What other biblical examples show God protecting His chosen from harm? Setting the Scene in 1 Samuel 18:25 "Saul replied, 'Say to David, “The king desires no other bride price except a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.”' But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines." Saul’s scheme put David in mortal danger, yet God turned the trap into triumph. That same protective thread weaves through Scripture. Old Testament Snapshots of Protection - Noah – Genesis 7:1. The ark becomes a floating refuge amid worldwide judgment. - Joseph – Genesis 50:20. Sold, framed, and imprisoned, yet preserved to save many. - Passover – Exodus 12:13. Blood on the doorposts shields Israel while judgment falls elsewhere. - Red Sea – Exodus 14:13-14. Hemmed in by water and Pharaoh, the sea parts and Israel walks through. - Gideon’s 300 – Judges 7:7. Outnumbered, they watch God rout Midian. - Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego – Daniel 3:25-27. Flames consume ropes, not men. - Daniel – Daniel 6:22. "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions." - Esther and the Jews – Esther 9:1-2. A royal plot reversed; the threatened people prevail. New Testament Echoes - Infant Jesus – Matthew 2:13-15. Warned in a dream, Joseph takes the Child to Egypt, escaping Herod. - Calming the storm – Mark 4:39-40. Waves threaten; a word from Jesus stills the sea. - Peter in prison – Acts 12:7-11. Chains fall off, gates open, and the apostle walks free. - Paul – Acts 9:25; 27:22-25; 28:5. Lowered in a basket, spared in shipwreck, unharmed by a viper—preserved to finish his mission. Patterns to Notice - God often permits danger before delivering, highlighting His power. - Protection appears in varied forms: an ark, parted waters, angelic intervention, timely information, even suspended natural law. - The goal is larger than personal safety; it advances His redemptive plan. - Human obedience—building, applying blood, stepping forward—meets divine intervention. Encouragement for Today The Lord who shielded David from Saul’s plot remains unchanged. Confidence lies not in circumstances but in the covenant-keeping God who delights to preserve His own for His purposes. |
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