God preserves the life of Abiathar, who manages to escape Nob andjoins David‘s camp. He is the only priest in Ahimelek‘s family whohas not been massacred by Saul. - P82
When Abiathar reports the tragedy toDavid, David takes personal responsibility for the death of the priests.
He then pledges to ensure Abiathar‘s safety as long as they are together.
- P82
In His providence, God preserves both king and priest for His people,
to ensure their survival and well-being as His chosen nation. - P82
The enemywill try hard to destroy God‘s children and keep them away from Him.
But we can take heart: neither the devil‘s schemes nor human persecu-tion can derail God‘s eternal plans for us. - P82
Dear Lord, there are times when difficulties happen to me and I cannot under-stand why. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You during such situations,
knowing that You are in control. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P83
20 abiani quvog o4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and theLORD answered him, "Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand."
4 So David arkod - P84
10 David said, "LORD, God of Israel, your servant hasheard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah anddestroy the town on account of me.
11 Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? WillSaul come down, as your servant has heard? LORD, Godof Israel, tell your servant." And the LORD said, "Hewill." - P85
14 David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in thehills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searchedfor him, but God did not give David into his hands.
untry ofI‘ll - P85
David is told that the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, so David inquiresof the Lord. The Lord tells him to attack, and David saves the people of Keilah.
- P85
Saul hears about this and sends his forces to capture David and his men. Davidinquires of the Lord, and God tells him that the people of Keilah will surrenderhim to Saul. So, David escapes into the wilderness. - P85
When David hears that Keilah has been attacked by the Philistine army,
he inquires of the Lord if he should go and rescue this town. - P86
AlthoughDavid‘s army is not sure that they can defeat the Philistines, the Lordassures David that He will give him victory. - P86
David demonstrates theheart of a spiritual leader in two ways. Despite his own troubles, he iswilling to defend Keilah against the enemy. - P86
Second, he seeks the Lord‘swill about the situation. God‘s Word is greater than our own feelingsand perceptions of our capabilities. - P86
Regardless of how we feel aboutcertain circumstances, we should make it our discipline to pray and seekGod‘s direction for every matter.
- P86
When David learns about Saul‘s plan to besiege him in Keilah he asksthe Lord what he should do. - P86
Although David had helped the people ofKeilah against the Philistines, he does not presume they will defend himagainst Saul. - P86
In fact, the Lord reveals to David that the people will givehim up to Saul.
- P86
When we seek God, He not only reveals the schemesof the enemy to us but also provides the protection that we need. - P86
Atthis point David was in a vulnerable situation but God protected him assuagainst Saul. - P86
Our enemy, Satan, is cunning and strong but with the helpof our God we are able to avoid his traps and여기overcome him. - P86
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for those times I have acted without seeking Yourguidance. - P87
I pray that You would guide me today as I go about my commitments, andprotect me from the enemy‘s schemes. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P87
18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORDThen Jonathan went home, but David remained atHoresh. - P88
21 Saul replied, "The LORD bless you for your concernfor me. 22 Go and get more information. Find outwhere David usually goes and who has seen him there.
They tell me he is very crafty. 23 Find out about all thehiding places he uses and come back to me with definiteinformation. Then I will go with you; if he is in the area,
I will track him down among all the clans of Judah. - P88
25 Saul and his men began the search, and when Davidwas told about it, he went down to the rock and stayedin the Desert of Maon. When Saul heard this, he wentinto the Desert of Maon in pursuit of David. - P89
26 Saul was going along one side of the mountain, andDavid and his men were on the other side, hurrying toget away from Saul. As Saul and his forces were closingin on David and his men to capture them, 27 a messen-ger came to Saul, saying, "Come quickly! The Philistinesare raiding the land." - P89
28 Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went tomeet the Philistines. That is why they call this place SelaHammahlekoth. 29 And David went uplived in the strongholds of En Gedi. - P89
Jonathan goes to David at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph and encourages himin the Lord. - P89
Saul continues to pursue David, searching for him in the Desertof Ziph and the Desert of Maon. As Saul and his forces close in on David, amessenger tells Saul that the Philistines are raiding the land. So, Saul stopshis pursuit to meet the Philistines. David goes to live in En Gedi. - P89
David is perhaps at one of the lowest moments of his life, knowing thatSaul is relentlessly seeking to kill him. - P90
Jonathan, Saul‘s son and heir,
goes to David in order to encourage him. This bold step by Jonathandemonstrates his deep friendship with David and his spiritual sensitivity. - P90
He is aware that his father is fighting a losing battle and David willultimately be king. - P90
Although David fears for his life, God will preservehim. - P90
There are times when our circumstances make us lose sense of thebig picture of God‘s purpose for us, but even in these moments Godprovides sources of encouragement from godly friends or His Word toremind us of the certainty of His promises. - P90
The Ziphites volunteer to help capture David and hand him over toSaul. From a human point of view, this seems like it might be the endfor David. - P90
Saul‘s troops are closing in on him and the game will soon beover. But God in His sovereign providence allows an interruption thatenables David to escape. - P90
When Saul hears that the Philistines
have invaded, he cuts short his pursuit
of David to respond to this emergency.
- P90
Even in situations where all hope seems lost, we can trust God‘s desireto rescue us and His ability to intervene. - P90
God wants us to always lookup to Him and will prove Himself to be an ever-present help to thosewho trust Him. - P90
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