1 Samuel 22 -- God Reigns In The Havoc

David left Philistine territory and moved to the cave of Adullam, about 15 miles from Bethlehem.  He was back in friendly territory, and there men of Judah and Benjamin began to join his band, as did all of his family.  "David ended up with 400 high quality fighting men, and the number later increased to 600 ... True leaders attract the best people who see in the leader those qualities of character that they most admire," my commentary said.  "What looked like a cave to others was to David a divine sanctuary, for the Lord was his portion and his refuge ... He trusted the Lord to see him through.  He knew that God would keep His promises and give him the throne and the kingdom."

David moved his parents to Moab for their safety during his exile.  "David's great-grandmother Ruth came from Moab, and this may have helped David to gain their support."

Doeg the Edomite had witnessed David's visit with Ahimelech the priest, and saw that the holy bread was eaten by David's men, and that David had retrieved Goliath's sword, which was his property after defeating Goliath.  He told Saul, who summoned Ahimelech and his family and held an illegal trial.  Based on no evidence, he condemned them all to death, but his soldiers refused to kill the priests of the Lord, so Saul had Doeg do the deed.  Doeg exceeded his mandate, killing all of the inhabitants of Nob also, along with all of their farm animals!   "The things that Samuel had warned about the monarchy and even more were now taking place," my commentary noted.

"While this unjust trial and illegal sentence disturbs us, we must keep in mind that it was part of God's plan.  This slaughter of the priests was a partial fulfillment of the ominous prophecy that had been given to unfaithful Eli, for God promised to replace the house of Eli with the house of Zadok."

Father, Satan uses treachery in our lives today to try and thwart Your will.  But You are sovereign, and You overrule him.  Please be sovereign in my life and overrule Satan's attempts to dishonor and control those I love.  Be God over us all, Father.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford