11.09

David and Samuel—by Faith "Time would fail me to tell also of David and Samuel. (Hebrews
11:32b)"

Our divinely inspired author sensed that time was running out to elaborate upon the faith
of Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah. He also recorded that time was not sufficient to
include specific testimony about the faith of David and Samuel. This is surprising, since
they would be viewed by many as likely candidates for extensive consideration.

David was such a notable man of faith. He faced the giant Goliath by faith. "Then David
said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin.
But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts'" (1 Samuel 17:45). When Saul wanted to
destroy him, David entrusted the King into the hands of the Lord. "Let the LORD judge
between you and me, and let the LORD avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against
you" (1 Samuel 24:12). He confidently confessed the Lord as his strength, his joy, and his
comprehensive salvation. "The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my
salvation" (Psalm 118:14). He also turned to the Lord at the lowest spiritual point in his
life (after he sinned tragically in adultery and murder). In humble dependence he cried,
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude
of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin" (Psalm 51:1-2).

Samuel was another notable man of faith. He began to trust in the Lord as a young boy.
"Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel
answered, 'Speak, for Your servant hears'" (1 Samuel 3:10). Then, he grew spiritually and
faithfully served the Lord throughout the nation of Israel. "So Samuel grew, and the LORD
was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to
Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the LORD" (1 Samuel
3:19-20). Also, he courageously rebuked King Saul for not fully carrying out God's
instructions to destroy the Amalekites. "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
He also has rejected you from being king" (1 Samuel 15:23).

David and Samuel were outstanding servants of the Lord. However, the noteworthy
distinctive in their lives was the same spiritual distinctive that caused some men of
lesser renown to be listed here as well regarding faith. "For the time would fail me to
tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah" (Hebrews 11:32a).

"Lord God of the "likely servant," in many ways, I can identify with Barak and Jephthah
more readily than with David and Samuel. Yet, I am encouraged to see that what pleases You
in any person is always the same—faith. Teach me to trust You, Lord."