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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 25: June 15 - 21: "The Battle Is the Lord's"

1 Samuel 17-18; 24-26; 2 Samuel 5-7

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

David faced Goliath with confidence not in armor or physical strength but in the name of the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45–47). His example teaches that spiritual victories come as we trust in God’s power rather than relying solely on our own abilities. When we confront challenges with faith, we invite the Lord to work through us.

David testified that the Lord would deliver him and declared that “the battle is the Lord’s,” shifting the focus from fear to faith (1 Samuel 17:47). When we remember that God is actively involved in our struggles, we can move forward with courage even in uncertain circumstances. Trusting the Lord helps us act with confidence and humility.

David spared Saul’s life, even when he had the opportunity to end his persecution, because he would not harm the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:6, 10–12). This act showed David’s commitment to God’s standards rather than personal revenge. When we leave judgment in the Lord’s hands, we show faith in His timing and fairness.

David honored Saul as the Lord’s anointed despite Saul’s hostility and refused to harm him (1 Samuel 24:6). His restraint revealed humility and reverence for God’s order. By showing respect and integrity in difficult relationships, we become more like Christ and invite spiritual strength.

David consistently inquired of the Lord before going into battle and received direction that led to victory (2 Samuel 5:19). His pattern shows the importance of counseling with God in both major and everyday decisions. When we seek revelation, the Lord can guide our paths and bless our efforts.

Through Nathan, the Lord promised David that his house and kingdom would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the eternal King. As we remain faithful, the Lord works through us to accomplish purposes that extend beyond our own lives.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study

Saul was Israel’s first king but had lost the Lord’s favor through disobedience. David was anointed to succeed him, yet spent years being pursued by Saul before eventually becoming king and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

  • This period highlights the tension between human authority and divine will, showing how God prepares and establishes leaders according to covenant faithfulness rather than outward status. It also marks the beginning of the Davidic covenant, through which the Lord promised an everlasting kingdom culminating in Jesus Christ.
  • Understanding this historical transition helps us see how the Lord works through imperfect people and difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes. It reassures us that God’s promises unfold according to His timing and that faithfulness in adversity prepares us for future responsibilities.
  • In ancient Israel, kings were considered chosen and anointed by God, making them sacred representatives of His authority. Even though Saul was acting unjustly, David understood that taking Saul’s life would violate God’s order and show a lack of trust in divine justice. His restraint demonstrated deep reverence for the Lord’s established authority.
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  • David’s actions in sparing Saul (1 Samuel 24; 26) were not merely personal kindness but a theological decision rooted in covenant belief. By refusing to seize power prematurely, David showed that true leadership comes through God’s appointment rather than human ambition. This strengthened his moral authority among the people.
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  • This context helps explain why David’s followers urged him to kill Saul—they saw a political opportunity. David, however, saw a spiritual test. His choice teaches that honoring God’s order sometimes requires patience and restraint even when immediate solutions seem justified.
  • In 2 Samuel 7, the Lord promised David that his throne and kingdom would be established forever. While this initially referred to David’s descendants ruling Israel, it ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, who would reign eternally as the Son of David. This covenant became central to Israel’s messianic hope.
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  • Ancient Near Eastern covenants often involved promises of dynasty and legacy, but God’s covenant with David went further by promising an everlasting kingdom. This promise shaped Israel’s expectations of a future king who would restore and redeem God’s people. Understanding this helps readers see why the title “Son of David” was so significant in the New Testament.
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  • For modern readers, the Davidic covenant testifies of God’s long-term vision and faithfulness. The Lord was not only guiding David’s personal life but also preparing the way for Jesus Christ centuries later. This reminds us that God’s promises often extend beyond our immediate circumstances and bless future generations.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “David’s victory over Goliath is a myth created to glorify Israel’s king.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Ancient Near Eastern texts often record champion warfare, where individual warriors fought on behalf of armies. The biblical account fits known military customs and geographical details of the Valley of Elah, suggesting an authentic historical setting rather than pure legend.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: The narrative preserves specific details about weapons, armor, locations, and dialogue that reflect firsthand memory or early testimony. Such detailed storytelling is consistent with historical accounts preserved within Israel’s national records.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: The account emphasizes God’s power rather than David’s personal glory, directing readers to trust the Lord rather than human strength. Many believers find spiritual confirmation in the principle that God strengthens the faithful in overwhelming circumstances.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If Israel were inventing a national hero, they would likely portray him as consistently flawless and politically dominant. Instead, David is shown as young, unlikely, and dependent on God, suggesting the narrative aims to testify of divine power rather than human propaganda.
  • Claim: “No political rival would repeatedly spare a king trying to kill him.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Ancient cultures often viewed kings as divinely appointed, and harming an anointed ruler could be seen as sacrilegious. David’s restraint reflects known beliefs about sacred kingship and the seriousness of violating divine authority.
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  • Eyewitness Support: The repeated accounts of David sparing Saul (1 Samuel 24; 26) include nuanced dialogue and reactions from Saul and David’s followers. These layered perspectives suggest preservation of authentic traditions rather than simplistic legend.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The narrative teaches reliance on God’s justice and timing instead of personal revenge. Readers throughout history have felt spiritual confirmation of the principle that righteousness includes restraint and trust in divine judgment.
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  • Logical Analysis: From a strategic standpoint, sparing Saul actually strengthened David’s legitimacy. By refusing to seize power violently, he gained moral authority and public support, making his later kingship more stable and credible.
  • Claim: “God’s covenant with David could not be fulfilled since Israel’s monarchy ended.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The Davidic line continued for centuries after David, fulfilling the immediate promise of dynastic continuity. Even after the fall of Judah, genealogical records preserved David’s lineage, demonstrating the lasting importance of the covenant.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Biblical writers and later prophets repeatedly referenced the Davidic covenant as an ongoing reality. New Testament authors identified Jesus Christ as a descendant of David, reflecting continuity of belief across generations.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Christians and Latter-day Saints see the fulfillment of this covenant in Jesus Christ, whose eternal reign aligns with the promise of an everlasting throne. Spiritual witnesses affirm that God’s promises often extend beyond political kingdoms to eternal purposes.
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  • Logical Analysis: If the promise were purely political, its failure would undermine the narrative. Instead, the covenant’s language points to a perpetual reign, logically fulfilled in a spiritual and eternal kingship through Christ rather than a temporary earthly monarchy.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Pray specifically about a current challenge and place it in the Lord’s hands.

