This chapter reveals the true nature of David, and his love for God, and his confidence in God’s word. See Psalm 56. It also reveals his human weakness, and the fact that he was far from perfect. He lied several times in this chapter, and deceived the High Priest, whereas the Lord Jesus of whom he was a type, only ever spoke the truth. How much he needed the comfort of Jonathan’s company now, but that was denied to him. Poor Jonathan had to live with his sense of guilt and shame, because as we have seen he was not willing to share David’s rejection.

So we read that David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. It seems that the tabernacle had been re-erected there, and though the Ark was not there, yet the descendants of Eli still carried on the formalities associated with the tabernacle service. It would seem that David was in the habit of going there, and he was evidently well known to the High Priest. This brings to mind the words of Psalm 27:4, for his heart continually longed to be in the presence of God.

The priest was afraid when he saw David alone. But when David lied to him as to why he was alone, it was evident that to tell lies was uncharacteristic of David, and Ahimelech believed what he said. It is plain that though Jonathan was not prepared to share David’s rejection, there were others that loved him, and were willing to share his rejection, and if necessary, to die for him. This must have brought great comfort to the heart of this fugitive. Though his young men were not with him at Nob, (he had arranged for them to meet him at another place), yet this chapter, and the words of the Lord Jesus make it plain that there were those that were with him. Matthew 12:4.

His pressing need was for bread, not only for himself but also for those that were with him. But the only bread available at the tabernacle was the ‘shew bread’. It was not lawful for any to eat of that bread, but the priests alone. David was prepared to take this, because it was the Sabbath day, and new bread was placed upon the pure table each Sabbath.

It is obvious that this was God’s provision for him, because the ‘shew bread’ in their two rows represent the saints of God as they appear before Him in divine order, as they rest on Christ, (the table), and exude something of His fragrance. David was going out into rejection, and the great majority of his people were going to be turned against him. It would be many years before they would come and bow before him and make him their King. Thus this ‘Holy Bread’, was not only food for his body, but also food for his soul. It would help him to hold right thoughts about God’s people, in spite of the fact that they were temporarily under the sway of his enemy.

We may wonder why verse seven is there, and why it was that Doeg the Edomite was "detained before the Lord". Though God does not find any pleasure in judgment, it is His strange work, yet He is a faithful God, and what He has said He will surely do. God had said through the un-named prophet what he was going to do to the house of Eli. 1 Samuel 2:27-36. Many years had passed since then, and perhaps the house of Eli began to think that God would go back on His word, but it was not so. Doeg was a foreigner, perhaps he was a proselyte, but he was a servant of Saul, and a traitor to David’s cause. He was a witness to what took place at Nob that day, and it was he that slew all the priests when no others of the servants of Saul were willing to do so. Let us be sure that God is as good and as great as His word, and though his patience may wait for generations, still He will do what He has said. Some may sin against Him, and think that they are clever. They may think that they have escaped His judgment, but it is not so. What He has said He will surely do.

At this time, David was both young and inexperienced, so faced with such a horrendous proposition, he made a very great mistake, and he went down to the Philistines. Perhaps there are some like him today, they can see no future in staying with the brethren, and so they go to the denominations. David realised the madness of his action, but he was humble enough to act out the madness of the decision that he had made, in going down to the enemies of God. Perhaps he was surprised when he heard the Philistines discussing his fame and prowess. He then realized that he had walked into a trap, and had given himself to the very people whose armies he had defeated and destroyed. As a result he became very much afraid, but he was humble enough to admit his mistake. It was indeed madness to doubt God’s holy word. David had not sought the anointing of Samuel. He had never tried to dethrone King Saul, but he regarded him as "The Lord’s Anointed". No doubt the way things had turned out were a puzzle to him, but up until now, he was willing to leave all the details in the hands of the Lord. But hastily he had taken matters into his own hands, and as a result had walked right into the enemy’s trap. The madness of such an action came home to him now in no uncertain manner. But he was humble enough to act out the madness of his mental decision in the actions of his body; he behaved like a madman. He feigned himself mad, he jabbered incoherently as if he was mad. He let his spittle run down on his beard, and he scratched on the gate, just as a madman would. The servants of the Philistine King thought that they had a real prize. Either they could kill the one that had killed so many of their soldiers, or else if he were to completely come over to their side, he would be a great asset to their army. But God had other plans for His servant

David came out of this great mistake with great spiritual profit, and as a result he wrote two Psalms that have been a source of strength and encouragement to so many others down through the ages. While ever we are here in this body with the flesh dwelling within us, we will be prone to make mistakes. However those mistakes, (humbling as they are), can be a blessing to us and to others, if we are humble enough to admit our mistakes, and to own our failure to God. He can then intervene and turn our mistakes about, and make them to work for His glory, and the blessing of others.

Jewish scholars claim that the wife and daughter of King Achish were also both mad, so he had enough of such behaviour in his own house. So it was that though he had the mighty David in his complete power, he drove him away, and he departed.

May the Lord enable each of us to learn from this! May He give us the grace to be humble enough to admit our mistakes, to own our folly and wrong, so that others may gain from it, as well as we, and above all that God may be glorified!

This chapter is a chapter of tragedy, and before it ends all the families of the priests, the descendants of Eli are slain. It begins after David had escaped to the cave of Adullam. This cave was about two miles from the scene of his triumph over Goliath, in the valley of Elah. It must have been a refreshing experience for him, following his great mistake in going down to Gath, the very city from which Goliath came. It would be so comforting for him to recall the greatness of God’s deliverance, both from Goliath, and also from the King of Gath.

We then read that all his brethren and his father’s house went down to him. It is obvious that these folk had undergone a change of heart. Perhaps they now realised that David was the Lord’s chosen King, and they were now willing to share his rejection. Because they were David’s brethren, then they surely would become the objects of Saul’s hatred and revenge. His father and mother must have been very old, and they would find great difficulty in moving quickly if the occasion required it, and would soon fall into the hands of the wicked Saul, so David took them across to the Moabites, and requested the reigning King to give them shelter, until he knew what God would do for him. This request was granted. He begins now to shine as a type of Christ, who was also concerned for His mother’s shelter, even while He hung on the cross. Also there gathered to him, every one in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one of embittered spirit collected round him; and he became a captain over them; and there were with him about four hundred men.

These people were just like we were when we came to Christ, "every one in distress", what distress we were in? Faced with the wrath of an angry God against whom we had sinned? Due to be banished to a lost eternity! Yet Christ received us and became our Captain. "Every one that was in debt", we owed such a great debt that we would never be able to pay, but that debt was righteously remitted. "Every one of embittered spirit", such were we, embittered towards God, and towards man, yet Christ received us, Blessed be His holy name! (1Corinthians 6:11.) Thus David began to reveal his true character of leadership. He moulded that motley group into a mighty force, and as we learn later there were mighty men amongst them.

It seems that amongst the number that gathered around David, was the Prophet Gad whose name means "fortunate". It is possible that this man had been under the influence of godly Samuel, and he was one through whom God spoke to His servant. He became David’s seer, and is referred to by this title later, when God wanted to speak to David during the plague that followed the numbering of the people. Thus it was that because he was willing to share David’s rejection, so he gained a place of favour when David came to the throne. (2Timothy 2:12). Trouble was coming, so David wisely heeded the word of God, and removed into the forest of Hareth While he was there our attention is diverted to Saul and what he was about to do.

