The storyline of 1 Samuel is intensifying very quickly. From the euphoria of being devinely favored to the desperation of fleeing for his life, God's promise of David's future reign as king seems under attack. Does the adversity in David's life threaten the spoken will of God? Is David able to rise up as a king amidst his life's chaos?
David first fled to Ahimilech, the priest at Nob. We have no explanation as to why David chose to deceive the priest. Yet, we are told that he lied in order to receive provisions and the sword of Goliath. There in the midst of the nation's worship and their relligious leaders, David found momentary provision. Yet, even while pretending to be great (on a mission for King Saul) he was not safe from danger. Doeg the Edomite, chief shepherd, saw him there. David was forced to leave a sacred location of worship in fear of his life.
Next, David escaped to his enemies in Philistia. With the sword of Goliath, the huge Philistine that he conquered, David enters into the chief city of Gath. His renown as God's champion has not been forgotten. The enemy remembered David. In response to their recognition, David chose to pretend to be useless, a madman. Drueling and scribbling, the king rejected the Hebrew madman from his presence.
Neither the priest nor the enemy could offer David refuge. At most he finds temporary support. Where will his help come from? David used desperate human ideas protect himself, but ultimately learns that he must rely on God to find strength, daily rest, and peace. This chapter should leave us with many questions. In narrative style, we can see that David used sinful ways to protect himself. Yet, the author does not give us a moral absolute. We are watching a life rather than laying down law in 1 Samuel. Through relationship and life experience, God has something to teach us about Himself, His promises, and His relationship to us as sinners.
Through our questions and the unknown ahead, we and David must trust that God's sovereignty is still active. A human situation cannot nullify the will of God. As you go on your way today, consider what situations in your own life seem to threaten you. Is there a promise in God's word or a characteristic about Himself that you can rest in and learn to trust?
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
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