I Chronicles 9-11

“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance” (10:13). Chronicles offers a blunt assessment of King Saul’s reign, pointing out that as King of Israel, Saul should have trusted the Lord for guidance. After Saul’s failure, David’s rise was not due to personal achievements: “And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him” (11:9).

“The Lord brought about a great victory” (11:14). The brave exploits of David and his warriors demonstrated courage (ch 11), but Israel’s real strength was the Lord. He saves “by many or by few” when we trust him (I Sam 14:6-7).