What a picture of misery Saul presents to us; sitting under the tree in Gibeah, with his spear in his hand and his servants gathered about him. This must have been the spear that was at his head when he lay sleeping later. It could have been used to end his life, had it not been for David’s grace. He is full of self-pity, telling his servants that none of them were sorry for him. He drew their attention to the bribes or rewards that he had given them, and inferred that if David came to the throne, he would confer such gifts on his own tribe. He lamented the fact that Jonathan had made a covenant with David, and accused him of stirring up David against him. But all were lies, and were the characteristic of the flesh, that cannot bear to be displaced, but must always have the first place, and be flattered and applauded.

It was then while he wallowed in his self-pity, that his servant Doeg the Edomite spoke up. He revealed what he had seen, when detained before Jehovah. How that the High Priest had enquired of God for David, and had given him bread and a sword. The evidence that he gave resulted in the whole of the priestly family being summoned into the presence of the King. It seems that Ahimelech the son of Ahitub was the spokesman for the priests, and he did not attempt to conceal what had taken place,

He had no need to do so, as he was on the side of righteousness, it is only those that lie that need to deny what they have done. His reply must have touched Saul’s conscience, as he stood for the righteousness of David, and inferred that what Saul was doing to him was unjust and shameful. Saul then passed the sentence of death on all that priestly family, and commanded his footmen to execute them. But his servants refused to obey his command. It seems that they feared God more than they feared Saul. So then he turned to Doeg the Edomite and commanded him to do what his other servants would not do. Doeg being a descendant of the cruel Esau was not afraid to do this dreadful deed. He arose and slew all the priests of Jehovah, and thus fulfilled the prophesy of the un-named prophet in 1 Samuel 2:31-36.

This reminds us both of God’s righteousness, and also of his longsuffering. The priests may have forgotten what God had said, or they may have thought that God had changed his mind. But "The Lord is holy and just and true, and what He has said, He will surely do". The ultimate fulfilment of that sentence did not take place until Solomon came to the throne, and thrust out Abiathar from the priesthood. 1Kings 2:26-27

However Saul’s wrath went beyond what God had said, because through Doeg he not only slew 85 Priests that wore the linen ephod, but he also smote Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, and even slew the women, the children, even babies, as well as all the innocent animals that were in that city. However one of the priests escaped and came to David, and brought with him the High Priests ephod, with the breastplate, which contained the Urim and the Thumim, as we learn from a later chapter.

When Abiathar revealed to David all that Saul had done, and that Doeg was the cruel instrument of it all, David then took the blame upon himself. He said, "I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father’s house". He then spoke those lovely words that have brought comfort to so many, "Abide with me, fear not; for he that seeks my life seeks thy life; for with me thou art in safe keeping". Thus God fulfilled what He had said, but allowed one man to escape, in His mercy. And because Abiathar was willing to share David’s rejection, he also continued throughout David’s reign. What a sad chapter this has been! It is full of instruction for us, yet also full of warnings.

Let us surround our blessed Captain, in the day of His rejection. Let us not be ashamed of Him, or His name, or His testimony. Let us never deny Him, either by word, or by our attitude. Then when He comes in His glory, we will not be put to shame before Him. 1John 2:28. Let us abide close to Him, because we are only safe there. "Abide with me,….for with me thou art in safe keeping".

It was at this time that David wrote Psalm 52, showing how that God uses dark and sometimes dreadful experiences to deepen our knowledge of Him, and to enrich both our prayers, and our worship. Who would not covet the ability to worship God with such depth and feeling?

This chapter is full of instruction as to the matter of a daily trust in God. There are many valuable lessons for the people of God to learn, from the experiences of David at this time. The first verse reveals David’s deep concern for the well being of God’s people, and his anger that the Philistines would dare to attack and impoverish them. It also reveals his totally unselfish attitude, but also his distrust of himself, so he enquired of the Lord.

The Philistines were robbing the threshing floors, and thus were taking away the food supply of the inhabitants of Keilah. This is still the strategy of Satan today; he loves to rob the saints of God of the spiritual food that is necessary for their continuance and spiritual prosperity. He will seek to introduce anything into the meetings of God’s people that will hinder them from the study of the Bible, or from hearing good sound ministry. There are many gatherings of God’s people that are in a similar position to the city of Keilah today. But the question is, do we care? Are we willing to do anything about it? Saul was not willing to do anything about this, but was squandering his resources in pursuing David.

David manifests the real qualities of leadership at this time. His men were full of fear, and were unwilling to expose themselves to the wrath of the Philistines. They felt afraid and insecure amongst the people of Judah, without exposing themselves to the wrath of the Philistines. However David was not put off by their faint heartedness, and turned once more to his Unfailing Resource. So it was that when Jehovah confirmed that it was His will for them to undertake this seemingly foolish endeavour that was all that David needed. Not only were they able to defeat the Philistines, but they received much spoil also. Let this be an encouragement to my fearful brethren. At this stage David had only four hundred men in his army, but after the battle of Keilah he had six hundred, and also he had the companionship of the High Priest, and he had the Ephod in his hand in which were the Urim and the Thummim, that were the God appointed way of His people discovering His will. So that the outcome of this expedition was that that small army was both enlarged and enriched.

We might have expected the inhabitants to be grateful for David’s willingness to save them, and to destroy their enemies, but it was not so. The news of David’s remarkable success reached the ears of Saul, and he misinterpreted the matter completely. He obviously felt no sense of shame that he with his vastly superior army were either through fear, or cowardice, or sheer disinterest, to go to the aid of the suffering citizens of Keilah, though they were his own subjects. Instead he only thought of advancing his own jealous and unjust cause. He considered that Jehovah had cast David off into his hands, by David and his band entering into a city that had walls, gates and bars. But though David could not trust himself, and he could not trust the men of Keilah, yet he could trust God, so he called Abiathar to him with the Ephod and through him enquired of God as to what would happen, and what he should do. How different was his attitude to that of Saul, who was full of self-pity, (as we have seen), but also of self-confidence.

David thus sets a good example for us all to follow. How we need to trust God, and to seek His will in all that we do, and in every move we make! So David and his men were able to escape capture and destruction. Let us also note that if we expect people to be grateful to us for any service or sacrifice we may do for them, then we may well be disappointed. It makes me think of Paul and the Corinthian believers; O how he loved them! But he has to tell them that in loving them he was loved the less by them, but still he chose to go on loving them still. 2 Corinthians 12:15.

From Keilah David and his men escaped to the wilderness of Ziph, and Saul hearing that he had made good his escape, decided not to go down to Keilah. However the Ziphites proved to be traitors. However while they hid in that region David had an unexpected visitor. Jonathan came to him, and he encouraged him in God. David’s visitor confirmed to him once more his own conviction that David was destined by God to be the King of Israel. He confirmed to him the fact that Saul was misguided, but that his hand would not find him. He wistfully looked forward to the day that was to come (for David, but not for him), when David would be Israel’s King, and he hastened to add, Ï will be next". They once again made a covenant before the Lord, no doubt confirming their two previous covenants, but then we read the sad words, "And Jonathan went to his house". This was to be their last meeting; Jonathan would never see the face of David again. Here we state again that because Jonathan was not prepared to share David’s rejection, he was never permitted by God to share his Kingdom either. There was no question about Jonathan’s love for David, but as we have pointed out earlier, his love was a selfish love. Let us heed the warning. Yet it was part of God’s care for David, that he permitted this meeting to take place. Jonathan’s love for David, poor though it was, was deeply appreciated by him, and this meeting cheered David’s heart, and strengthened his hands. It was a confirmation to him that God was protecting him, and though outward circumstances indicated the contrary, yet it was the will of God that one day, David would reign over all Israel.

Meanwhile the Ziphites were plotting in their treachery, to hand David over to King Saul, even though they had enjoyed the protection that his presence and the presence of his men afforded them. This makes me think of Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples of the Lord Jesus who sold him for thirty pieces of silver. The Lord Jesus had called him, and trusted him, even though he knew him to be a thief. He did not treat him differently to any of the other disciples, yet he sold Him to His enemies, but never enjoyed any benefit from the money that he received.

