Trusting the Promise in the Dark Today we conclude the book of 1 Samuel with the reading of 1 Samuel 26-31, and we witness the final, tragic arc of King Saul’s life and the incredible restraint of David. We see David once again refuse to take matters into his own hands, even when Saul is delivered right to him. Meanwhile, a desperate Saul, abandoned by God’s silence, seeks out a medium at Endor, leading to a grim prophecy of his impending death. The episode ends with the fall of Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another. Key Entities David: The future king who refuses to strike the Lord’s anointed. Saul: The rejected king who turns to the occult in his final hours. Jonathan: Saul’s son and David’s friend, who dies in battle on Mount Gilboa. Johannes Gutenberg: The inventor of the printing press whose legacy we honor today. Why This Matters The contrast between David and Saul provides a profound lesson in faith. David chose to wait on God’s timing, even while living as a fugitive. Saul, driven by fear and a lack of repentance, tried to force a spiritual answer through forbidden means. It reminds us that when we feel God is silent, our response should be deeper trust and patience, not desperate shortcuts that lead away from His will. Commentary David’s moment in chapter 26 is a masterclass in integrity. Despite having Saul’s spear and water jar in his hand, he refused to strike. He understood that God’s promises do not require our sinful intervention to come true. Conversely, Saul’s visit to the medium at Endor shows the danger of seeking spiritual guidance outside of God’s prescribed ways. The message he received was not one of hope, but of judgment, reflecting the reality that the enemy’s goal is always to discourage and defeat us. Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 29:5 “Isn’t this David, of whom people sing in dances, Saul has defeated thousands, but David tens of thousands?” Read 1 Samuel 29:5 on BibleGateway On This Date In Church History On February 3, 1468, Johannes Gutenberg passed away. Known for inventing the movable type printing press, he essentially created the first vehicle for mass media. His first major project was the Gutenberg Bible, which broke the monopoly on the Word of God and allowed the common person to finally own the Book. This technology was the information superhighway that allowed the Reformation to spread across Europe. Support the Show This show is powered by the Lifespring! family. If this podcast brings value to your life, please consider returning that value through a donation of time, talent, or treasure. Your support keeps the Word of God going out to the world. Connect with Steve Webb and the Lifespring! family at lifespringmedia.com. Send yo