So Saul returned from pursuing David, and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. And David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of Engedi. (verse 28-29)
Message: David Escapes Saul
Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).
What the Lord is Saying: At the end chapter 22, Saul had come across Ahimelech the priest who had given David consecrated bread or holy bread and then also Goliath's sword. Saul didn't like this and had Ahimelech and entourage killed, but his son Abiathar, the priest escaped. He let David know and David promised to keep him safe. David safeguarded his family in the area of Moab, but Saul continues to pursue David.
At the beginning of chapter 23, David is informed that the Philistines "are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors." The threshing floors, in the city of Keilah, are the elevated, open-air, and hardened surfaces where Israelite farmers processed their grain harvest, usually on a hilltop to catch the wind. Basically, the area that supplies their food. The Lord tells David to "Go and attack" but David's men are wondering if this is wise, so David asks the Lord again and again receives confirmation to go. They go and they conquer the Philistines, protecting Keilah.
In verse 6, Abiathar mentions coming to David at Keilah with an ephod. What is this ephod? Doing some research it appears to be a part of the garment of a high priest. It is a linen cloth that is draped in the middle from the waist about down to the knee. But it could have been jeweled as well. It is some sort of tool used to inquire of the Lord, to determine his will. Perhaps to cast lots. Abiathar has the ephod in his hand.
David wanted the ephod (v.9). Saul believes that "God has delivered him into my hand" referring to David. This seems peculiar that Saul thought that pious and God trusting David needs to be delivered into his hand. It is like Saul who it seems to be was anointed by God at some point but now has an evil spirit sent his way and yet thinks God is working to give him what he wants. In other words, anyone can call on the name of God and think that God is working for his good. Anyone can make this claim, but simply making this claim does not mean someone is called by God.
After David gets the Ephod he called on God in verse 10. He asks God for guidance and understanding regarding Saul coming to Keilah and the Lord says, "He will come down. (verse 11)" And David finds out that God will indeed surrender David into the hand of Saul if David stays in the city of Keilah. So instead David goes to the hill country, wilderness of Ziph. Saul once again finds out about this, but Jonathan once again makes a covenant with David to protect him. The Ziphites also say they will surrender David into Saul's hand (verse 20).
Next David goes to the wilderness of Maon and once again Saul pursues him there. "David was hurrying to get away from Saul (verse 26)." Saul goes to the Philistines and David finally in the last verse of the chapter is in the strongholds of Engedi.
Interesting chapter. Saul thinks he has the Lord on his side, but is actually David that uses the priestly garment, the ephod to call on the Lord and God tells him what will happen if he goes to these other lands, first Keilah. If he ends up there, those men will surrender David to Saul. Therefore, David goes elsewhere. The Lord is protecting David, warning him what will happen if he goes certain places. He is displaying His providence. God uses enemies of Israel later, to move Saul away from David and toward the Philistines. As always we can trust that God works things out.
Summary: God is still directing David as David continues to call on him for guidance as Saul continues to pursue David. David is escaping though and each time God's providence is evident.
Promise: God is directing the path of His people at all times, using all situations for His glory and our deliverance.
Prayer: God you are great and this word reminds me that you safeguard your people. You keep our enemies far from us, but we must continually seek You. We must continually trust in You and be guided by You and ask for your guidance in our life.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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