know what what brings people in and I

won't even get into that. There are others who are

envious. There are others who are jealous

of other ministers Ministries. People.

And so whenever there is a sin issue, they take advantage of it

to smear those names further and to destroy their credibility.

So that they would be the sought-after ones and they would

be the ones. I would be seen as holy and they

would be the scene, the ones as the ones that are to be

reliable. It's a scary world.

We live in. It's a scary world.

We live in. And the reason why I bring these

as outlandish as that might sound, then explain to me the

scriptures that call the believer to cover sin.

And to forgive, and Jesus instruction to go one by one.

Then two to that same person or three and, and make it as

private as possible before the sin becomes more known.

It's incredible how God's mind is and we have to align

ourselves by the, by the grace of God, tell it not in gath,

don't publish this to the world, but let us be wise.

And if it does come to that point, let us let us be broken

over it. And let us let us declare the

gospel through it and let us point to the Perfection of Jesus

if it does happen. Look at verse 21 you mountains

of gilboa. Let there be no do nor rain upon

you nor fields of offerings for their The Shield of Mighty of

the mighty was defiled. The Shield of Saul not Anointed

with oil. So David.

This something interesting. Now, he turns his attention to

the mountains of gilboa. Why?

Mountains of gilboa That's where Saul died.

That's where his men died. That's where his sons died.

And he looks to the mountains and it's almost as though he's

pronouncing a curse. And it's not really a literal

curse. Some say it is, but I think it's

a poetic way of calling the mountains of gilboa to mourn.

The tragedy of what took place on their Hills. see, David is

even Desiring creation to reflect to physically reflect

the baroness and the loss that Israel has experienced by the

death of Saul and his sons and so there's an appeal even to

Creation to join in the Brokenness that Israel is

experiencing and it's bigger than just a picture of the

magnitude of this event. Listen, what he's asking for on

the mountains of gilboa is a reflection of the consequences

of what took place in Saul's life with his sin.

Think about it. You mountains of gilboa, let

there be no Dew or rain upon you nor fields of offerings first.

Here's what we understand that. If you and I or anybody

persistence in persists in are wrong and we're stubborn and we

ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit, Saul did we to

become Barren and desolate we close ourselves off to the

blessings of Heaven that make us fruitful and and make us give

something to those around us. Just like the vegetation, the

life of these Hills would offer to the people of Israel.

And so we see here that early on in Saul's life, we enjoy the

fragrance of his humility. We saw something of his

peacemaking ability and we were blessed by that but over time

since eroded his soul and those things, shriveled up, dried

died. And in all for a sudden, there

is a void of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the presence of

desolation dust. Death.

And so, even the mountains of gilboa being Barren and being

empty, of fruit, is a reflection of what happened to Saul and his

life. And that's because sin enters

in, and it does that too not just saw, but all of us but,

secondly, look at this. We learned something else here

when he says the fields of offerings, Are those for men or

for God? Gilboa was obviously a location

that offered crops corn and wheat and then and then those

things would play a part in funding, the sacrificial system

in the Tabernacle because there were grain offerings that were

given and look what David is saying.

Let there be such a curse upon the mountains of gilboa.

That there would be nothing to even offer to the Lord.

That there would be nothing to offer in the Tabernacle that God

would not receive anything from it.

Now, why would that be? Why would that even be a

request? And it's because there's a

connection. There's a connection between the

mountains of gilboa, not being able to bear fruit.

And Saul's life being a failure to walk with the Lord uprightly

and not being able to give him. What is his due?

And that is true worship. You see what David is trying to

communicate. Is this the gravest consequence

that comes from our sin? Is that it robs god of the

worship and honor that he deserves.

That's the primary thing. And in the same way that this

mountain has nothing to offer God because it's Barren sin

dampens, our ability to offer the Lord true worship from our

lives. That was true saw.

That is true of us. She got what he wants to do is

what he what he intended for the mountains of gilboa.

That rain would come from heaven.

And what would come from Heaven, would then produce something in

those mountains, and those mountains would bless men and

bless God and return. That is a picture of our

relationship with the Lord. That is a picture of what true

Holiness is. It's not trying to muster up

strength to produce something. It's God pouring out his Spirit

on us as we open our hearts to him, as we become God's Abode

and the Holy Spirit is not grieved.

But richly, dwells in us and then fruit is produced and man

and God are blessed. Unfortunately, the ugly picture

here is the sad fate of song. Barren, empty void, nothing to

offer. Then we read on, do we not?

