Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 119 of the Bible in a Year podcast, reading the final three chapters of 1 Samuel (29-31) and Psalm 18. He uses The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press with the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition.

The episodes cover David's rejection by Philistine commanders, his successful rescue mission against Amalekite raiders at Ziklag, and the tragic death of King Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa. Psalm 18 provides David's thanksgiving for God's deliverance from enemies.

Father Mike emphasizes David's emerging leadership wisdom through prayer, justice, and strategic relationship-building as he approaches his destiny as Israel's next king.

Philistines Reject David from Battle Against Israel

Philistine commanders refuse to let David fight alongside them, fearing he might 'become an adversary' and 'reconcile himself to his lord' Saul during battle.

Achish defends David as 'blameless as an angel of God' but must send him away to avoid displeasing other Philistine lords.

This rejection providentially prevents David from fighting against his own people Israel, protecting his future legitimacy as king.

David's Strategic Wisdom in the Amalekite Crisis

David demonstrates leadership by consulting God through the ephod before pursuing Amalekites: 'Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?'

When 200 men are too exhausted to continue at Brook Besor, David leaves them to guard baggage while 400 pursue the raiders.

David establishes equal sharing of spoils between fighters and guards, making it 'a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.'

David sends gifts from the spoils to elders throughout Judah, strategically building political support for his future reign.

The Tragic End of King Saul's Reign

Saul and his three sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua die in battle against Philistines on Mount Gilboa.

Saul commits suicide by falling on his sword after his armor-bearer refuses to kill him, fearing the Philistines would 'make sport of me.'

Philistines desecrate Saul's body by fastening it to the wall at Beth-shan, but men of Jabesh-gilead retrieve and properly bury the remains.

Psalm 18's Theology of Divine Delight

The psalm's key verse reveals God's motivation: 'He delivered me because he delighted in me' - salvation based on divine love, not human performance.

Father Mike emphasizes that believers don't need to 'perform in order to be preferred' - God already delights in and loves each person.

The psalm describes God's dramatic intervention with cosmic imagery: 'The earth reeled and rocked, the foundations of the mountains trembled.'