Who Awakened David From Sleep In The Bible?

Sleep is mentioned many times in the Bible, and it is said that God ordained deep sleep for Adam. The Bible also mentions the temporary sleep of death, referred to by both Jesus and Paul, and the need to be watchful and sober, and wake up from spiritual comas. In the Scriptures, David is mentioned in the context of sleep, specifically in the passage about David and Saul, where David took the spear and cruse of water from Saul's bolster while he was asleep.

David took the spear and water from Saul without waking anyone

The Old Testament tells us of a time when David took the spear and water from Saul without waking anyone. This event is described in 1 Samuel 26:12.

David, who would go on to succeed Saul as King of Israel, was hiding from Saul in the wilderness. Saul had been seeking to kill David, driven by jealousy and fear. Despite this, David had two opportunities to kill Saul but refused to do so, showing his respect for the Lord's anointed king. The first of these two occasions is described in 1 Samuel 24, and the second in 1 Samuel 26.

The second of these occasions is the incident in which David took Saul's spear and water without anyone waking. David and his companion, Abishai, had infiltrated Saul's camp at night while everyone was asleep. David took the spear and a jug or jar of water from Saul's bolster, or from beside Saul's head, and he and Abishai slipped away without being seen or heard.

This was possible because the Lord had put Saul's men into a deep sleep. The text tells us that "no one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up". David and Abishai were able to get away and then call out to Saul's army from a distance, revealing that David had been there but had chosen not to harm Saul.

This episode demonstrates David's trust in God's protection and his honour towards Saul, despite Saul's pursuit of David. It also highlights the power of God, who can put people into a deep sleep to fulfil his purposes.

David slept and was laid to his fathers

The phrase "David slept and was laid to his fathers" refers to the biblical character David's death and burial. In the Bible, the phrase "to sleep" is often used as a euphemism for death, and "to be laid to one's fathers" means to be buried with one's ancestors.

David, the second king of Israel, is a significant figure in the Old Testament. He is known for his victory over Goliath, as well as his reign as king, which lasted forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. After his death, David was succeeded by his son, Solomon, who took the throne of Israel.

The Bible describes David's death in the following way: "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption." This passage suggests that David's death was peaceful, and that he was reunited with his ancestors in death.

The idea of being laid to rest with one's fathers is a common theme in the Bible. It reflects the belief that death is a natural part of life and that the deceased will be reunited with their loved ones in the afterlife. This phrase also emphasizes the sense of family and community that was important in biblical times.

David's burial place is said to be in the City of David, which is located in Jerusalem. His burial site is considered a significant location in the biblical narrative, and it serves as a reminder of David's legacy and impact on the history of Israel.

David rose early

The Bible makes several references to sleep, including the story of David, who, after serving his generation by the will of God, fell asleep and was laid to rest with his fathers.

The Bible also mentions David rising early. In the book of Samuel, for example, we read about David rising early and sneaking into Saul's camp to take his spear and water jug while Saul and his men were still asleep. This event highlights David's courage and resourcefulness, as he was able to get past Saul's guards unnoticed.

David's early rising in 1 Samuel 17:20 also demonstrates his initiative and willingness to take on challenges. In this passage, David, still a young man, volunteers to fight Goliath, the Philistine champion, whom no Israelite soldier had dared to face in battle. David's boldness and faith in God led to a significant victory for the Israelites.

The Bible also mentions other early risers, including Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and Jesus. In Genesis 19:27 and 28:18-19, we read about Abraham and Jacob, respectively, waking up early to offer sacrifices to God. Moses, in Exodus 9:13, is described as getting up early to pray for God's mercy on the Egyptian people during a plague of hail. Joshua, in Joshua 6:12, rose early to lead the Israelites in their final march around Jericho, causing the city's walls to fall. Mark 1:35 tells us that Jesus often rose early to pray in solitary places, demonstrating his dedication to his spiritual practice.

The habit of waking up early is praised in Proverbs 31:15, which describes a woman of noble character who rises early to provide for her household. Shane Heilman, in his book "Awake, O Sleeper: Getting Up Early," encourages Christians to follow this example by prioritizing their spiritual lives and setting the tone for their days. He suggests that waking up early allows individuals to start their day with intention and purpose, aligning their actions with their life's mission.

The Lord ordained deep sleep for Adam

The Bible describes several instances of people falling asleep and waking up from sleep. However, the only instance of someone being awakened from sleep by another person appears to be in the story of David and Saul.

In this story, David takes a spear and a cruse of water from Saul's bolster while he and everyone else are asleep because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them. This specific incident suggests that the Lord ordained a deep sleep from which David woke Saul and his men, although it is not explicitly stated in the text.

The Bible mentions other instances of deep sleep, such as when the keeper of the prison awoke from his sleep and, finding the prison doors open, drew his sword and intended to kill himself, assuming that the prisoners had escaped. There is also a mention of a young man named Eutychus who fell into a deep sleep while Paul was preaching and ended up falling from the third loft and being taken up dead.

Additionally, the Bible speaks of the sleep of a laboring man, describing it as sweet, regardless of whether he eats a little or a lot. In contrast, the abundance of the rich is said to keep them from restful sleep. This passage highlights the theme of sleep as a great leveler, bringing everyone to a state of vulnerability and dependence.

Furthermore, the Bible mentions the Lord's power over sleep, stating that He can cause people to sleep perpetually and not wake, as mentioned in the book of Kings. This passage showcases the Lord's sovereignty even over sleep and death, emphasizing His authority and judgment.

Sleep is a spiritual discipline

The Industrial Revolution brought about a shift in sleeping habits, as people began to regulate their sleep to accommodate busy work schedules. However, this change in sleeping patterns has led to a growing awareness of the importance of sleep for both physical and spiritual health. Dallas Willard emphasizes this by stating that "one of the most important spiritual activities is getting adequate sleep."

To achieve a thriving spiritual life, it is essential to prioritize sleep and rest. Thought, prayer, creativity, and intimacy are all enhanced when we are well-rested. Preparing for sleep involves various practices, such as turning off electronic devices, setting aside clothes for the next day, and engaging in prayer or meditation.

Sleep allows us to connect with our spiritual selves and gain clarity. It is a time when our physical bodies rest, and our minds become receptive to spiritual guidance. This is reflected in the book of Psalms, where we are told to "be still." By surrendering to sleep, we open ourselves to receiving strength and guidance from the divine.

In conclusion, sleep is a spiritual discipline that requires us to trust in a higher power and surrender our worries and concerns. By prioritizing sleep, we honor the temple that houses the Holy Spirit and prepare ourselves to face the challenges of the waking world with renewed spiritual, emotional, and physical strength.

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