Next to versus look at this. From the blood of the slain,

from the fat of the Mighty, the bow of Jonathan turn, not back

and the sort of Saw return not empty Saul and Jonathan beloved

and lovely in life. And in death, they were not

divided, they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than

Lions you Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you

luxuriously in Scarlet? Who put ornaments of gold on

your repairable apparel? Listen up to this point.

There have been many That are important to very many things

that are even touching but there is nothing to me that is more

startling than the words that we just read.

And only those who have studied over the week's maybe in your

personal life or with us who have studied the relationship

between Saul and David can understand why.

Because David now turns to Saul and he Praises him.

He Praises him in a way that almost doesn't make sense.

You almost get the immediate impression that maybe David is

exaggerating a little bit. If he said those things about

Jonathan amen that's a touching tribute but he's including

sullenness. Think about it.

You've heard about saw week after week for months.

I don't know about you but the two first words that come to

mind about salt are not What, beloved, lovely.

Are you sure? Is this, like some facade?

Something that you do at a funeral where you just say nice

things because you got it, the guys in the casket.

And there are morning people and so you want to make them feel

good. Can you say that?

Not only that in life and in death, they were not divided.

I can point you to a scripture where they were, David.

I don't think David is exaggerating here.

I don't think he's telling a lie.

I don't think he's trying to put some makeup on this.

I believe what David is doing is he is choosing to focus on the

earlier part of Saul's life where he was effective as a king

and where his character did shine brighter than it did in

his latter years. And he wants to turn people's

attention to what he has done instead of what he's failed to

do. There was a point where he was

lovely. There was a point where he was

beloved. And yeah, David and Jonathan

although they were there were hiccups in their relationships

significant ones, I mean they died on the battlefield

together. And they were connected in their

lives to certain extent. And even calls A Daughters of

Israel, verse 24 to weep over Saul because there was a time

where his success is a leader, personally affected them.

He even had a he had an effect on the economy of Israel where

they were able to live luxuriously.

And so he's calling everybody, turn your attention on the good

that this man has done. Focus on what he was able to do

not what he failed to do. But I think the lesson is deeper

than that. What I learned from this.

Especially with the backdrop of Solomon David's relationship

with one. Another is that in, David's

mind, respect was not only measured by his unwillingness to

murder saw when he had the chance.

But it was also manifested in his refusal.

To slaughter his reputation with his words.

Being a righteous man. You know how David thinks how

true righteous person thinks? He knew that his speech was just

as sharp as an actual sword. He knew that he was equally

responsible. To manage the tongue.

Then to not wield the sword at the wrong time.

And you see, just because something is true about a person

doesn't mean that it's always beneficial or necessary.

To speak those truths out or to rehearse them in our own lives.

David here understands the situation and in great wisdom,

he knows how to reserve certain things and that is what it means

to be a person of Honor. That is what it means to be

christ-like with this muscle and between our two sets of teeth.

What a Mighty example to the men of Judah.

And what a revelation that David presents to us.

You don't have to kill a man with a gun.

You can do it over Twitter. You don't have to destroy a

person with a sword. You can just do it with a few

sentences. And maybe this is a time to be

very practical to some people in here who can't stop rehearsing

the pain caused by other people. Who can't stop talking about it

with others. In fact, there are some people

today, even in the church, that once that person who has

offended them early on in life, pass on, they still talk about

them. The guy is dead.

They've moved on. Why don't you why don't you?

Why don't why don't, you know, the freedom of being able to

even honor somebody when they are not necessarily worthy of

it? To respect as our sister said

Somebody's position. Especially that's what David is

really doing. He's honoring the position, how

God anointed this man. And he sees it through that

lens. You know, the Bible is deep.

Do you agree with that? I believe it's so deep.

I've been swimming in it for 10 years and I haven't reached the

shore. And you will to every person

will if they really did legitly study.

But there are some times where the Bible is so straightforward

and I thank God for that. So practical, so in your face,

that you just look at it and you're not saying, wow, because

there's something deeply like, wow, that was pretty

straightforward. Can I show you one scripture

that that attest to that reality?

It's a simple verse. I read it the other week

actually and I looked and I said, oh wow, that's that's

pretty interesting. Lord, you are wise.

You are so insightful and it deals with just details of life

that you. And I wouldn't think there's a

verse about. Let me show it to you.

It's in Ecclesiastes 7. And verse 21.

Look how this verse even relates to what we're speaking about.

Ecclesiastes, 7 verse 21. I'll give you a few seconds to

Ecclesiastes 7:21

turn there. Maybe you'll have the same

reaction I did. Do not take to heart.

All the things that people say we can have Revival right now.

Do not take to heart. I'm going to counseling

sessions. You have based on this failing

to be observed. Do not take the heart.

All the things that people say, why lest you hear your servant

cursing? You well that's what we want to

know. I want to know who curses me.