Remembering that “the battle is the Lord’s” shifts our focus from fear to faith. As we trust God’s power more than our own, we gain courage and clarity to move forward. This perspective brings peace and allows us to act with confidence rather than anxiety.

  1. – Identify a challenge that feels overwhelming.
  2. – Pray and tell the Lord honestly how you feel about it.
  3. – Ask for guidance and strength rather than immediate solutions.
  4. – Act on the impressions you receive, even if they are small.
  5. – Reflect on how the Lord helps you over time.

Encouraging Thought:

“The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). When we give our struggles to Him, He strengthens us beyond our natural ability.

Action Step: Respond with patience and kindness toward someone who has wronged or frustrated you.

David’s example of sparing Saul shows that integrity builds spiritual strength and trust in God’s justice. Choosing righteousness over retaliation invites peace and keeps our hearts aligned with Christ. Over time, consistent integrity shapes our character and relationships.

  1. – Pause before reacting to a difficult person or situation.
  2. – Ask, “What response would honor God right now?”
  3. – Choose words or actions that reflect patience and respect.
  4. – Pray for the person and for your own heart.
  5. – Leave the outcome in the Lord’s hands.

Encouraging Thought:

David trusted the Lord to judge between him and Saul (1 Samuel 24:12). We can trust God to make things right in His time.

  • Action Step: Counsel with the Lord before making an important decision this week.

David consistently inquired of the Lord and received direction that led to success and protection. Seeking divine guidance invites wisdom beyond our own understanding and helps us align our choices with God’s will. Regularly turning to the Lord strengthens our relationship with Him.

  1. – Identify a decision or concern you are facing.
  2. – Study relevant scriptures or teachings.
  3. – Pray specifically for guidance and understanding.
  4. – Listen for impressions through thoughts, feelings, or counsel.
  5. – Act in faith and continue seeking confirmation.

Encouraging Thought:

  • David “inquired of the Lord” before acting (2 Samuel 5:19). God is willing to guide us as we sincerely seek Him.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners recognize how trusting the Lord gives strength to face personal challenges.

Paper, pens, small stones (or paper circles), a bowl or basket

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Invite learners to write a personal “giant” (fear, challenge, worry) on a paper or stone. Briefly discuss how challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming like Goliath.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 1 Samuel 17:45–47 together. Discuss what David trusted in instead of armor or weapons and what it means that “the battle is the Lord’s.”
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  5. Application (5 min): Invite learners to silently pray and place their “giant” in the bowl as a symbol of giving it to the Lord. Discuss one action of faith they can take this week to trust God with that challenge.

Follow-Up Question: What changes when we face challenges believing the Lord is fighting with us?

Objective: Encourage learners to choose integrity and trust God’s timing when treated unfairly.

Scenario cards (or verbal scenarios), scriptures

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Present a few short scenarios where someone is treated unfairly (school, work, family). Ask learners how people usually react.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 1 Samuel 24:6–12. Discuss why David chose not to harm Saul and what this teaches about integrity and trusting God’s justice

Application (5 min): Invite learners to choose one scenario and discuss or role-play a response that reflects Christlike integrity. Have them identify one real-life situation where they can practice patience and respect this week.

Follow-Up Question: How does trusting God’s timing help us respond with integrity instead of anger?

Objective: Help learners develop the habit of seeking God’s guidance in decisions.

Whiteboard or paper, markers, small sticky notes

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Ask learners to list several decisions they make in a typical week (big or small). Write responses on the board.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 2 Samuel 5:19. Discuss how David sought the Lord’s guidance before acting and what might have happened if he had relied only on himself.

Application (5 min): Invite learners to write one upcoming decision on a sticky note. Guide them through a simple pattern: pray, study, listen, act. Encourage them to try this process during the week and notice what happens.

Follow-Up Question: What blessings come when we pause to seek the Lord’s guidance before making decisions?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • God strengthens those who trust Him in overwhelming challenges (1 Samuel 17:45–47).

     

  • Integrity and respect for God’s order invite spiritual strength and protection (1 Samuel 24:6–12).

     

  • The Lord guides those who seek Him before acting (2 Samuel 5:19).

     

  • God keeps His promises and works through covenant relationships across generations (2 Samuel 7:16).

     

  • True leadership is established through humility, patience, and reliance on the Lord (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Samuel 5:10).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • God has consistently guided His people through chosen servants—from Samuel and Nathan to modern prophets. Scripture shows that prophetic guidance provides direction, correction, and covenant reminders. Just as David sought prophetic counsel and revelation, trusting living prophets today allows us to receive timely guidance from the Lord for modern challenges.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • Scripture portrays even chosen leaders, including David, as imperfect. God works through imperfect people to accomplish His purposes and teach humility, repentance, and dependence on Him. Allowing mistakes preserves agency and creates opportunities for growth, refinement, and deeper reliance on the Savior’s grace.

Invite Christ to Author Your Story

Bible Videos: “David and Goliath” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)