1 Samuel 23 -- WHAT To Do??

David was a man on the run from a jealous king, with 600 people under his care.  It was therefore vitally important that he made correct decisions.  How did he do it?  “David asked the Lord … The Lord answered him.”  Over and over and over.

 

In his hatred of David, Saul was failing to defend Israel from Philistine invasions.  David acted more kingly by being concerned for his future subjects and traveling to help despite his own problems – even when those he helped were unappreciative enough that they told Saul where to find him!

 

This chapter has important information about how God informs us of things.  David asked God if Saul would come.  God answered yes.  He then asked if the leaders of the city would hand him over to Saul.  God again answered yes.  It would at first seem that God was leading David to be captured by Saul.  But what I’ve read over the years is that what God was doing was telling David what would happen if he stayed on his present course.  In other words, “This is where this is going if you do nothing different.”  So David moved, and Saul did not capture him.

 

The people of Ziph were afraid that Saul would call them collaborators because David was in the area, so they ran to Saul with news and agreed to do reconnaissance.  Saul said, “The Lord bless you for helping me!”  But Saul had ordered 85 priests killed and had been rejected by God as king.  God WILL NOT BLESS things that are out of his will, even when we ASK!

 

As Saul chased David’s men around a mountain, he was leaving Israel undefended again because of his hatred of David.  God sovereignly allowed the Philistines to again attack, and upon receiving word of it, Saul had to break off the chase and rush to defend his country.

 

Father, thank You for the reminder that I need to ask you for guidance in all things and to listen for Your reply, because You are faithful and will help when we ask.  Thanks also for the reminder to always stay in Your will.  Continue to guide me.  Help me to determine when Your answers include that implied “if you stay on this present course” so I’ll know to change course.

 

Your Brother