I Samuel 23 - David Escapes Saul

I Samuel 23

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.

Proverbs 13:2 - Violent Words

Proverbs 13:2

From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good,

But the desire of the treacherous is violence.

Message: Violent Words

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Reading Tabletalk and the article "Violent Words" and the author translates this verse, "From the fruit of their lips people eat what is good, but the unfaithful desire violence." There is a contrast here between wise, helpful, kind, thoughtful words and words that destroy or tear down. 

In the heat of anger, how are we sometimes responding? In this moment, the person we are fighting with becomes a sort of enemy with our biting, sarcastic and vengeful words. It could be a friend, co-worker, or even spouse or parent. Often, through our words we want to inflict pain. It happens. Our sense of entitlement takes over. Our expectations are unmet. We feel wronged. 

As quickly as I run to anger, I need to quickly run to repenting, confessing to God first, and then to the other party, asking forgiveness and truly forgiving others. I admit I sort it out first in my mind and try to get past it. 

In these tense moments, I don't have to respond with sin. That sometimes is the hard part for me: how do I act differently? What should I have done instead? How do I take these wronged feelings and not respond with anger and being threatened. How do I pursue the offense without hurtful words? Not sure I know any other way to get it resolved. Sometimes at work I see often that what stirs me up and angers me rarely works out for me, reminding me that my many words of emotion didn't get me anywhere but disappointment and anger and mess up other relationships or other times of enjoyment. 

Prayer: Lord, I need help. I think of my son who struggles with this as well. As he approaches these scenario's which make him made how do we respond differently. How can we still get our concern out and yet not sin? Teach me to do it in love. Teach me to not be swept away by those feelings and still deal with the situation, but with love and hope, seeking you Lord with direction and guidance. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 22 - Saul Kills the Priests at Nob

I Samuel 22

Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s own son-in-law, who is commander over your bodyguard, and is honored in your house? (verse 14)

Message: Saul Kills the Priests at Nob

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: The Fugitive. Sort of funny to me, but that's what I'm thinking David is right now. Of course, he hasn't really done anything wrong, though Saul would heartily disagree. Saul it seems feels threatened by him. Saul wants to be king of the hill and David, chosen by God, and responding to this calling by trusting in God and seeing good things happen to him and the people of Israel has gotten in the way. Saul is the people's choice for king and though looks the part is not one who seems to put God first. 

As David is fleeing, Saul's son Jonathan and daughter Michal (David's wife) have been trying to help. David is now without his wife, simply going from town to town to stay alive. 

In Chapter 21, Dave had fled to Gath, more on the western side of Israel in the region of Judah. Next he heads east to the cave of Adullam. About 10 miles in distance so easily a day's journey or half a day. Once he gets to the cave, his family shows up -- parents and brothers -- as well as a bunch of others. And then David goes to Mizpah of Moab. He shelters and leaves his parents there while it is recommended he go back to the forest of Hereth in the land of Judah. 

Saul is hearing about David and the other men. He tells them that David basically doesn't have what he has to offer them - land and possibilities to be over armies. Doeg the Edomite, one of Saul's men, witnessed David with Ahimelech and mentions this to Saul. Saul summons Ahimelech and questions him, wondering why he has conspired against him. Ahimelech had provided David a sword and holy bread (chapter 21). Ahimelech tries to defend himself. He basically throws it back into Saul's face stating he is "commander over your bodyguard, and is honored in your house? (verse 14)" Well, Saul doesn't respond to this very well and wants Ahimelech seized and killed. 

Saul asks his servants to take care of Ahimelech and his other men, but they refuse, so he speaks to Doeg who has no problem killing folks. He kills 85, but in the process, Ahimelech's son -- Abiathar-- escapes. "Abiathar informed David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord (verse 21)." And David tells Abiathar, "For you are safe with me (verse 23)." 

Summary: David continues to flee but he makes sure his parents are safe in Moab while he goes back to Judah. Saul meanwhile apprehends Ahimelech and has Doeg kill him and his entourage while Ahimelech's son Abiathar goes to David and has refuge. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- Nothing is too vile for men to do when God has given them over to the lust of their hearts. Only the restraining hand of God keeps people from being as bad as they could possibly be.

Prayer: God, you are rich in mercy. And grace. Thank you for protecting me and the people of God for your glory. Evil happens. But Lord you restrain evil according to your sovereign plan. It is hard to see it occur. But I will trust in You. Keep me focused on You. Thank you for keeping me safe as David did with the priest Abiathar. And help me to protect my parents, my father and my wife's mother, and I pray my children will do the same with me. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 21 - David on the Run

I Samuel 21

Then the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you would take it for yourself, take it. For there is no other except it here.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” (verse 9)

Message: David on the Run

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: In the last lesson, David had fled to Ramah. Now he is in Nob (verses 1-9), that is northeast of Jerusalem only about 2 1/2 miles. Ramah is about 3 miles north of Jerusalem. These are places close by. Later he will go to Gath (10-15). Gath is 40 miles in the opposite direction, west. 