The Ziphites represent the base ingratitude, and the treachery of the human heart. As the result of that treachery Saul once again came out with his army in pursuit of David, after congratulating these treacherous people. Telling them that they had shown pity towards him, in assisting him in his unjust and murderous designs. He almost succeeded in capturing David and his men, but when the trap was about to close, God intervened to protect His servant. Saul received an urgent message, the Philistines had invaded his own land, and he had no other choice but to return to his own place and to confront them. If they had troubled other areas, then he may have ignored it, as he did in the case of Keilah. But as it was he was compelled to return to his own place. Though we are not told what the outcome of that battle was, yet it would seem that it was not the whole Philistine army that was involved in this raid, but just a garrison of the ‘spoilers’. It seems that Saul must have defeated the band and this prompted the Philistines to amass their huge army, and come to Gilboa, when Saul and his sons were slain, as we will see in a later chapter.

This intervention of God, confirmed to David that the hand of God was in all this. The very treachery of the Ziphites caused him great spiritual gain, and as a result he wrote a Psalm, (Psalm 54). He could see that these people were not to be trusted, so he left their territory and went to the strongholds of Engedi. There he wrote another Psalm, (Psalm 63.), and the rich language that he used has been used by godly believers down through the ages in their worship of God.

This is meant to be an encouragement to any believer that is called on to pass through similar experiences. Paul had such experiences which he speaks of in 2 Corinthians 11:26, and also in Galatians 2:4. It is very sad when we are betrayed by ‘False Brethren’, and we often respond by becoming very bitter towards such, and sometimes vow that we will take revenge. But it was not so with David; he used this to enrich himself spiritually, and also to enrich the lives of countless others. But more than all this, God was glorified, and His worship was also enriched.

David manifested the spirit and character of Christ, (his Greater Son). He did not seek revenge on the Ziphites, though they were of his own tribe, but instead praised the unchanging faithfulness of the God in whom he trusted. Later he gained a wife from this very area, and the shepherds of the place testified to the security and the protection that their presence provided, saying, "The men were very good to us,….They were a wall unto us both by night and day". 1 Samuel 25:15-16. Thus the Ziphites rewarded David evil for the good he and his men had done to them.

May it please God to reward my brethren that pass through similar experiences, with a greater and richer knowledge of Himself!

This chapter is one of the sweetest in the whole book of First Samuel, because it displays the power that grace has to change, (even if temporarily), an attitude of inveterate hatred which would have ended in brutal murder.

David and his men were living in a huge cave in the wilderness of Engedi, which is in the territory of Judah. Saul must have had success against the Philistine band, and had chased them from his territory. After he returned from that pursuit, it was told him that David was hiding in the wilderness of Engedi, so he selected three thousand soldiers from the army that had pursued the Philistines, and he led them out into the wilderness of Engedi to try to capture and destroy David and his men.

The wilderness of Engedi was very wild indeed, and commentators say that even to look at it will bring terror into the heart of the beholder. Saul went to seek David amongst the rocks of the wild goats. These creatures are renowned of their sure footedness, and they flourished in such a desolate place. David was like them, he too was sure footed, but more than that, he had a firm faith, and simple trust in God. Evidently to the south of this place there was a large plain, that was used for grazing sheep, because Nabal whom we shall meet later, had large flocks of sheep there. Wild animals were quite numerous, and it was necessary to put the sheep into sheepfolds at night for their protection. Saul came to these sheepfolds, and left his army there while he went into a cave to rest.

Little did he know that David and his men were hiding in the dark recesses of this cave. When Saul slept David’s men sought to convince him that this was his opportunity, and that God had given it to him, and that he should kill the one that had made himself David’s enemy. However, David was a man after God’s own heart, and he reasoned with his followers that none could stretch out his hand against the one that God had anointed and be guiltless. However as Saul slept, David came silently and with his sword, (which must have been very sharp), he cut off the skirt of Saul’s royal robe. Once Saul had finished his sleep he arose and left the cave, and a short while later David followed him., but he had been convicted in his heart that he had treated his King in a way that was not fitting. Once outside the cave and on the way back to his army, David called out to him, and addressed him in tones of respect, "My Lord the King". In his hand he held the skirt of Saul’s robe, and this was sure evidence to Saul that David could have just as easily removed his head, but instead he had only cut away part of his clothes.

David remonstrated with his King, asking him why he chose to listen to the words of wicked men who persuaded him that David had designs on ending his life, and grabbing his Kingdom. David assured Saul that he had no such designs, and that the events of that day proved it. King Saul was momentarily convicted of the wrong of his attitudes and actions toward David. He acknowledged that David was more righteous than he, but still he clung to his own righteousness, though he admitted that David’s righteousness was greater than his own. He was reduced to tears when he realised how David had shown him mercy, and had spared his life. Tears do not necessarily mean that there is a deep work of repentance in the heart of the one that weeps, as it was with Esau.

Saul then acknowledged that he was fighting against God, and that one day David would surely be King, and he requested him to swear that when he was exalted to Israel’s throne, he would not cut off his seed after him. David was willing to do this, even though Saul had tried, and still would try to kill David. David made it plain that he could not trust the word of his King, but he would put his trust in God alone. When the promise was given, Saul returned to his place at Gibeah, but David went up to the stronghold.

David had learned that though man and his word could not be trusted, yet God and His holy word could be relied on absolutely. He had learned that there was more power in grace than in revenge, and he had seen it displayed before his very eyes. It is so sad when a Christian believer finds it so hard to forgive another, when they have been freely forgiven so much by a loving God.

As the result of this great experience he wrote another Psalm, (Psalm 57), and the lovely words of that Psalm have been a comfort and have kept many a believer from avenging themselves on their enemies, down through the ages.

As they parted, Saul’s heart was full of shame and bitterness, but David’s heart was full of praise. In the words of his lovely Psalm, his heart was fixed, (made firm in his desire to trust and obey God), and it was his intention to give God praise. Psalm 57:7. May the Lord Jesus make our hearts the same! May He give us the sweetness that comes with a readiness to forgive others who may sin against us, and to be firm in the desire to trust God, and to obey His word!

This chapter begins with the death of Samuel; his long and useful life had at last come to a close. All Israel gathered and lamented him, (as well they might), and buried him in his house, (probably a house or mausoleum specially built for his tomb), not in his own dwelling house.

His long life and precious ministry had been a blessing to the whole nation. Politically he had been their judge for many years, and he had an honourable and blameless record in that regard. This came to an end with the anointing of Saul as King, but his ministry of teaching and prayer continued until his death. All who knew him held him in high esteem, and the whole nation was represented at his burial Though we are not told so in as many words, yet it seems to me that David possibly attended that funeral, and afterwards arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran.

Samuel had not only acquired the respect and esteem of the nation of Israel, but he had acquired power with God. This is something that we should all seek after. I fear that so often our prayers are selfish, and when praying in public, they tend to be very formal. A holy and a righteous life will enable us to acquire this power. We read in James that the fervent supplication of a righteous man has much power. James 5:16. Samuel was coupled with Moses in the power of their supplication, Jeremiah 15:1; such was the power that he had to move the heart of God. The death of Samuel thus was a very great loss to the Nation. Thank God for those of similar qualities today, we should cherish such, and also hold them in high esteem. Let us covet to be like them! May the Lord enable us to be men and women of prayer, and those whose prayers are speedily answered!

