(1 Sam. 16:18)
In 1 Samuel 16:14–23 we find the story of the last of the four armorbearers.
King Saul was troubled. He had a distressing spirit and decided to find a skillful musician who could ease his oppressed state of mind. David was the young man recommended to the king by one of his servants.
David was sent to Saul, bearing gifts, and we are told that Saul “loved him greatly” and made him his armorbearer. (v. 21.) He could minister strength to Saul, causing him to feel “refreshed” and “well.” (v. 23.) In verse 18, the young armorbearer was described as:
- skillful in playing,
- a mighty man of valor,
- a man of war,
- prudent in speech,
- handsome in appearance, and
- one whom the Lord was with.
All of these qualities are biblical descriptions of a true armorbearer.
Perhaps the fact that David had once been Saul’s armorbearer further explains his attitude when he later declared that he would not touch “the Lord’s anointed.” (1 Sam. 26:9.) No matter how hard Saul tried to kill David or how many opportunities David had to slay Saul, David never struck back.
Did David walk in the same reverential fear that caused Saul’s future armorbearer to refuse to kill him? More than likely, yes. This respect and honor toward God’s anointed may also explain David’s attitude of extreme repentance, sorrow, and humility before Saul after he had sneaked up behind the king in a cave and cut off the edge of his robe. (1 Sam. 24:1–6.)
David was a true armorbearer, one who held no grudges, but faithfully and obediently withstood his captain’s harsh treatment. The result was his eventual promotion to his own place of high respect and honor.
Review the description of David above and evaluate how your leader and others would describe you. Make any necessary adjustments.
- Are you skillful at your craft?
- Are you a mighty man of valor?
- Are you proficient in spiritual warfare?
- Are you prudent in speech and pleasant in appearance?
- Do you “touch not” God’s anointed?
- Do you readily repent and operate in humility?
- Do you walk in love and refuse to hold grudges when treated harshly?
- Is it obvious to others that the Lord is with you?
Heavenly Father, I want to be an armorbearer of excellence. You know what is in my heart, but I want these characteristics to abound in me so that they are apparent to all. I am committed to having the same respect and humility toward my leader that David had toward Saul, regardless of anything my leader says or does. And I pray for my leader, that these characteristics would abound in him as well so that he will never get off track and go the way of Saul. I trust You to keep him. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.