David is on the run. Reminds me of one of my favorite TV series, the Fugitive. Like Richard Kimble, David has been accused of something he believes he has not done. But Saul is after him, much like Samuel Gerard of the police is after Richard Kimble. 

When questioned by Ahimelech, the priest there who seems a little surprised that he has met up with David as he probably knows Saul is after him, David responds with a lie in verse 2. He says he has been sent on a mission by the king and no one is to know what it is about. David needs supplies - loaves of bread. Well Ahimelech only has holy bread. He gets it defending himself that he is ceremonially clean having been denied women since the blood from their period makes one unclean. Ahimelech also for some reason has Goliath's sword and gives that to David as well. 

Jesus refers to this passage as recorded in Matthew 12:1-8 citing in verses 3-4, "Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions— how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone?" The idea there being that there is sometimes something greater than a law set up for ceremonial purposes only and the real issue is David's life and his eventual leadership on the throne. So the ceremonial law is allowed to not be adhered to in order to save David's life. The conflict in this instance was moral law and ceremonial. In this instance, the ceremonial law can give way. Preserving life is more important than preserving a law. 

David did things and said things that were not on the surface proper. He is a sinner but his action kept him safe. 

Now onto Gath. The people recognized him there and so David felt like he should display himself as being insane to get out of that situation because the king of Gath - Achish - wanted nothing to do with a crazy man. 

Summary: David flees to Nob and then Gath. In Nob, the ceremonial law is broken so that David's life can be preserved and he pretends to be insane in order to keep him free from custody of the king in Gath. 

Promise: Perhaps at times, though actions seems wrong, they are justifiable in the situation. 

Prayer: Lord, life is of utmost important always and your purposes in life are most important. Perhaps sometimes life gets in the way of this and the way of the world needs to adjust to the way of God. Give me wisdom and guidance as I speak to people and help me to know how to respond to others. Life is hard and it seems at times people are trying to catch us in a contradiction. Lord, what is important is your love and your plan for me - peace in this life, in your presence for all eternity. Keep my eyes on the prize. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David

I Samuel 20

So Jonathan made a [covenant] with the house of David, [saying], “May the Lord demand it from the hands of David’s enemies.” (verse 16)

Message: Jonathan's Covenant with David

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: Saul continues to be on the prowl to end David's life. Jonathan and Michal at times are doing what they can to prevent this from happening as David flees from Saul. 

David is in Ramah now (v. 1) asking Jonathan "what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?" Jonathan thinks he should know all about what his father is doing but David wonders if his father is hiding this from Jonathan (v. 2-3). David devises a plan. Verse 5 - "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I am obligated to sit down to eat with the king (Saul)." But instead David will go hid himself. If Saul states missing David, then tell him that I David have gone to Bethlehem for yearly sacrifices (verse 6). If he is angry, mention to Saul "you (David) have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you (Jonathan). (verse 8)" David states if their evil he has done, then he is accountable and Jonathan should kill him (verse 8). 

Jonathan agrees with the covenant though he is willing to take his own life (in place of David) if Saul believes David has done something wrong. Jonathan makes this covenant with David (12-17). They mark a stone in Ezel and Jonathan will shoot 3 arrows. If the arrows are on the side of David "it is safe for you and there is nothing [to harm you], as the Lord lives (verse 21)." If on the other side, then David is to continue to flee. 

On the first day, Saul not seeing David at his place he thought, "he is not clean. (verse 26)" On the 2nd day, Saul asked Jonathan why he has not come (verse 27). Jonathan explains why as he and David had agreed upon (v. 28-29). 

Saul is angry (v. 30). In verse 31 states, "as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now then, send [men] and bring him to me, for he is doomed to die!” Saul threw a spear at Jonathan to show his anger. And Jonathan "was worried about David since his father had insulted him. (verse 34)" Jonathan then shot the arrow as they had agreed upon. Verse 42 - "Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” So [David] set out and went on [his] way, while Jonathan went into the city."

Jonathan was very different from his father. He and Jonathan made a covenant which continued the covenant they had made earlier (18:1-5).  Tabletalk mentions, "In the ancient Near East, when a new king came to power, he would wipe out the family of the preceding monarch in order to get rid of anyone who might be a threat to his rule. David’s covenant promise assured Jonathan that his family would not be annihilated when David replaced Saul as king." Here there is covenantal love or hesed. It speaks of faithfulness and an unwavering commitment. In this covenant they each sought good for one another. 

Summary: As David continues to flee from Saul, Jonathan and David make a covenant of mutual friendship and protection. Saul still wants David dead, but David is able to get away. 

Promise: We should always be seeking one another's good. 

Prayer: God, thank you for friendships. I am deeply moved by the people in my life and there love for me and the bond that we have with one another, seeking one another's good. I am so thankful for the people in my life. It is what keeps me going I feel. I admit sometimes getting impatient. But thank you for good friends and the time we can be together, talking and sharing, praying and thinking and doing life together. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:14 - Guidance Counselors

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no guidance the people fall,

But in an abundance of counselors there is victory.