We read that David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. There he was to dwell amongst the descendants of Ishmael, and these Arabs were treacherous and violent men, that made their living by stealing from others. They were known as Kedarenes, and it is possible that David was referring to this time in Psalm 120:5. Though these people hated peace, yet it seems that David felt more secure in that area than he did living close to Saul. He describes them in the Psalm referred to. While he lived there, it is probable that he made raids against these people, and took from them what they had stolen from others. Also he and his men protected the shepherds of Nabal, who had doubtless suffered much at the hands of the wild Arab tribesmen, as well as from the wild animals that were numerous in that area.

Though Nabal’s shepherds grazed their sheep on the plains of Maon, and often ranged further south to the wilderness of Paran, yet the great man himself had his residence at Carmel, (not Mount Carmel where Elijah offered the sacrifice that turned the hearts of the people of Israel back to Jehovah), but Carmel in the south of Judah. Shearing time had come, and the shepherds of Nabal led his large flocks to Carmel to be shorn. Shearing time was a time of celebration, when the harvest of wool from the sheep, and hair from the goats was gathered in, and David thought it was appropriate to seek some reward for the care and protection that they had given to Nabal’s shepherds. However he did not seek the guidance of God in this matter, and as a result he almost fell into a sin that he would have regretted all during his later reign

Nabal, (who’s name means Fool), was true to his name, and was churlish and selfish with it. However his wife Abigail was quite different. She was not only a beautiful woman, but was both wise and generous. When the ten young men came that David had sent to request a share in the jubilation and the feasting, made known their errand, they were insulted abused, and sent away empty. Nabal was like so many Christians today, they simply accept the blessing that God bestows upon them, as if they deserved it, and if they are asked to give something back to God, they become selfish and sometimes insulting. On the other hand, it is expected of the servants of God, that they look to their Master to supply their needs.

When the young men returned empty handed, and with the report of the insulting way that Nabal ha treated them, it roused David’s anger, and even caused him to regret the kindness that he had shown to Nabal’s shepherds, and he determined that he would take revenge for the miserable insult that had been meted out to his servants. This revenge was not characteristic of David, and he prepared to act in a way that was altogether out of character with him. It was Nabal who had treated David’s messengers so badly, yet David was going to wreak vengeance and destruction on all the males in Nabal’s outfit.

These men had witnessed Nabal’s insulting treatment of David’s servants, and while they knew that it was no use their trying to speak to him about it, instead they spoke to Abigail, of their fears, and urged her to do something to avert the great disaster that was about to come upon then all. They testified to the goodness of David and his men, and told how that they protected them night and day. So Abigail decided to take matters in her own hands. She prepared a large amount of food and drink as a gift, and went to meet David as he was coming towards the homestead of Nabal, on his mission of destruction. She met him as he was coming down the hill, and got down from the ass on which she was riding and fell at his feet

Her words are beautiful to read, because though she was personally guiltless in the offence, yet she asked that all the blame be laid on her, and she be given the opportunity to explain matters to the one that she knew would some day be Israel’s King. This opportunity was given, and as she spoke David realised the hand of God in sending this woman to him. He had almost committed a grave sin, and if he had done so, it would have remained as a blot on his conscience all through his life, and particularly through his later reign.

Abigail also realised that David was chosen of God to be Israel’s King, and she did not want this contemplated digression from the will of God to be a trouble to David’s conscience when that great day was come. She also requested that David might remember her when he did ascend Israel’s throne. Her words and her wisdom, and the timely nature of it all, touched David’s heart, so that he poured out his heart in gratitude to God, and to her also, telling her that if she had not acted as and when she did, then by morning light not one male would have remained in Nabal’s house. What a wonderful change had taken place. Instead of bloodshed and misery, and the great grief that it would bring, there was praise and adoration for God, and such a great relief for Abigail.

David and his men then returned to feast on the good things that she had brought. (So much more than he had asked for). Abigail returned to her house, only to find her husband feasting and in a drunken state. She decided not to reveal what had transpired until he was sober on the following morning. She then told of the great disaster that had almost befallen them because of his folly, and his selfishness. When she did, Nabal’s heart died within him, and he became like a stone. Though he was a descendant of Caleb, yet he was not like his illustrious ancestor in any way. Nabal remained in this comatose state for ten days, then the Righteous Jehovah smote him and he died.

This act of God was just the fulfilment of His word, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay", Deuteronomy 32:35, Isaiah 59:18, Nahum 1:2. Let us learn from this. Even if things are said and done against us, we may well leave matters in the hands of God. It is good if we are like our Master, "Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again". 1Peter 2:23.

When David heard of the death of Nabal, he was further rebuked as to his haste, and his willingness to shed innocent blood. He saw that since he was willing to leave all in the hands of God, then God took care of David’s rights, and He executed vengeance on this wicked man. Then David sent a party of his trusted servants to commune with Abigail, and to invite her to become his wife. This invitation exceeded all of Abigail’s thoughts also, and God granted her the dearest desire of her heart. Nabal had only caused her shame and anxiety, and now she has the proposal to become the wife of Israel’s future King, and this proposal she graciously and humbly accepted. Now she rises to become a type of the Church, as each of us had been the wife of the Law previously. But we have been made dead to the Law, by the body of Christ, (Romans 7:5). And now we are to "Be to another, even to Him that was raised from the dead".

Thus she arose, and with five of her maidens, and rode on an ass, following the party that David had sent to speak with her, to become David’s wife. She sought no place of prominence, but dedicated herself to be a bondwoman who’s pleasure it would be to wash the feet of the servants of the one who was to be her Lord. This should be the desire of every Assemblyperson; may it be true of us!

It is plain that God intended from the very beginning that a man should have only one wife. God designed monogamy, for the supreme happiness of man. However many of the Old Testament saints, had more than one wife. Though God tolerated this, He did not approve of it Also He tolerated divorce, but he hated it also. When giving the Law, God took into account the hardness of the hearts of men, and allowed them to put away their wives.

I recall being approached by a ‘brother’, in India, who was living with his wife and her widowed sister at the same time. He cited the case of David to me, saying that if it was right for David to have more than one wife, then surely it must be right for him to have two wives. I did not know how to answer him at the time, but after praying about the matter, God brought to my mind the fact that he had undergone a Christian marriage with his legal wife. In the course of that marriage they both vowed in the presence of God, that they would always be true to each other, and would be loyal to each other as long as life shall last. This leaves those that take such a vow without any excuse if through weakness or failure we want to break that vow. God always expects His children to be true to their word, as He is true to His. When this was revealed to him, he professed to be willing to send his sister in law back to her father’s house. He has since died, and though he claimed to be a believer in Christ, yet his life did not bear it out. He had a shocking testimony.

May the Lord enable you and I to be true and loyal to Him, during this time of His public rejection. May we so live that we may be able to bring joy and comfort to His great heart of love!

This chapter brings out the beautiful character of David, in contrast to the treachery of the Ziphites, and the mean jealousy of Saul. The chapter demonstrates once again, the true power of grace, and the triumphant nature of the forgiving spirit.

The chapter shows the true nature of David, and is totally different to the previous chapter. In that chapter David was prepared to sacrifice many innocent lives, simply because of the slander and abuse of their evil master Nabal. But in this chapter David restrains the hand of Abishai when he requested permission to kill King Saul. Saul who had sacrificed the lives of the whole priesthood, and who would have gladly murdered David, yet David had returned to the ground of complete trust in God, and now was willing to leave everything in His mighty and wise hands. Here he shines once again as he displays the very nature of God, the spirit that was later to be seen in all its perfection in the person of Christ.

