David had been banished from the presence of King Saul. Jealousy and suspicion drove Saul to mistrust David, even though Saul had liked David and promoted him to a high rank in his army. After David slew the giant Goliath an evil spirit began to influence Saul and eventually drove him to try to kill David (1 Samuel 16 – 18). Time and again Saul sent David into battle, believing he would soon be killed. When Michal, Saul’s daughter fell in love with David, and David continued to be victorious in battle, Saul become even more afraid of David and “…and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.”
David was trusted by many men of valor, warriors who had been under Saul at some time, but who now gave their allegiance to David. One group from the tribe of Benjamin joined David at Ziklag; they were indeed skilled warriors, armed with bows and slings, they were able to shoot arrows and sling stones right-handed or left- handed.
Some Gadites joined David in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains. (1 Chronicles 12:8)
One group was “from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;” (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Understanding the times should be easier than ever today with multiple sources of information, including the massive amount on the Internet. But that isn’t always so.
Some use these sources to misinform and deceive; others use it to promote their own ideas of what is happening. Fortunately, many use it to seek the Truth, and understand the reality of existing in the 21st century and seek an accurate world-view and how it relates to our lives.
Many of the things predicted in the Bible have already come to pass; the temple destroyed and rebuilt, the gathering of Israel to become a nation, the First Coming of Christ, and more. These things are fulfilled.
God gives us His Word, wisdom, and discernment in gaining insight about today and how we should be preparing – and living – in anticipation of the fulfillment of all prophecy in God’s Word. And when we need it, He provides others who better understand the times: The Holy Spirit, who guides us and encourages us to seek Godly things. The Written Word wherein we can learn from those who have experienced first-hand the Grace and Mercy and Wisdom of God, and have left the record of accounts of believers before us. Fellow-believers who have gone through trials and stood faithful and can testify of God’s goodness.
Most important, God has given us His Son, Jesus, who is alive and lives within us if we ask Him. There is no other way whereby Man may be reconciled to God but through believing and accepting Jesus.
12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10)
With Him, through Him, we are able to rightly discern the times and help others see the Truth.
THE RIGHT RENDITION 