I want to know who says one thing to me in my face and

another thing behind my back, Why not Lord Lee tells us your

heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed, others?

Isn't that humbling? Do you know why?

Because you've done it in your own heart.

You might have not done with your lips, you might have not

posted about you. Not might not written a nasty

email, but your own heart. You've expressed frustration.

You've said some things. How about this one?

Something happened and then like two weeks later, you think about

something like I wish I said that I wish I said it that way.

What it got him. Don't don't take to heart all

the things that people say let it go.

Don't be so offended. Don't Harbor it don't meditate

and rehearse it remember, what was, what was Saul's issue with

David? Not just him trying to kill him.

There was slander about David, that fueled Saul's hatred, this

man was so set free from it. I'm not saying it's because of

what's Happening Here in Ecclesiastes.

I believe this matter genuine love for Saul but but even for

those That we may find very difficult to love and get along

with this still applies. Just let it go.

It's possible for the Holy Spirit to do such a work in you

where you can bury the offenses of man.

Forever. Like, in a real way, and I

believe David is arrive there. It's so obvious in this song and

at the same time, David does not speak about Saul in a way where

he exaggerated his goodness, either yet, he overlooks his

faults, but there is not one place in the song where he

speaks about Saul spirituality, He doesn't want to say, what a

man of God saw was and all the Psalms that he wrote, none of

those things existed. Very realistic, very honest yet.

At the same time, he was still able, he was still able to

overlook the offense in this man.

I think that's so powerful because you you can't even

imagine the bondage that people are in. the bondage that people

are in in their walk with the Lord because they can't just be

free from that and they can't really forgive David forgave.

David was free out of the abundance of the heart, the

mouth speaks. And he still honest.

So honest that he's he ends by giving a special tribute to

Jonathan, not this all anybody who read this in Israel's

timelines. You and I would read an hour

with see that there is obviously a connection that David Howard,

Jonathan that he did not have with Saul, and that's just the

reality of it. And so, it look how he ends in

verse 25 down. How the mighty have fallen in

the midst of the battle. Jonathan lies.

Slain, on your high places. I am distressed for you.

My brother Jonathan very pleasant.

You have been to me. Your love to me was

extraordinary surpassing the love of women, how the mighty

have fallen and the weapons of war perished.

Let me end by asking you a question.

What do you get out of that verse?

What do you get out of Jonathan lies?

Slain on your high places and the rest of it?

What speaks to you? What Revelation comes to you

with these truths? Here's what comes to my mind.

At least three things 1. That we can know meaningful.

And satisfying relationships with other people.

David really meant it when he says that very pleasant you have

been to me this man. After God's heart was still able

to enjoy and know a delight in others whose Hearts were also

connected to God. That's why he writes in psalm 16

3 asks for the Saints of the land who are the excellent ones

in whom is all my delight. All my delight are in the Saints

of the land. Not to say that they exceed that

of my delight in God, but that I recognize God in the Saints.

And I am able to Relish in them and enjoy them and praise God

for them and Jonathan was one of those Saints.

You should not feel guilty of knowing deep pleasure from

horizontal relationships with others.

It's a gift. Jonathan the name was what does

anybody remember? That should have been a quiz

question. Who remembers what Jonathan

means. Pastor.

Given by God. Given by God. and David felt the

loss of this gift when that gift was taken from him, And you and

I have the permission. To praise God for people and I

hope you have people in your lives that bring much delight to

you. Secondly, not just that we can

do meaningful. And gratification and horizontal

relationships, but we can Know Rich relationships outside of

marriage. Wow.

Who would have thought life? Doesn't begin.

When you get married? It's Jonathan espouse the David

know Jonathan is a friend. And his own words.

He confesses that the love. He knew from Jonathan surpassed

that of woman. Now, there is unfortunately.

A warped mind and many. As you've heard me say before

that come to this text to say that, for David to say these

things about, Jonathan must mean that they had a romantic

relationship. And this is where the homosexual

Community often go to as a proof text.

Many obvious reasons why that is wrong.

But for them to give that commentary for this text is

actually commentary on our culture that our culture is so

overly sexualized, that it cannot comprehend the

possibility of knowing meaningful relationships, unless

it is sexual. It has to be sexual for it to be

impactful. It has to be sexual if it's

going to be meaningful. And so for the eyes of the

flesh, to read that into this text is a testimony of the fact

that man apart from God does not know true love.

And I think this is an encouraging point for those who

desire, the gift of marriage but are not realizing the other

gifts outside of marriage. You can know.

Binding, wonderful blessings from those who are not wearing

the wedding ring that you gave him.

And if you are married, that person should be the most

significant person in your life. The friendship that you enjoy

the most, but for those who are outside of that Covenant, can

you see here that it is possible to know someone else?

To know someone else and to be so blessed by them.

That you can sing about it. David proves that.

And I think there's another thing to say to is that I must

say, doesn't help that David wasn't walking in God's will in

the context of marriage, right? How many wives did he have up to

this point? To, he's going to add more later

on. And so, I wonder if David didn't

know the true fulfillment of marriage because he didn't honor

God's blueprint for marriage. I think there's something to say

about that. Whenever you and I do anything

that God has a blueprint for. And we dishonor that blueprint,

we know, Less of what God intends for us to know we enjoy

less of what God wants us to enjoy.

And perhaps David could not see the true satisfaction in

marriage because he did not honor God's principles for

marriage and that is true for every facet of Life.

Lastly, if David could describe such pure and holy genuine Joy,

With a person that was in his spouse with a person that wasn't

in any way. Sexual with then, what makes us

fail to believe that we can know Supreme satisfaction in our

relationship with our creator. What makes you and I so hesitant

to trust that I can know Christ in such a way that it can super

extend any relationship in this life.

For some people, it's a Jesus Is My Savior but I really enjoy my

wife. More than Jesus.

I love my kids and their presence and what they offer to

me and my life more than Jesus. If such a man, can say this

about another man then what is possible with my relationship

with the one who made my heart? I want to know it.

I want to know it and I hope you would want to know it as well

because as good as the gifts of friendships are marriage.

Are even the gift of physical intimacy within the context of

Covenant, The Giver is so much better than the gifts.

That's coffee cup stuff to a lot of people.

That's Hobby Lobby, portrait frame stuff for a lot of people.

I'm saying it can be real. A word that scary among

Christians. It can be experiential.

If it's not experiential, then we're just wasting our time and

talking about Theory. Like a real satisfaction in

Christ. I hope you want to know God and

that way. It's amazing.

Listen, I don't mean to offend anybody, but it's true.

It's amazing. How many people who know a lot

of Bible. Don't know what I just said.

Like they memorize plenty of scripture.

They can argue pre-trib mid-trib post-trib Calvinism arminianism

and yet, they don't know how to drink deeply in the fellowship

that Christ wants to have in a personal way.

They don't know what true worship looks like, they don't

know what enjoying prayer is like.

That's not God's will for us. I understand note.

Notice house. All sins are not mentioned in

this eulogy. Even if you would like You know

what? Thought came to mind even as we

were worshiping now. That in Saul's death.

David refused to bring up his sins.

And in Christ, though we have a great resume of sin Christ.

Will not bring up our own faults.

He will Overlook all of it and he will not speak about our

goodness. He will speak about Christ,

goodness. Christ goodness that we have

covered ourselves. With there is a commendation for

the people of God who have put their faith in the person and

work of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have no reason to fear what

the son of David will save me, because the son of David died

for me and he took my place. And so, when I stand before the

father, he will look at me and he will not see what I've done

with my mouth, with my eyes, with my mind, with my hands, or

my feet. He will see the pierced hands,

and the Pierce feet and the pier side and the broken forehead,

and the width back of the Savior perfection.

Perfection. And I will be rewarded, though.

I cannot fathom it. I will be rewarded based on

that. You will be rewarded based on

the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Only if you have put your faith in him, listen to what I'm about

to say outside of Christ, there is not, there is not one sin

that he will not bring before your attention and before the

presence of his angels and his elders.

Is not one sin that he has failed to record, and to indict

you for at the end of the road. but in Christ, By faith in him,

applying the blood. There is not one sin that he

will bring up. There's not one fault that he

will. Even communicate.

On that day. He will see nothing but

faultless, blemishless perfection.

Put your faith in Christ. Let's pray.

Louis, thank you for the word. Thank you that through this

lament. We have been taught things about

life. Things about you Lord.

We pray that our hearts would be elated and edified we would see

the goodness of God. We would see the preciousness of

Christ. We will see the gifts in Jesus

Christ. Lord, we ask that in this time,

you would renew a love for you. Take us to new heights, to be

able to sing of a fellowship with you, that cannot be

compared to any other relationship in this world.

And yet at the same time, Lord, let us know.

The maximum joys of relationship with one.

Another relationship, with our spouses relationship, with our

Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Lord, please, we want to be in

your perfect will in all things, in all.

Things will God. Bring us into your perfect will

Because we only have so much time to enjoy it in this world.

Lord, we worship you and light of the wisdom of this text.

You were the author of it and we give you your glory in Jesus

name. Amen.

Let's stand and worship him and closing.