We have discussed these ‘False Brethren’ in an earlier chapter, but now they seek once more to stir up the jealousy and hatred that seemed to lay dormant in the heart of Saul. The King had given the assurance to David earlier that he would not persecute him any more, but when approached by these treacherous people, he broke his word, and selected three thousand men to go with him to try once more to capture David. Saul had no small appreciation of the cunning and bravery of David, so though David’s band only consisted of six hundred men, yet he chose out three thousand of his most valiant soldiers to go against him. However while ever David trusted in God, and sought His will, he was under God’s protection. It makes me to think of the words of Romans 8:31, ‘If God be for us, who can be against us’.

This action of the Ziphites shows the rotten character of the flesh. No doubt they were seeking some place or reward from Saul, and though (as with the shepherds of Nabal), David had, out of the goodness of his heart, provided shelter and protection for them while he lived in their area, yet they rewarded him evil for the good that he had done for them. Psalm 109:4-5. If we are quick to condemn them, let us be sure that we have not done the same to our brethren. I have sometimes known brethren to stir up hatred in the hearts of others against another person, knowing that they would respond by quarrelling with that person, and if that person was made to suffer, then they themselves would gain by it. God hates this attitude, and those that display it bring grief to His great heart of love, Proverbs 6:19.

What follows demonstrates the power of grace, and also the protection that God gives to the one that trusts Him. Saul had come with his three thousand picked soldiers, and they had pitched their camp, with the wagon defence encircling them. David the sent out spies, and in so doing manifested his military skills, to learn whether Saul had really come, and where their camp was. Though we are not told, it seems quite obvious that he had sought God’s direction as to what he should do. He then challenged two of his men as to who was brave enough to go with him, down to the camp, and Abishai his sister’s son volunteered. So the two of them did a very bold thing, they went to the camp in the night. It must have been a bright moonlit night because of what follows. God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Saul and the whole camp, and even the sentries were sleeping. We are repeatedly warned in the Bible against sleeping, and it will have to be admitted by all that are honest, that many of our troubles have come upon us while we were sleeping, (spiritually). David came right where Saul lay, and looked with sorrow and with pity on the one that was seeking to destroy him. This was a grand opportunity for him to destroy his enemy, and thus to be rid of him forever. Abishai was keen to slay Saul; with his own spear, which was stuck into the ground at his head, with a cruse of water nearby. Thus David did not even to get blood on his hands, but he rebuked and restrained his servant, saying that God would not hold guiltless the one that stretched out his hand against the Lord’s anointed king. David refused to take revenge, and was content to leave all in the hands of the Almighty. Even if it meant that he had to wait many years until God’s purpose was fulfilled, yet he was prepared to wait God’s time. But instead he told him to bring the spear and the cruse of water that was at Saul’s head and come away. What grace David showed on this occasion, and showed himself to be a man after God’s own heart.

David and Abishai then went to a hill, which though near to the site of Saul’s camp, yet sufficiently distant to enable him to escape if Saul should try to capture him. He then called to Abner, and rebuked him for his dereliction of duty. Charging him with failing to protect his Master, and though Abner challenged his right to speak to the King, yet David was able to prove his assertion, by asking where the King’s spear was, and the cruse of water that was at his head. Thus Abner was shamed, and the whole camp was now awake. There were no witnesses to David’s previous encounter with Saul, but now there were three thousand men to hear what passed between them. Saul recognised David’s voice, its tones made him to feel ashamed. He expressed an intimate love for David, calling him his son. (He was Sal’s son in law), but Saul had given his wife Michal to another man, doubtless by this action thinking that it would make David bitter towards him.

However David answered the King with great respect, at the same time asking him as to why he wasted his time and his resources by pursuing one so insignificant as he. What had he done to deserve this hatred that was being shown towards him? If it was Jehovah that was moving Saul against him, then he was willing to repent and to offer a sacrifice to atone for his guilt. But if it was the sons of men, then he cursed them for driving him out of God’s inheritance, they were trying to force him to go and to serve other gods.

David’s words drew forth from Saul the confession "I have sinned". How different things might have been if only he had meant those words? He invited David to return again to the palace, promising never to harm him again. But David knew that he could not trust Saul or his promises, his word had no value, but he could trust God, and His word. And he prayed that just as Saul’s life had been precious in his eyes, so he desired that his own life might be precious in the eyes of God. David trusted God to deliver him from all distress.

Saul was compelled to admit the true greatness of David, and he even blessed him in Jehovah’s name, acknowledging that he would certainly do great things, and that he would certainly prevail. But nevertheless he had no place for God’s man in his kingdom, so he went back to his home again and David ‘Went his way’. Their paths were never to cross again; they would never meet again on this earth. Partings are always sad, but this one was doubly so, because they had chosen to take different paths. David to tread the path of the will of God, which was to end in glory; Saul to tread the path of his own will, which was to end in shame and disaster.

Perhaps it would be right at this juncture to ask all that may read these words, "Which path have you chosen?" May the Lord help us each one to choose the path of His holy will!

This chapter records David’s great failure, but it also records God’s great faithfulness. It begins by revealing to us what David said in his heart. It may have been quite different if he had enquired of the Lord, and it stands as a warning to us, that we should never consult with ourselves, or that we should never obey the inclinations of our own hearts. When David took his eyes off the Lord, he concluded that one day he would surely perish by the hand of Saul. But before this could happen, God would have to prove Himself to be a liar, or else that He was unable to keep or to fulfil the promise that He had made. A promise that even Saul knew would be fulfilled.

David chose the path that seemed the easiest way to him. That is that he should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines. This is the same thought that came into his mind to begin with, but it almost cost him his life, and he was humble enough then to see the madness of his unbelief. However he thought it better to shelter in the land inhabited by the enemies of God, than to be hunted by Saul, and betrayed by his brethren. He reasoned that Saul would receive the information regarding his backsliding, and would not seek him any more. He would then be in peace, and would wait for the day when God would remove Saul, and the throne of Israel would be available to him.

God knew the frailty of David’s human nature, and He knew just what David would do in his unbelief. God also knows our frail and perverse human nature. He saw the whole of your life and mine before we were born. He knew every sin that you would commit up until this time, and He knows every sin that you or I will commit because of our weakness during the rest of our lives. Yet He loves us still, and patiently bears with our failures and our shortcomings. If it was not for this, then we surely would be lost forever.

Things had changed since his first falling away to the Philistines. Then he was alone, now he had two wives, and six hundred men with their wives and families with them. As well it seems that there may have been another King in Gath, though he also had the name of Achish, yet the present King is distinguished by being called the son of Maoch, which person could have been either the father or the mother of Achish. David reasoned that Saul would despair of him, and would not seek him any more. Perhaps Saul also assumed that David would compromise his religious principles also, and submit to the worship of the gods of the Philistines. But David had no intention of doing this, because if he had done so, then surely he would have brought down the wrath of God on himself and possibly on his company also. Nevertheless the temptation was always present, as others worshipped their idols, with what seemed a greater zeal and devotion, than Saul or the Children of Israel manifested in their worship of Jehovah.

The mass migration of David and his company seemed to the Philistine King to be a great acquisition. It would also ruin David’s reputation, and alienate him forever from Saul, and the people of the tribes of Israel. David & his band remained in Gath for a time, but perhaps David found it hard to maintain a proper relationship with his God, in that idolatrous environment. S cunningly he requested that Achish would give him and his a place to live somewhere away from the Royal City.

God then stepped in and moved the heart of the heathen King to give David the possession of the ancient ruined city of Ziklag. This city, (or village), really belonged to the tribe of Judah, and was later given to the tribe of Simeon. Joshua 15:31. As the result of David’s going there it became the property of the kings of Judah perpetually. So in this we see the overruling hand of God, in restoring to Israel without bloodshed, territory and a village that had been in the possession of the Philistines for many years.

