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.
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