David's Journey to the Throne

I've been hashing over the life of David this summer.  I find his life like a kaleidoscope--each way I turn it, I find another pattern to think through.  Publically, his journey to the throne was a long one.  It begins after an inauspicious visit by Samuel, followed by a long season of waiting and strife.

From a fleshly perspective, what does David get for his anointing?  He faithfully serves Saul only to be attacked intimately by Saul's spear then more corporately hunted as a fugitive.  David's integrity toward God and his men through these years is sterling.   Though he has opportunity to take Saul's life twice, he refuses.   

TBC....