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Writer's pictureJacqie D'Bach

Customs and Traditions


Day4

Week28

1Samuel 17


“Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah whose name was Jesse, who had eight sons. And the man was old in the days of Saul and advanced in years. The three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third was Shammah. As for David, he was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul, but David would go back and forth from Saul to shepherd his father’s flock in Bethlehem.”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭MEV‬‬

Cross references

Genesis 35:19;

1 Samuel 16:18;

1 Chronicles 2:13;

1 Samuel 16:11


Customs and Traditions


Bible customs are so far removed from ours that it can be difficult to understand the lessons.


We learned in 1 Samuel 16 that a king would take the sons age 21 and up for his army. That explains the 3 eldest sons of Jesse.

The king also took the daughters to serve as cooks and perfumers. That explains where David’s 2 sisters most likely were.

David was considered a mighty man of valor and one of Saul’s armor bearers, so he must have been 21 or older, yet he still was responsible for his father’s sheep.

Where were the other 3 brothers who were old enough to go to battle and take care of the sheep?

Jesse was a farmer, so they likely were allowed to stay home to farm as there father was old( maybe 70).

It appear that David was a trust worthy young ( boy). He was most likely 21. Old enough for battle, but still a boy compared to the others.

David had a lot of responsibility. He served many masters and yet he was humble and loyal to them all.


Action Step

Whom do you serve?

Husband, wife, employer, God?

What about doubt, fear, comfort, love of money…

There are many masters trying to get our allegiance.

Make God your first priority and then he will handle the rest.


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