Compare Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 19:11 with Exodus 1:22. What similarities exist? Setting the Scene • 1 Samuel 19:11 — “Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning.” • Exodus 1:22 — “Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, ‘Every son born to the Hebrews must be thrown into the Nile….’” Shared Patterns • A threatened ruler issues a death order. – Saul fears David’s rise (1 Samuel 18:8-9). – Pharaoh fears Israel’s growth (Exodus 1:9-10). • The target is specifically male. – Saul’s focus is one man, David, the future king. – Pharaoh’s focus is every newborn Hebrew boy, any future deliverer. • Execution is delegated. – Saul “sent messengers.” – Pharaoh “commanded all his people.” • Murder is planned, not impulsive. – Saul stations men overnight, waiting for morning. – Pharaoh issues an ongoing governmental policy. • Both decrees oppose God’s chosen plan. – David is God’s anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). – Israel’s sons include Moses, future redeemer (Exodus 2:1-10). Roots of Their Fury • Jealousy and self-preservation motivate both kings. • Each ruler has already tried lesser means and failed (Saul’s spear in 1 Samuel 18:11; Pharaoh’s midwife scheme in Exodus 1:15-17). • Sin escalates when unrepentant (James 1:15). God’s Protective Hand • Immediate deliverance – Michal’s warning and ruse free David (1 Samuel 19:12-17). – Moses is hidden three months, then rescued from the Nile (Exodus 2:2-6). • Long-term triumph – David eventually reigns (2 Samuel 5:3-4). – Israel leaves Egypt in victory (Exodus 12:40-42). • Human instruments – A loyal wife (Michal). – Courageous women (midwives, Jochebed, Miriam, Pharaoh’s daughter). • Divine sovereignty remains unthwarted (Job 42:2; Proverbs 19:21). Takeaways for Today • Opposing God’s purpose always fails, no matter the authority behind it. • The Lord often uses seemingly weak or unlikely people to overturn murderous decrees. • Believers can trust God’s vigilant protection even when earthly powers plot harm (Psalm 121:4-8). |
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