Today's first reading describes how David emerges as a mighty warrior in his own right, even though he is just a boy. When no Israelite soldier is willing to face the Philistine giant Goliath, who taunts Saul and his army morning and night. Interestingly, it is perhaps Saul's finest hour; he gives permission for his armor-bearer David to fight the Philistine champion. However, it also begins the path by which David will emerge as Saul's rival and successor.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection tells how David becomes estranged from King Saul. After trying to keep his rival close -- even encouraging David to marry his daughter Michal, Saul loses patience and threatens to kill David. Despite this threat, David tries to maintain his loyalty to the Israelite king. Here, David refuses to kill Saul when he has the chance, which chastens the king for a while (but he will continue to threaten David again).
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Samuel 20-25 today.
