As an expositor of the scriptures, I have been studying and preaching on the life of David for over two years. One of the most intriguing aspects of David’s life is the apparent lack of support from his own brothers. Others, such as Jonathan, recognized the faith, dedication, and loyalty of David. But the sons of Jesse don’t demonstrate support for him.
We see something similar in the life of Joseph. His brothers sold him into slavery and told Jacob that he was killed. So maybe this shouldn’t be surprising. However, in Joseph’s case the reader can easily understand the reasons why the brothers may have disliked Joseph. No such reasons are evident for David.
To uncover reasons for David, one must act as a detective piecing together strips of clues that independently mean very little but together paint a faint picture of their rationale.
The author will use observations from scripture to present circumstantial evidence as for why David has no support from his own brothers.
The author will layout evidence as if he is in a court of law presenting his findings to the judge and jury.
The author will present the case from Eliab’s point of view as to why he wanted nothing to do with David’s leadership.
The author will use David’s own words to support Eliab’s point of view.
Finally, the author will highlight that even if Eliab’s case is solid, God has the last word, and it is for a greater purpose. This is the most important point of all.