Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, scoffing is often associated with mockery, derision, and contempt, particularly directed towards the righteous and those chosen by God. King David, a central figure in the Old Testament, frequently encountered scoffing from his enemies. This entry explores the instances and implications of scoffing in the context of David's life, as depicted in the Scriptures.Instances of Scoffing 1. Goliath the Philistine: One of the most famous instances of scoffing directed at David occurs during his encounter with Goliath. The Philistine giant mocked David's youth and appearance, saying, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" (1 Samuel 17:43). Goliath's derision was not only an insult to David but also a challenge to the God of Israel, whom David represented. 2. Saul's Pursuit: King Saul, once a mentor and father-in-law to David, became one of his most relentless enemies. Although Saul's actions were more often characterized by jealousy and fear, there were moments of scoffing and belittlement. Saul's disdain for David's growing popularity and God's favor upon him led to numerous attempts to undermine and kill David. 3. Shimei's Cursing: During Absalom's rebellion, as David fled Jerusalem, Shimei, a member of Saul's family, came out cursing and throwing stones at David and his men. Shimei shouted, "Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel!" (2 Samuel 16:7). This act of scoffing was a public display of contempt and an attempt to humiliate David during a time of vulnerability. 4. Michal's Scorn: Michal, David's wife and Saul's daughter, expressed scorn towards David when he danced before the Ark of the Covenant. She mocked him, saying, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!" (2 Samuel 6:20). Michal's scoffing was a personal affront, reflecting a lack of understanding of David's devotion to God. Implications of Scoffing The scoffing directed at David often served as a test of his faith and character. Despite the mockery and contempt he faced, David consistently turned to God for strength and vindication. In the Psalms, David frequently laments the scorn of his enemies, yet he also expresses unwavering trust in God's justice and deliverance. For example, in Psalm 22:7-8 , David writes, "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 'He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.'" David's responses to scoffing highlight the biblical principle that the righteous may face derision, but their ultimate vindication comes from God. His life serves as an example of humility and reliance on divine strength in the face of human contempt. The scoffing of David's enemies underscores the spiritual battle between those who oppose God's anointed and the steadfast faith of those who trust in the Lord. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 35:15,16But in my adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yes, the attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: Nave's Topical Index Library Of Scoffing and Derision. The Third Part. The Insults Received by Jesus in the Court of Caiphas. Psalm LXXIX. The Fight for the Gospel; Or, Moravians and Rationalists, 1775 ... The Later Hebrew Histories. In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to all the Gods ... A Word for the Persecuted The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus. The Wise and Foolish virgins Resources Do Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5 contradict? How can both verses be true? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual blindness? | GotQuestions.org Why is Jesus referred to as a man of sorrows in Isaiah 53:3? | GotQuestions.org Scoffing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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