Rising Above Rejection, Contempt & Heartache (Lessons from a King)

When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” 1 Samuel 17:28

The Bible does not give us the time lapse between David’s anointing by Samuel as Israel’s future king and the scene that took place in the Valley of Elah. We do know that between his anointing and the battle against the Philistines, David split time between his father’s sheep farm and the king’s palace, where he played the harp to soothe Saul’s tormented heart.

Jesse’s three oldest sons –Eliab, Abinadab and Shammah, had left the farm and enlisted in Saul’s army. Their father was concerned with his sons’ well-being and sent David to check on them and bring them food. As we read on, we watch David arriving at the camp, just to find an entire army trembling in fear at the sight of its powerful enemy, led by a nine-foot-tall giant who dared shout blasphemies against Israel’s God.

They forgot Who led their army.

“Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.” 1 Samuel 17:24

David wanted to know more. So, he asked around for details of what was happening, and how on earth Israel intended to stop the affront.

“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v.26)

Eliab – Jesse’s first born – was standing nearby, looking at David with contempt. Anger burned within. ‘What on earth is this arrogant brat doing here?’ – he must have thought. He then took a step forward and decided to stop the non-sense.

“What are you doing here? Where did you leave the sheep? Why are you not doing your job? I know you think you are all that and your heart is wicked. You just want to watch us get a whooping, don’t you?”

If you read his words, you’ll see my paraphrasing is pretty accurate. There’s no question David is not Eliab’s favorite.

But think about it. Jesse’s handsome firstborn had been close to becoming king. When Samuel visited their farm, Eliab was the first son paraded in front of the prophet. Samuel thought he was it. You can picture the prophet’s face lighten up when he saw the strong-looking, handsome man. Eliab could almost feel the first drop of oil fall on his head, when Yahweh stopped the prophet on his tracks, redirecting his attention to the next son. And then the next. And the next… seven times was Samuel instructed to look on… until his eyes fell upon little David.

To say Eliab resented David is an understatement. The anger in his words says it all. And David’s answer tells us more about this family conflict:

“Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” (v.29)

What David really meant to ask was… “what have I done NOW?”

It certainly was not the first time Eliab showed dislike for little brother. By the way their father almost dismissed David during the King selection process and Eliab’s disdain, there’s no question David was overlooked, underappreciated and even scorned by his own.

Can anyone relate?

Have you ever felt unappreciated, neglected, underestimated, perhaps forgotten even? Have you ever thought… If I did not wake up tomorrow, would anyone even miss me? Does my opinion even matter? Will I ever be noticed?

At work, school, and even at home, so many people live every day feeling like no one sees them. They may be the last player chosen on a team, get passed over for a promotion, or sit alone at a lunch table at school. They may live in a house full of people… and yet, feel hopelessly alone.

They may walk the hallways of our churches, longing for someone to care. Wishing someone would see past their cordial smiles… and into their broken lives. Within their hearts, a longing grows, as they feel less and less connected to the world around them.

For some… the longing turns into depression, the depression turns into despair.

“Will anyone ever see me? Listen to me? Want me?”

Can I tell you something?

If today you feel neglected, forgotten and unappreciated, you are in good company. The only character in the Bible who God called “a man after His own heart” (Acts 13:22) was overlooked, persecuted and underestimated too. Click To Tweet

He was small in stature, and that’s what the world focused on. He was plain in looks and his profession was not glamorous. And still, Someone more important than his family, his friends and foe alike, saw him.

He.saw.him.

And that was enough for David.

David knew his limitations. He knew he was indeed not “all that.” But he knew the One he loved with all his heart… was. And that’s what he anchored his mind and heart on, every time the world turned against him.

Yes. That was David's secret to victory. Whenever despair, persecution or loneliness haunted him, He invited Yahweh to fill the void. Click To Tweet

It maybe that you feel small today. Unwanted. Alone.

King David, the shepherd boy who knew rejection, loneliness and persecution, sings from the pages of Scriptures… reminding your broken heart today: The One who made you… and knows your heart… NEVER forgets you. Click To Tweet