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SAUL FAILED TO CAPTURE DAVID
LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 8
1 Samuel 23

Psalm 27:1-7

 

“Though an host should
encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear…”

 

SAUL FAILED TO CAPTURE DAVID
 
Though Saul, as king, had a network of intelligence, David was not behind in devising his own security moves. The Lord was there to guide him. It was neither David nor Saul who mattered in this race, but the Creator who determines the destiny of all men. King Saul might have sat for long hours with his counsellors to devise ways and means of capturing David, but Saul had the disadvantage. The king’s son himself was a sworn friend of David. On the other hand, David did not count on his friends in the palace. He trusted God, and used wisdom from God to evade capture. He was vigilant.
 
David prayed and received assurance of safety. David also took advantage of the ephod that Abiathar had brought, and effectively used it to communicate with God. The Lord told him that the men of Keilah would deliver him to Saul. Thus, he immediately went to hide in the wilderness of Ziph. At this critical moment, the Lord sent Jonathan to visit him, and they renewed their covenant of friendship. He came at a time when David was in need of comfort, for Jonathan knew that Saul could capture him at any time.
 
The most important concern at that time was the safety of David. This is the scene at the meeting of the two friends: “And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house” (1 Sam 23:16-18). This is not simply a touching story. It is the work of God in their hearts.
 
THOUGHT: God gives assurance of protection when I am in need.
PRAYER: Father, may my faith never be shaken whatever the circumstances.

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