Because of this, both David and his band were preserved from the daily exposure to the corrupt, (but zealous) religious practices of the Philistines. Further to this, David and his men, though comparatively small in number, were a mighty fighting force, and God enabled them to do what Israel when they conquered the land were not able to do. They went against the Geshurites, (these people were some of the remainder of the Amorites), whose land was given to the tribe Manasseh, who were unable to expel them. They later joined with the Philistines, .Deuteronomy 3:14, and Joshua 13:2. Thus God used David and his army at this time to do what the tribe of Manasseh was not able to do.

The Gezrites; the inhabitants of Gezer, which place fell to the tribe of Ephraim; but that tribe could not drive out the inhabitants of it, and therefore David now fell upon them as the enemies of Israel, and seized on their country, as belonging to them, Jos_16:3,

Though through this David was able to further gain the trust of Achish, yet in order to do so he slaughtered, all of the people of those he attacked, lest any should tell of the cruelty of his actions. (Actions that were not a genuine revelation of his otherwise tender heart). Let us take warning!

Achish thought that David would be his servant forever, but David was the servant of Jehovah. He had another Master who had every right to the total obedience of His servant. It is still the same today, if the world, or any of its institutions can get hold of the true servants of God, then they rejoice. Because the world can find in such people an honesty and a truthfulness that they cannot find in their own people. If they can succeed in turning the true servants of God, against the people of God, then they are very happy.

.FIRST SAMUEL CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

This is w very sad chapter, because it reveals the readiness of David, to turn his hand against his own people, (though God kept him back from that). It also reveals the readiness of Saul, (when all else had failed), to make use of evil powers, all in the vain hope of deferring the judgment of God, But the great day of Jehovah’s wrath had come, and nothing could turn it aside, or defer its outpouring, (though He had often pleaded with Saul through Samuel and others to turn from his wicked ways. It also reveals the truly wicked nature of the demons that do Satan’s bidding, as we shall see.

When the armies of the Philistines were assembling in the territory ruled by them, David and his men came along, as though they intended to go against their own brethren. Achish saw this as the final test of David’s loyalty, and by way of challenge said to him, "Know assuredly that thou shalt go out with me to the camp, thou and thy men". David saw this as an opportunity to advance himself in the trust of the Philistine King. What would have happened if he had been allowed to go to the camp, and to take part in the war, who can tell? When before Saul had twice been in his power, and he had refused to stretch out his hand against the one that he regarded as the Lord’s anointed? Perhaps he would have rather turned traitor to the one that had shown him such kindness. It is said that blood is thicker than water, and David when in a better state of soul really loved the people of God. But God, knowing the weakness of His servant, did not allow him to have to face such a test. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Saul assembled his army on the mountains of Gilboa, and when he looked across to Shunem, and saw the mighty army of the Philistines, his heart failed him, because he knew that his weakened army was quite unable to conquer such a force. Though for many years he had been acting against the will of God, and had resolutely done things that he knew were wrong. He had slain the whole priesthood, with the exception of Abiathar, and he was guilty of many other sins as well. Not only this but Jehovah had left him, and allowed him to be terrorised by an evil spirit. Yet now when faced with this great test, he used every means at his disposal, to seek the ear, and the will and help of the God against whom he had repeatedly sinned.

But God refused to answer him; He would not just be a convenience to be turned to when all else had failed. Let us be warned! The sad thing is that many believers treat God in this way. That is they live their lives to themselves, and forget God, but let trouble come into their lives, or some great need arise, and they suddenly become very spiritual. They will come to the meetings, and ask the believers to pray for them, and sometimes even think that somehow God has an obligation to hear their prayers, and to answer the prayers of others that pray for them. But God will not be treated as a convenience. He must be Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. While it is true that God is a refuge in distress, and a help very readily found, yet he is not just that, and His refuge and help is not available to those that habitually refuse to do His will.

When Saul could get no answer from the God against whom he had constantly sinned, then he turned to the powers of darkness. Though in his better days, and doubtless under the influence of Samuel, he had driven out the mediums, the soothsayers and the necromancers out of the land, now he turns to those very people for help in his dilemma. If his edict had been faithfully carried out, there would have been none of such people remaining in the land. But evil is able to conceal itself, and his servants were able to confirm to him that there was such a person at En Dor, so under cover of darkness eh sought that woman out. His own experience of demon possession was a very terrifying one, yet he turns again to that source.

Samuel the one that had anointed and advised him, who had also rebuked him in his shortcomings and disobedience. Saul had heard that people who were indwelt by the spirit of Python, (or a familiar spirit), had the power to communicate with the dead, tried to use this means to contact Samuel. Samuel was now dead; his body had been buried long before, and though during his lifetime Saul had often ignored him, yet he tried now to contact him. It is obvious that he was in an unbalanced frame of mind, otherwise how could he expect a favourable answer from the godly Samuel, when Samuel’s God had cast him off, and now refused to answer him in his time of need?

What follows is very revealing, it shows us very clearly that those that traffic with the powers of darkness, do not have a very nice time, but instead are terrified, by what they see and hear. There were doubtless many with the name of Samuel that had lived and died, so the woman was not surprised by this request. But when she saw the apparition that came up, she cried out aloud with fear. There are many believers that think that this apparition was really Samuel the prophet and Judge of Israel. However there are some things that clearly indicate that this apparition was not the godly old man himself, but a spirit that was familiar with the Samuel that had led Israel for so long. The medium thought it was some other Samuel that Saul wished to communicate with, but when she saw the apparition, as an old man covered with a mantle she then realised that it was the prophet Samuel that her visitor wished to speak with, and because of the intimacy between them, her visitor was none other than Saul who had destroyed all that he could find of her kind, and that her life was now in danger. So her fear was twofold, she feared the powerful demons with whom she trafficked, and she also feared Saul, for she thought he would kill her as he had killed many others like her. It was because of this two-fold fear that she cried out. It has been suggested by another that she thought that the resurrection had come, and that her eternal fate had been sealed.

Saul was so intent on speaking to Samuel that he swore by Jehovah, that no harm would come to the woman because of her action. He then enquired as to what she could see, as he evidentially could see nothing. The woman told him that she could see a god coming up out of the earth, and that it was like an old man, and was covered with a mantle.

It should be stated here that familiar spirits are able to impersonate those that are dead so cleverly. They are able to appear as the very person, to speak with the same voice the dead person used. To appear as wearing the same clothes, (not the ones that they were buried in). To have the same appearance, the same facial expression. They can even to appear to have the same warts or facial disfigurements that the dead person had. The deception can be so real that even the dead person’s close relatives can be deceived into thinking that it is indeed their dead relative. This was not Samuel personally, because neither Satan, nor his demons have the power to disturb those that are asleep in Jesus. However God is able to use such, as He did in this case.

You will notice that the apparition did and said things that were designed to add to the terror and discomfort of Saul. Some things it said were true, others were not, but all were intended to make Saul the more afraid. Satan loves to accuse and to torment those that are under his power. Yet even Saul believed the apparition to be Samuel himself. When Saul bowed himself, he was bowing to a demon, not to Samuel. The first thing hat the impersonator said, would only add to Saul’s sense of guilt, "Why hast thou disquieted me to bring me up?" To which question Saul replied by telling of the desperate situation that he was in. All else had failed him, he had turned away from God, and now God had turned away from him and answered him no more. The apparition then replied, "Why then hast thou enquired of me seeing that Jehovah has departed from thee, and become thine enemy?"

Here we see the cunning of the Devil, mixing truth with error, because though it was true that Jehovah had left Saul, yet it was not true that He had become Saul’s enemy. The Philistines were his enemy, and all that Jehovah had to do was to remove His support and protection from Saul, and he was helpless .In verse seventeen the apparition again pretends to be the godly Samuel, claiming that Jehovah had done what He had said by him. Jehovah had never ever spoken by a demon, and neither did He name David, as Saul’s neighbour. The demon also knew the cause of Saul’s and Israel’s dilemma, and that was that he failed to fully obey the command of Jehovah regarding Amalek. Saul knew the truth of these things, and it only deepened his conviction that it was really Samuel that was talking to him. This added to his torment yet it was Satan himself that moved him to that act of partial obedience.

The demon then predicted that Saul; and Israel would be delivered into the hands of the Philistines the following day, however it was several days later that the disaster took place. He also told that Saul and his sons would be with him. This is obviously not the language of the godly Samuel, because after having lived such a wicked life it is most unlikely that Saul would depart this life, and then be with Samuel. Neither did all of Saul’s sons die in the battle. Just as Saul and Jonathan were at loggerheads during their lifetime, it is most unlikely that Jonathan would be with his wicked father after death. So as always with the powers of darkness, there was a mixture of truth and error in what the demon said.

We should pay attention to this, because many are led to accept what is contrary to the holy scriptures, because those that proclaim and practice what is evil; sometimes say or do things that are right, and seem to have outward success. The words of the ‘Samuel’ caused even greater terror to Saul, and it was as though he had been smitten a great blow, and he fell full length on the ground. He had no strength because he had taken no food; he had been ‘fasting’, and had no physical strength.

Saul was ‘Sore afraid’ and the apparition disappeared leaving him in that state. This is what Satan loves to do. However the wicked woman prevailed on him to eat food. Those that came with him supported her in this. But when the Spirit of God gives us the reason why Saul was slain the incident that we have just examined is also mentioned. In 1 Chronicles 10:13. That passage also confirms what we have already affirmed, that the ‘Samuel’ that appeared and spoke with Saul was indeed the spirit of Python, and that Saul had asked counsel of it. In doing so, he broke the clear command of Jehovah given in Leviticus 19:31.

So it was that Saul and those with him went away in the night, back to the camp of Israel. It was indeed the darkest night of his life. He had dabbled with, he had resorted to, and he had sought counsel from the very powers of darkness themselves. All that remained was for the stroke of divine justice to fall upon him, and this fell during the following days.

In this chapter we trace the over-ruling hand of God, in the affairs of a weak compromising man, who was nevertheless a man after God’s own heart, and a man that above all wished to please and honour God. David out of a sense of gratitude to Achish for the kindness shown to him and his men had opened his mouth too wide. He had committed himself to go with the King against his enemies, perhaps not realising that those enemies might be his own people. But now the crunch had come, and David having given his word, and not desiring to shake the confidence of Achish in him, found himself and his men marching with the Philistine army to go against his own people. Perhaps his heart was crying out to God to provide some way to enable him to honourably extricate himself from this mess.

What a sad situation this was, there was he and his men marching as one, with the very people that in preceding years he would have slaughtered. In fact he had slaughtered 200 of their men previously in order to get the dowry that Saul required, for him to be able to marry Michal, Saul’s younger daughter. These were an uncircumcised and an idolatrous people, upon whom God had poured out his wrath in earlier years. Yet David had made them his friends, there are many believers today in a similar situation!

However God, (who knows the heart), understood the weakness and failing character of David, and He intervened in a remarkable way to extricate his servant from this dreadful situation. If avenging himself with his own hand against Nabal would have been a blot on his conscience when he came to the throne, then this failure would have been a much greater blot. Yet he was bound now by his own word, and could find no way out of this awful situation. But God intervened, as He always will if we really want to please Him.

Though Achish was convinced of David’s sincerity, yet the other four princes of the Philistines were not. They remembered the reports that they had heard of David’s prowess militarily. They remembered how the Israeli women sang of him as he returned from his remarkable victories. They now regarded David as one that was not to be trusted. They were afraid that the feelings of love for his own people would rekindle in his heart, and that he and his men would turn against them. So they questioned Achish as to why they were there, and they refused David permission to go any further with them.

Achish defended David’s character, even to the point of making the other princes of the confederacy angry. But it was no use; he was only one against four others that were united in their determination that David and his men should be sent back. Their determination was God’s intervention to deliver David from this humiliating situation. David reasoned with Achish as to why they had this attitude towards him, and in this way he was able to salvage his own honour. It was probably with a sense of great relief that he and his men returned to Ziklag at dawn the next morning. While this makes nothing of man, yet it makes everything of God. How wonderful is His mercy! But let us heed the warning, He may, or He may not intervene on our behalf, if we have wilfully chosen to forsake the path of faith, and reproach; to join with those that we know are the enemies of God’s people, with those that tolerate things, which are hateful to Him. The Lord Jesus knew that Peter would fail, but He prayed for him, that his faith would not fail, (and it did not fail). His grace is so wonderful that bears with such weak failing creatures as we are!

So David and his men left at dawn the following morning to return to Ziklag, and it is just as well that they did, as the following chapter reveals. God’s long awaited time had come, to turn the tables in favour of His chosen servant. As far as the record goes, this was David’s last meeting with Achish, we never read of them meeting again. However the time that he spent in the land of the Philistines was not all loss. (Not that this excuses him). While there in Gath, David had won the hearts of many, including Ittai and the six hundred men that followed him to Israel. Also the Cherethites and the Pelethites, who later became David’s bodyguard, were Philistines also.

Thus God is able to make our failures to work for our good and for His glory, Blessed be His holy name!

This chapter reveals something of the great goodness of God, and the miraculous nature of His timing of events.

God had intervened to save David from what would have been the greatest shame of his life, and he returned with his six hundred men, to discover that Ziklag had been devastated and burned during his absence, and that the wives and the children and all their substance had been taken away. This caused David to repent of his oversight, in going with the Philistines, and leaving his home unprotected. During his absence the Amalekites had raided his and many other towns and villages, including some belonging to the Philistines, and some in the south of Judea. This broke his heart, and he and his men wept until no more tears would come. How he regretted now that he had gone with the Philistines, and had left his near and dear ones as a prey to the Amalekites. This was true repentance, as he had been so foolish in what he had done.

What made matters worse was the fact that this great loss caused his hitherto loyal followers to speak of stoning him. All else had failed him now, but it led to his restoration, spiritually. It was at this crisis hour that he "Strengthened himself in Jehovah his God". The great unchanging Jehovah would never fail him. He was made to feel once again his absolute dependence upon God. He then asked Abiathar to bring the Ephod near to him. He then enquired of God as to what he should do. How different things might have been, if he had done this before committing himself and his men to go with the Philistine army? Let us each follow this last example of his. Also let those of us that have wives and families, see to it that through prayer and the reading of God’s word, they are always adequately protected from the attack of the evil one

I have been most impressed when staying in the homes of my brethren in India, to observe their faithful maintenance of the family altar in their homes each day. I believe that it is because of this that they still have most of their children with them, in pursuing the path of the will of God. It is a sad fact that the television has largely replace this holy institution in the homes of Western believers. It is plain to all that are willing to acknowledge the truth, that this is the main reason why the young people are no longer attending the meetings in Western Assemblies.

It was after he had inquired of God as to what he should do, and whether he would meet with success in obeying the directions given by God, that David was able to gain the support of those that spoke of stoning him, and was able to set off in pursuit of the enemy. However the emotional shock that they had all experienced was too much for some, so they were left to protect their remaining luggage at the brook Besor. Though his army was reduced by one third, and the army of the robbers was much larger than his, yet armed with the assurance given him by the clear word of God, David pursued the enemy.

