1 Samuel 23-24 -- Trusting In God And His Provision

The city of Keilah came under attack by the Philistines.  "David paused to determine the will of God, a practice every leader needs to imitate, for it's easy for our own personal interests to get in the way of God's will."  Saul, on the other had, was more concerned about capturing David than defending Israel.  David's men weren't enthusiastic about the plan, so David inquired of God again.  "It wasn't David's unbelief that created the problem, because he had faith in the Lord, but the fear in the hearts of his men made them unprepared for battle," my commentary said.

This chapter is filled with "David asked .... and God answered."  It's awesome to see a leader in such close communion with God!  God guided David and his men away from Saul's attackers and even called the Philistines to attack another part of Israel so that Saul's army would have to leave, saving David and his men.  "The Lord was watching over the future king."

My commentary labeled the first four verses of chapter 24 as "David's Temptation."  God had sovereignly placed David and his men deep within a cave and then led Saul to use that very cave for a bathroom, with no help around him.  David's men just knew that this was God's way of delivering Saul for swift justice and death.  "David saw it as an opportunity to show mercy and prove that his heart was right.  God was giving him an opportunity to answer his own prayer for vindication."  God allowed David to stealthily approach Saul and cut a corner off of the robe he'd laid aside as he relieved himself.  Once Saul had exited the cave and traveled a safe distance away, David called out to him, asking him to check the corner of his robe.  That proved that David could have  killed Saul but didn't.  "Saul admitted that David was a godly man who, by not slaying him, returned good for evil ... Saul openly confessed that he knew David would be the next king and would consolidate the nation of Israel that Saul had torn apart ... David had won many battles, but one of his greatest victories occurred in that cave, when he restrained himself and his men from killing Saul," my commentary concluded.

Father God, I too seek Your will and guidance today for a very important decision.  Please let me know what Your plan is and what our role is to be.  Through this, let others know that we trust in You and have no intentions for evil.  Vindicate us as well.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford