Watching House of David on Prime Video, much like The Chosen, left me deeply blessed. These series bring Scripture to life in a way that stirs a fresh desire to read the Bible. Even though creative elements are added, they still honour key biblical truths I grew up learning (front‑row Sunday school seats finally paying off). I absolutely love reading the Bible!
For days afterwards, I found myself reflecting on David with renewed appreciation. His psalms feel even more vivid now that I can imagine the man behind them: the shepherd, the warrior, the worshipper and a true beloved of God. Only a boy when he defeated Goliath the Philistine giant, a story I learnt since I was a little child, and one I still find fascinating even to this day. During bedtime devotion the other night, we read Psalm 16:8: “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” I ended up reading the entire psalm, titled 'A Miktam of David' (Psalm 16, ESV). It is such a beautiful declaration of trust, devotion, and confidence in God’s preserving power; no wonder David is remembered as a man after God’s heart. I pray to walk daily with that same steady trust, knowing that God “makes known to me the path of life” and surrounds me with His preserving presence (Psalm 16:11).
Before moving to the main theme of this post, I paused to
look up the word Miktam, which appears in the headings of Psalms 16 and
56–60. Though its meaning is not defined in Scripture, scholars suggest it may
refer to something engraved, something precious like gold, a musical
instruction, or a hidden prayer–each interpretation highlighting the depth and
value of these psalms. I thought I’d add that in for any of my readers who is also
unfamiliar with the word.
Samuel and King Saul
Watching House of David also led me to reflect on the works
of the prophets and the Holy Spirit. Old Testament prophets were God’s chosen
messengers called to warn, guide, correct, and offer hope to Israel. Samuel
stands out as the last of the judges and the first notable prophet of Israel’s
monarchy, anointing both Saul and David.
My son asked me why God did not simply forgive Saul and spare him from the torment. I explained that our lives are shaped by our choices, and God, who knows the end from the beginning, knew the path Saul would continue to walk despite the warnings from Samuel. Saul repeatedly disobeyed God, and his heart drifted far from Him. Samuel grieved deeply over Saul’s downfall, yet he had to trust God’s wisdom. After all, God had warned Israel about the consequences of demanding a king (1 Samuel 8:1–22). Still, the people insisted, and God allowed them to experience the weight of their choice. God gave us free will; we make our own choices, but it takes wisdom to know that it can be either a blessing or a curse. Saul had all the necessary information to guide him towards making good choices, but at the end of the day, he did exactly what he wanted. An instance is the slaughter of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22:11–19). Saul could have chosen differently. It made me wonder whether only the prophets had the spirit of God within them at that time. Despite all that God did for them, they were all so far away from Him.
Isaiah and King Hezekiah
In contrast, we see God’s mercy displayed in the life of
King Hezekiah. When Isaiah delivered the message, “Set your house in order, for
you shall die and not live” (2 Kings 20:1), Hezekiah responded not with
rebellion but with earnest prayer. He turned his face to the wall, wept
bitterly, and reminded God of his faithful devotion (2 Kings 20:2–3).
Before Isaiah had even left the courtyard, God sent him back
with a new word: He had heard Hezekiah’s prayer and seen his tears. God
promised to heal him and add fifteen more years to his life (2 Kings 20:4–6).
As a sign, the shadow on the sundial moved backwards, an unmistakable
demonstration of God’s sovereignty over time (2 Kings 20:8–11).
Hezekiah later reflected on this mercy, acknowledging that
God had delivered his soul from the pit and cast his sins behind His back
(Isaiah 38:17). Yet 2 Chronicles 32:24–26 reminds us that even after such
grace, Hezekiah had to humble himself to avoid God’s wrath. His story is both
an encouragement and a warning: God responds to sincere prayer, but the heart
must remain humble.
All these prophets: Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, and many others, spoke
directly on God’s behalf. They did not soften or filter His messages, even when
it cost them personally. Their power and authority came from their devotion and
from the Spirit of God resting upon them. As Scripture says, “For no prophecy
was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were
carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
But here is the remarkable truth that struck me:
We have the same power within us as the prophets had, through the same breath of God.
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been given the Holy
Spirit, the Helper, the Spirit of truth who dwells within us permanently (John
14:15–17). What the prophets carried within them is the same as what we carry within
us today–the breath of God. From the beginning of time, this same breath has
always been present…And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the
waters. (Genesis 1:2)
In conclusion, when we read about Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah,
Ezekiel, Daniel, Samuel, or Isaiah, it is easy to admire their boldness without
recognising the source of their strength. God empowered them through His Spirit, and that same Spirit now lives in every believer. God left no role vacant and
no detail unfinished. His plan has always been perfect. If God could work so
powerfully through the prophets, how much more can He work through us when we
yield to His Spirit? Their stories are not just history; they are invitations.
Invitations to trust God like David, obey Him like Samuel, pray like Hezekiah,
and walk boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit who now dwells within us. John 4:24 states: “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (NIV).
If you haven’t yet seen House of David on Prime Video, I’d
encourage you to give it a watch, definitely worth your time! Also, a lovely worship song I know will bless you is the gospel artist Dunsin Oyekan's Breathe!
Don't forget to pick up your copy of Heart Ready on Amazon and visit Voice of the Turtledove and House of Eniyan for lovely T-shirts, Mugs, Totes and many more fabulous items.
Love always!
Ige.xx