As they marched towards the foe, they found a man lying in the field, and he was at the point of death. He was an Egyptian, and was the servant of an Amalekite, but his master had abandoned him, and left him to die, when he fell sick. David did not destroy this fellow, (even though he had been a part of the band that had stripped and burned Ziklag), but showed him kindness by giving him food and water. After being promised on oath that he would not be killed, or returned to his cruel master, the man rewarded this kindness, by bringing David’s men down to the troop of the Amalekites. These wicked people had no sense of danger. They thought that David was with the Philistine army, and that the men of Judah would be with the army of King Saul, so they were celebrating their victory, and what they taught was their good luck.

Because they were totally unprepared, David and his men were able to attack and to destroy them, and to rescue their wives and children from their captors. Except that four hundred men who rode on swift camels escaped. Thus David did what Saul had failed to do, and he rises once again to be a type of Christ, when it is said, "And David recovered all".

The triumphant band of soldiers, though so small, yet they gained great wealth as spoil from the battle. David set all the flocks and herds that the Amalekites had driven before their huge retinue, saying, "This is David’s spoil". He later used this to send gifts to those that had shown him kindness during the time of his being hunted by Saul. But when they returned to those men that had ‘Stayed by the stuff", a problem arose though the selfishness of some of David’s men. We are told in earlier chapters that these were not the nicest of men, yet David received them all. Now their old nature shows itself, as they were going to refuse any reward to those that were too weak to go to the battle. However David quickly rebuked this selfishness, and decreed that there would be an equal share for those that were unable to go to the battlefront. This ruling became a statute in Israel, and is even valid today.

It is not possible for every believer to become a foreign missionary, some have to remain at home, and it is these that raise the support, and pray for those that are able to go. Thus we share and share alike, in the blessings that attend the labours of those that do go.

David was quick to recognise that they were able to gain the victory, only because of the help of God. It was wickedness then to claim anything, or to seek to deny others a share in the wealth that God had given them. However when they returned to Ziklag again all was in ruins. The enemy had done a thorough job of destruction, and had destroyed all, and had burned the whole place with fire.

Nevertheless David’s generous spirit manifested itself once again, and he sent gifts to all those that had befriended him, and his men during the time of their great distress. The names of many places are mentioned that are not mentioned previously. If it were not for these verses we would never have known of their kindness to David and his men during the time of David’s rejection. This is a reminder to us, that when the Lord Jesus comes for us, before He comes in His kingdom, none will be overlooked that have been loyal and faithful to Him during the time of His public rejection.

David did not need to rebuild the city of Ziklag just then, as God’s time had come to remove Saul from Israel’s throne, yea even from this earth. Within a short time David was crowned king of Judah. The next chapter gives us the details of Saul’s death, and those of his sons, and his servants who died with him.

This chapter marks the end of King Saul’s tragic reign. A Reign that could have been so different if he had only taken the opportunities that God gave him. We cannot leave the hand of God out of the details that are unfolded in this chapter. Here we see the fulfilling of the word that God spoke later through Hosea. "I gave them a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath". Hosea 11:11.

There must have been times during the weary years of testing through which David had passed, that he thought that God’s time would never come. There are many situations in our lives also when we are tempted to think the same. But God is never in a hurry, but He is never too late. David himself wrote later, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; He is a buckler to all those who trust in Him". Psalm 18:30. He had proved the truth of these words.

Cheer up my tested brothers and sisters, "Though the vision tarry, wait for it" Habakkuk 2:3. God knows what He is doing and His promises never fail!

Once David and his men had departed, the Philistines camped on the northern side of the valley of Jezreel, at Shunem, and Saul and all Israel on the mountains of Gilboa. When the battle was joined the Philistines were victorious, as Jehovah had departed from Saul, and he was powerless against the enemy. As a result all Israel fled, and many of them fell down slain on Mount Gilboa.

The Philistines followed hard upon Saul, and his three sons. The eldest was Jonathan and all three were slain. Poor Jonathan what a warning he is to us! If only he had have been prepared to share David’s rejection, but instead he clung to his father, when God had rejected him. As a result he died with his father, and though David cherished his affection for him, yet Jonathan never shared David’s kingdom. (Let us heed this warning). He wanted to have the best of both worlds, but he enjoyed the blessings of neither.

Though Jonathan and his brother died honourably, as warriors in the battle with the Philistines, yet Saul attempted to take his own life. It seems that he was unsuccessful in this, and according to the testimony of the Amalekite given in chapter one of the next book, it would seem that it was the sword of the Amalekite that ended his life.

Some Jewish authorities are of the opinion that Saul’s armour bearer was none other than Doeg the Edomite. They think that Saul had advanced him to this position of honour; after he had slain the priests of Jehovah, as a reward for this deed. When the armour bearer saw that Saul had attempted to take his own life, thinking that he had been successful, then he too fell on his sword. If indeed it was Doeg, then it is possible that the very sword that he used to slaughter the priests put an end to his own life also. If this were so, then it would have been in keeping with the justice of God. Saul had already received a serious wound from the Philistine archers, and he was afraid that they would come and find him in this helpless state, and abuse him. When his armour bearer refused to kill Saul, he attempted to take his own life, by falling on his own sword (or spear). However it would seem that the armour that he was wearing made this act of suicide unsuccessful. This would probably be the armour that he had offered to David, when he went down into the valley of Elah to fight with Goliath.

It seems that it was the sword of the Amalekite that put an end of Saul’s life, and if so this should be a warning to us. Though Saul spared the best of the Amalekites, and saved their King alive, yet the Amalekite did not spare him. This also should be a warning to us. Amalek represents the principle of sin in the flesh, and if we try to spare the good aspects of it, or even seek to bring it into the service of the Lord, sooner or later, it will gain the mastery over us, and will destroy us, (or our testimony), also.

When the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found King Saul, and his two sons amongst the slain. Saul’s crown and his bracelet were missing; these had been taken by the Amalekite, and given to David. They removed Saul’s head, and took off his armour, and sent these things throughout their territory, to cause their people to rejoice, and to give praise to their idols, attributing the success of their armies to them. But though this seemed to be a triumph for the powers of evil, it was not so in reality. God’s time had come to execute His judgment on Saul and those that wilfully supported him. However God used the Philistines to execute his judgment. They were just the axe in the hand of the great Axeman.

When the people of Israel who dwelt to the North and to the East of the battle zone, heard of what had happened, they were filled with fear. They were afraid that the Philistines may come and kill them also, or else take them as slaves, so they forsook their cities and went into hiding, and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. However this action of the Philistines was short-lived, as David was soon installed on the throne of Judah, and then the Philistines began to experience something of his military might.

Many of the Israeli soldiers ran away, and amongst them was Abner, the son of Ner, (Saul’s Uncle). It seems that he did not have the same courage as Saul, (his cousin), though he was the general of Saul’s army. He lived on for some years, and tried in vain to continue Saul’s dynasty, but all his efforts were doomed to failure. God had determined that David should be the King of all Israel. Just as He has placed all authority in the hands of great David’s greater SON, and decreed that every knee should bow to Him..

When the men of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done with the bodies of Saul and his sons they were very angry. They recalled Saul’s brighter days, when he had led Israel to deliver them from the hands of Nahash the Ammonite They felt that they owed a debt to him, and so they went all night, and removed their bodies from the wall of Beth Shan. They burned the decaying flesh and organs from the bones, and buried those bones beneath an oak tree, or Tamarisk, and then fasted for seven days, to show their great grief at the fall of Saul and his sons. David later applauded their actions, and their courage.

So ends our examination of the first book of Samuel. May the thoughts drawn from these chapters, be a blessing to all that read them! Above all, may God’s holy name be glorified!