From The Archives

Saul’s defeat and death paved the way for David’s reign—which also eventually crumbled. So why should we spend time considering Israel’s Old Testament kings in the first place? Alistair Begg pauses to answer this question at the outset of a new study in 2 Samuel. Since David’s story points forward to Christ, it’s an essential part of the whole Bible, which in turn contains the great story at the very center of world history: that of Christ and His eternal kingship.

Topics: From the Archives

King Saul, who began his reign with great promise and potential, was brutally and disgracefully defeated by the Philistines. His tragic story is a warning to all of us, cautions Alistair Begg. The Bible teaches that death is not the end of existence; therefore, placing hope in human power is folly. Confronted by political chaos, social disintegration, and our own mortality, we are reminded that our hope and refuge is Jesus, the only King who triumphed over death and hell.

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For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20 ESV)

Everyone experiences anger. How can we deal with this emotion in a biblical way? In this selection of sermons, Alistair Begg reminds us that we have a new identity in Christ, who calls us to a different response when we are tempted to become angry.

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David’s deceptive activity among the Philistines created a dilemma when he was conscripted to join the army assembled against Israel. But God did not abandon him to his sin. As Alistair Begg explains, David’s unforeseen deliverance by way of the Philistine commanders reveals the depths of God’s mercy and the mystery of His purposes. While David had been saved many times before, he ultimately needed to be saved from himself—and so do we.

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As the Philistines gathered their forces, King Saul was alone and desperate. Afraid for his life, he inquired of the Lord, but after years of ignoring God’s word, Saul received no answer. He then disguised himself and consulted a medium, only for an apparition of Samuel to tell him of his impending death. As Alistair Begg explains, Saul’s hopeless situation reflects our natural condition apart from Christ. If we hear God’s voice today, we must not harden our hearts.

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After sparing Saul’s life a second time, David allowed fear to overturn his confidence in God’s protection. Rather than seeking refuge in the Lord, he escaped into enemy territory and out of Saul’s reach. His success was short-lived, however, as his lies to Achish, king of Gath, soon led to trouble. As Alistair Begg notes, David’s duplicitous activity reminds us that all men are fallible. We must keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, the one true King, in whom there is no deceit.

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Many have tried to define the glory of God. The Bible often describes it as a light far brighter than anything seen on earth. But what does that mean for us as Christians? In this selection of sermons, Alistair Begg examines what the Bible says about the glory of the Lord, reminding us that we are to give Him the glory He is due.

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After Saul yet again moved against him, David infiltrated the king’s camp and found him sleeping and helpless. But David was a man of conviction, not convenience; instead of slaying his enemy, he spared Saul’s life for a second time. As Alistair Begg reminds us, though, David’s faithfulness would eventually crumble in the face of temptation. Only Jesus fulfills all righteousness, which He imparts to all who place their trust in Him.

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After protecting men in the wilderness that were not his own, David sent word to their master, Nabal, asking for provisions. Nabal, however, spurned David’s kindness and repaid evil for good. While David planned to avenge himself through bloodshed, God’s unseen hand was at work to prevent him from sinning. As Alistair Begg explains, the timely intervention of Nabal’s wife, Abigail, illustrates God’s restraining grace. Like David, we can rejoice and bless God for His providential grace in our lives.

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Life may seem like a series of disconnected events, but behind the scenes, God is always working out His plan. When David made a reasonable request of a wealthy man named Nabal, he received a dismissive, selfish response. Enraged, David prepared to avenge himself, but the Lord intervened by means of a timely report from an unnamed young man. Examining God’s sovereign care through this incident’s characters and circumstances, Alistair Begg assures us that believers remain safe in the Father’s arms.

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