Tuesday, June 4 – 1 Samuel 22, 23 – Additional Reading: “Patriarchs and Prophets” Chapter 64, “David a fugitive”

1. Who informed Saul that David had been in Nob with Ahimelech, the priest? (1 Samuel 22:9)

2. Why did Saul disregard the truth concerning Ahimelech and David? (1 Samuel 22:13-16)

3. What did David do before going into battle? (1 Samuel 23:1,2)

Commentary and Reflection

In today’s chapters, we find David as a fugitive, fleeing from Saul, who had strayed from God’s purpose and will. Saul had forgotten how he had become king, who had literally plucked him from obscurity, who had helped him locate his father’s donkeys, and whose Spirit had anointed him. Now, consumed by jealousy, Saul clung to power and committed unjust and horrific acts, becoming a puppet of the enemy.

From Saul’s experience, we learn how someone called by God can stray so far when they deviate from the path of faith and obedience. Saul’s unchecked jealousy led him to betray the Lord, even to the point of plotting the massacre of his priests. Jealousy has the power to inflict great harm.

David’s experience also teaches us valuable lessons. God’s timing is paramount, even if it seems delayed. His call exposes us to the enemy’s attacks. While we may face adversity and must flee, we must wait patiently, never losing sight of our ultimate allegiance. We must always seek guidance from the Lord and remember that, in the course of obedience, our battles are ultimately His, not ours.

“The discipline of suffering was operative even in the life of Jesus. The Captain of our salvation was made “perfect through sufferings” (Heb. 2:10). David, by returning to the midst of all the controversial elements in Judah, was so to conduct himself as to bring courage to all those about him. God today is anxious to demonstrate the loyalty of His children, in every type of environment. He does not want His children to retreat when circumstances become difficult. He desires His followers to demonstrate the beauty of the Christian religion and reveal its vast superiority over the service of self and Satan.” (SDABC, 1 Samuel 22:5)

Alan Redpath, an English pastor and preacher, beautifully comments, “These are the kind of men who came to David: afflicted, broken, dissatisfied. These are the type of people who come to Christ, and they are the only ones who come to Him because they have recognized their own affliction, their debt, and their insolvency. They are aware that they are completely discontented. The simple pressures of these frustrations lead them to the refuge of the blood of Christ, which was shed for them.” Alan Redpath

It is indeed tragic when one becomes an enemy of God’s plan and His chosen ones. Saul’s pursuit of David, driven by a spirit of tribal preservation and personal gain, caused division among God’s people. Such actions align with the enemy’s agenda in opposing God’s plan.

May the Lord grant us clarity of mind and steadfastness of purpose, guiding us to fight His battles, participate in His plan, and uphold the unity of His people.

Wishing you a profoundly blessed day.

Pastor Abel Paulin