God's Providence and the Philistines

The Fall of Saul at Gilboa

"Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together." (1 Samuel 31:6)

David’s Loss and Victory

"And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God." (1 Samuel 30:6)

God's Providence and the Philistines

"And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, 'Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here?'" (1 Samuel 29:4)

Saul and the Witch of Endor

"Then Samuel said to Saul, 'Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?' Saul answered, 'I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do.' And Samuel said, 'Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy?'" (1 Samuel 28:15–16)

Tested and Vindicated Again

"And David said, 'As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD's anointed." (1 Samuel 26:10–11a)