The narrative turns back to David as we learn how David is able to extricate himself from a sticky situation. 1 Samuel 29 begins with the army of the Philistines parading by and the Lords of the Philistines wondering how David is among them. Is not this the mighty Israelite warrior David who has killed ten thousands? King Achish comes to David's defense and claims how loyal David has been, but the Lords are not fooled. David is sent home.
However, David's honor is defended no less than three times by Achish, who seems to be the only one fooled by the actions of David. The story manages to keep David from fighting against his own people of Israel, thereby making him eligible to become their new king. David's honor though is also kept intact by his devotion to King Achish. It seems that David's high stakes gambit has paid off. He has maintained honor in the eyes of his benefactor Achish while remaining faithful to Israel.
David returns home to find tragedy and chaos, the Amalekites have attacked Ziklag in David's absence. While no one has been killed, all the women and children have been taken as booty of the raid. 1 Samuel 30 speaks of a desperate David, whose men are holding him responsible for this calamity, so much so that David's leadership and life is threatened.
Against this darkness and despair, David turns to God. While Saul has no one to turn to in his desperation, David calls upon his Lord, who assures him that he will prevail. David follows the Amalekites and comes upon a servant of the Amalekites who has been left behind. David, the leader of castaways, takes the man in and gives him nourishment. He then leads the band to the Amalekites where David wins a great victory. He slaughters the Amalekites, recovers the lost women and children and gains prizes.
From this victory, David also changes the military system. Previously only those who actively take part in a military campaign earn booty but in this victory, David shares the spoils with all, including the elders of Judah. David's new society is beginning to take shape.
We end the book of 1 Samuel in a predicted way as the 31st chapter tells of the death of Saul and Jonathan. It does not come as a surprise, for we have known this day would come. Saul takes to the field of battle and suffers a great defeat. Perhaps he had a chance to escape, but he does not take it. Severely wounded on the battle field he seeks the finality of death from his own sword bearer who fails. Saul is forced to fall on his own sword and his sword bearer follows.
Israel suffers not just military defeat but the humiliation of the stripping and beheading of their king. For the Philistines, not only have they defeated the Israelites but their victory must also be seen as a victory over the Israelites god, for that is how these things are viewed.
The people of Jabesh-Gilead recall Saul's past actions and come to his rescue and provide a proper burial for the fallen king. Saul's story has come to an end. Now, as we venture in 2 Samuel, we see how David wins the throne.
1 Corinthians 2
Paul continues with this understanding of wisdom and uses himself as the example. He did not come to Corinth with lofty rhetoric or feats of wisdom, he simply proclaimed the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, his example was also one of a servant, he did not come with airs of superiority but with a humble willingness to simply serve others. Just as God became "weak" so too did Paul. The real gift of Paul's ministry was not his talents but his willingness to allow the Spirit to further the message in the hearts of the listeners.
It is the hidden knowledge of the Cross that is the gift of the Spirit. This is how God reveals God self to the world.Paul speaks of those who have wisdom in this age, but that will end in nothing. He, however, offers a wisdom that is about a new age. This is God's wisdom. Yet it is a wisdom only available to those of the Spirit.
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