We live in a day in which multitudes believe that God’s only interest in violent warfare is to express disapproval of it. Many suggest that the God of the Old Testament is discredited and that he has been replaced by the New Testament God on only love and peace. Such a view ignores the positive teaching of Romans 13:1–7. There we are told that rulers, bearing the sword in just causes and in defense of the good, are God’s agents of justice.
   Many pacifists refuse to recognize the depths of evil in the hearts of those rogues who rule aggressive and oppressive states. Others, with the same devotion to no aggression, are relatives who are angered to hear anyone label one cause ‘evil’ and another ‘good’. The hand of divine providence is not withheld from any war. At times the design of neither combatant is accomplished, but a third design (in the secret will of God) is established. All warriors may be left with ‘unintended consequences’, to their way of thinking.

—Walter J. Chantry, David: Man of Prayer, Man of War (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth Trust, 2007), 35-36.

   How is it that some tell us the saints did not possess the Spirit in the Old Testament era? Is true that they did not possess the fullness of the revelation objectively given, nor did they have the fullness of the Spirit’s inward operations upon the least in the kingdom of God, as would be given in the New Covenant. Yet, as we observe David’s zeal for the glory of the living God, his sterling faith in the Almighty, and his wisdom beyond human years, who would not stand amazed at the heights to which the Holy Spirit carried him? And, as we read and ponder the Psalms, which of us does not yearn to draw near to David’s inward levels of spiritual exercise?
   The same Holy Spirit who was operative at the creation is operative in the work of new creation before Christ came. Exploits of the saints before our Lord’s coming can be explained in no other way than this, ‘The Spirit of the Lord rushed upon’ them. Let us not make a folk-hero or a super-human figure out of David. He is another of the saints of Hebrews 11. The Spirit of the Lord was with them all.
   As David left Saul’s tent [to face Goliath], the youth, soon to be the new hero of Israel, had his eye confidently fixed upon his God. The once-popular leader of God’s people had lost God’s Spirit, God’s favor, God’s prophet, and God’s word for his guidance. With these losses came the loss of courage, joy, peace, and a sound mind. It is a stunning contrast.
   Rather, let us crave in our lives the presence of the Holy Spirit, producing the same qualities to be found in David. Let us ask the Father for the Holy Spirit daily. Let us beware of quenching, grieving, and sinning against the Holy Spirit. Saul stands as a monument of warning.
   Jesus once said with eloquent brevity, ‘Remember Lot’s wife.’ it would be well to say, ‘Remember Saul.’ the Spirit of the Lord departed from him. That too is a reality.
   Others since his day have shared his experience. Sensitively welcome the Spirit as the holy Guest he is. Fall in step with the Spirit.

—Walter J. Chantry, David: Man of Prayer, Man of War (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth Trust, 2007), 31-32.

I love Banner of Truth! My bookshelves have filled to overflowing, and Banner of Truth is largely to blame. They are fast becoming the dominant publisher in my library. With works from the Reformers and Puritans to great Reformed authors still living today, Banner is one of the very few publishers today who really publish no bad books. I have just recently received my first Banner publication written by a living author, David: Man of Prayer, Man of War by Walter J. Chantry. Here is the first of what I am sure will be several quotes: