The Approach
Biblical interpretation should not be a detached exercise in reading narratives from a safe distance; instead, it invites us to intimately engage with the characters, particularly in their raw flaws and brokenness. It welcomes us to step into their shoes, to feel their struggles, and to empathize with their humanity.
This approach to narrative reading in Scripture serves as a bridge that connects us with Jesus in a profound way. By recognizing our own imperfections mirrored in the lives of these flawed biblical figures, we come to appreciate the transformative power of Christ’s grace and redemption.
It is through this personal connection, as we walk alongside these imperfect heroes of faith, that we not only gain insight into the complexities of the human condition but also find renewed inspiration and hope in our relationship with Jesus, who offers healing and restoration to all, regardless of our brokenness. To put this approach into action, we will look at a narrative from 1 Samuel, connecting with Saul, David, and ultimately Jesus as we explore the story.
The Text: 1 Samuel 18:6-16
“As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’ And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?’ And Saul eyed David from that day on. The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, ‘I will pin David to the wall.’ But David evaded him twice. Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.”
Connecting with Saul
Saul is in a predicament, he experiences a sense of abandonment by God, his sole source of strength. Bereft of divine favor, he’s consumed by anger, jealousy, and violence. The harmful spirit’s torment drives him to spiral downward, away from God, and into himself. Saul, once mighty, is now shattered—his disobedience grieves God and himself. His bitterness drives him to abandon God’s path and reach for a spear.
Though the historical events are unique, the universal dynamics of feeling abandoned by God are familiar. Have you, like Saul, felt forsaken by God? Have you experienced the sting of being left holding the bag on a path you believed He led you down? I have. Previously, I might have approached this text with Pharisaic distance.
Today, I connect with Saul. For broken characters, like us, connect with broken readers. I’ve known the fury, jealousy, and bitterness of feeling abandoned by God. At times, I’ve retreated from Him, choosing to dwell in my isolation rather than bridge the gap. My response, like Saul’s, isn’t always right. I need divine grace as desperately as Saul did. How about you?
Connecting with David
Now, let’s consider David in this narrative. God’s favor shines through every chapter. Despite dodging spears and fearing for his life, David ascends to power, rapidly moving toward the throne. God’s anointing doesn’t shield him from danger; he’s both blessed and pursued. Psalm 59 is believed to have been written during this period. In it, David pleads, “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.” Though perplexed and pained, he processes his emotions before God.
David’s faith rests in turning toward God’s face, even when it seems God is absent. The Psalms are his means of processing pain and confusion. While he experiences emotions similar to Saul’s, his response differs. He brings everything before God. This is faith—to turn to the very One who seemingly forsakes us. C.S. Lewis, in The Screwtape Letters, observes that our faith is most endangered when we intend to follow God yet feel abandoned. David, through the Psalms, demonstrates true faith—grasping the hand that crushes, running to the One who rejects, remembering the One who forgets, clinging to the One who casts off, and facing the One who turns away.
Connecting with Christ
Though absent from the narrative, Christ is its heart. Only three kings in the Bible were anointed by God, and two are central to this story. Yet, the ultimate focus is on the One who accepted abandonment, Jesus Christ. Unlike David, Christ didn’t dodge the spear; He embraced the cross. He bore the world’s sin, enduring abandonment to offer us eternal welcome. Our compassionate high priest sympathizes and understands, having experienced abandonment on our behalf.
His cry on the cross, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” echoes David’s anguish, yet promises the banishment of abandonment from our lips. The cross underpins His promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” If we trust and belong to Him, He’ll never abandon us. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”
Rest assured, “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Even in feelings of abandonment, estrangement, and distance from God, there’s a divine invitation. If you’ve never bridged the gap, God calls you to believe the gospel. For those in the wilderness, bring your pain to His face. Cling to a God who understands and shows boundless compassion.