Read 1 Samuel 29
A Saving God
5 Isn’t this the David
they sang about in their dances: “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his
tens of thousands’?”
IN his effort to remain safe from Saul’s vicious pursuits,
David had lived in the territory of Israel’s arch-enemy, the Philistines, for
about a year. During that time he convinced Achish, the Philistine leader, of
his loyalty and willingness to fight with him.
As they prepared
for battle against Saul’s armies though, several Philistine leaders objected to
David and his men fighting among them. They knew his reputation for victory
over their countrymen. As a result Achish sent David home.
God used the
Philistines to protect David for that year’s stay, and he also used the
Philistines’ suspicions to protect David, his men and their families. On that
day God kept David from fighting Saul. Based on David’s refusal to kill Saul in
two earlier circumstances, it is reasonable to assume David would be unwilling
to harm Saul if he confronted him in battle. A warrior who hesitates is often
doomed.
Another threat to
David that day would have been the Philistines. Again it is reasonable to
consider that these Philistine leaders could have turned on David. Once they
defeated Saul, David would have been an easy target to surround and destroy,
ending any future threat from this man anointed to be the next king of Israel.
We’ll see how God
protects David’s men and their families through this action tomorrow.
God’s hand is truly
on his own. Even though David’s heart was set to do battle, God had other
battles for him to fight. God’s sovereign hand saved David to advance his plan
to save you.
A Moment’s Thought: God has a great reputation to save his
own.
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