Message: Guidance Counselors

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: We all need guidance. I think we all seem to believe this. And when we try to do things ourselves without guidance problems seem to arise. It seems pride gets in the way often for us and we think we can do things on our own. The classic example of the man driving to get somewhere without consulting a map. And often the result is getting lost. 

I also think about the structure that we have in the United States with our government and infrastructure that has been established while many poor parts of the world do not have the leadership that organized cities infrastructures and in the process the people are involved in much disorder. 

We need guidance. We need to be educated and instructed. Things can easily get off course without the guidance. 

The contrast is having an abundance of counselors provides us victory. Whether we are going to school or homeschooled I believe we need a lot of sources to be taught. It seems the point here is we need others and we need other points of view outside of ourselves. I notice in my job it is not healthy that I am doing so much. I need to be flexible to different perspectives. I need to also not assume these counselors have bad motives. I often have people re-read what I have written. I need them to make sure that what I have written is right. 

Big decisions need trusted people. At its simplest state is the idea that riding a bus needs a driver, flying on a plane, we need a pilot. It is good that we have others guiding us in life and we are not doing things on our own. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for your guidance in my life. Thank you that Your word and Your Law is a guide for my life. Father, you have placed good people in my path which guide and direct me. Thank you for the wisdom you have given others and the gifts they have. I thank you for books I read that provide help and perspectives I need. Lord, You are Holy and true and your ways are right and they are what I need in my life. Help me to be receptive to others and their help. Remove pride from me. You are gracious and good God. Thank you. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 19 - Saul among the Prophets

I Samuel 19

So he proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; but the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. (verse 23)

Message: Saul among the Prophets

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: David continues to make a name for himself. It was back in I Samuel 16 that the Lord told Samuel to go to Bethlehem (16:1 - I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, because I have chosen a king for Myself among his sons). Samuel had 8 sons. The seven oldest were paraded before Samuel but none were it. He was directed to David. And yet even though David was chosen, his time to be king had not arrived.  What follows is David coming forward to slay Goliath, Jonathan (Saul's son) starting a special bond with David, David and Jonathan looking to the Lord for guidance and direction, and David getting the opportunity to slay Philistines, and getting married to Saul's daughter Michal. While all of this is going on Saul is not happy. He probably sees what is going on. He sees David as a rival. The people of Israel are noticing David and giving him credit now instead of Saul getting all of it.  

For Saul, an evil spirit is being mentioned now, sent by God (16:14, 18:10). In Chapter 16, David's harp playing soothes Saul. In Chapter 18, Saul tries to get rid of David with a spear, pinning him against a wall, but he escapes. Saul also puts David in charge of his army (18:13), but more likely to put him in harm's way and it backfires. What David has is being chosen by God. He has victories and Saul is jealous. 

In chapter 19, verse 1, "Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to put David to death." No more playing around Saul. Plain and simple. He wants David dead. "But Jonathan...." David has an ally in the family in Jonathan and and Jonathan told Saul all that David had done in conquering Philistines and how much this helped Saul. So Saul agrees before David and Jonathan not to kill David. But these words are empty. He really has no reason to keep this vow (verse 6). 

Verse 9 mentions the evil spirit from the Lord again and once again while David is playing the harp, Saul tries to pin him against the wall, but David escapes. Saul sends messengers to David's house but Michal helps David, as he goes out a window on a rope and she wraps an idol in a blanket to act has David lying down. But Saul has his men go back to retrieve the sleeping David and the caper is exposed. They find out where David has fled (Ramah) but David is now with Samuel. Saul's messengers show up but in the process the Spirit of God moves in Saul's messengers and they also prophesied with Saul. Three times Saul sends messengers and then finally goes himself and the same thing happens, he starts prophesying.

God can use anyone to accomplish his purposes. The Messengers and then Saul were diverted by the Lord to prophesy or sing hymns. David was able to get away. Just as the Lord had sent an evil spirit, he also sends to Saul's messengers and Saul the ability to prophecy. This is an important distinction. God at work in others does not mean that those individuals are called by Him, set apart as His favored Children or chosen one's. At any time God can work in people's lives for His good purpose. I think that's a compelling idea and also a little bit of a warning that even though we might see someone with the appearance of acting in the name of God, it doesn't mean they have been called by God and yet that can still be a person that God uses to impact others or keep His children safe and protected. 

Summary: Saul wants David dead. His children Jonathan and daughter Michal protect David but eventually God intervenes in the lives of his non-chosen one's to also thwart Saul's attempts. 

Promise: Matthew Henry, "serving in ministry is in itself no proof of conversion."    

Prayer: O God, you are the protector of your people. You will not let anything happen to your people and will save them from eternal harm. It is hard at times to see people not trust in You that appear to have trusted in You in the past. I know I am always trying to figure out who is saved and who isn't. But, that isn't my job. My job is to be faithful to Your calling on my life and be a faithful ambassador. Help me to stay in my lane and trust You always for the work You do. Thank you for protecting me and giving me so many blessings. Bless others. Give many comfort that are striving and having tough lives.  Be glorified always and keep me rooted in You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.