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DAVID TOOK REFUGE AMONG THE PHILISTINES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
1 Samuel 27

Psalm 16:1-6

 

“The lines are fallen unto me
in pleasant places;

yea, I have a goodly heritage.”

 

DAVID TOOK REFUGE AMONG THE PHILISTINES
 
After David spared Saul’s life, he did not feel safe because he was not persuaded of the king’s sincerity. He thus decided to escape to the land of the Philistines. Though the nation was not friendly with Israel, David found a friendly approach, and the king of the Philistines welcomed him. It was a bold decision but the Lord guided and worked in the hearts of all the key persons involved. Thus, David moved to the land of the Philistines. He formally asked the king for a separate city outside the king’s capital to establish himself there.
 
David’s decision was important. He knew that King Saul had not given up in his pursuit to get rid of him. Saul was such a hard-hearted person that even the kindness of David in sparing his life twice could not move him to take a positive approach. David was well-informed about the king’s position. He had exhausted all possible places where he could hide within the land of Israel. He then decided to take refuge in the enemies’ land even though it was risky. He came to this decision because Saul could not go after him without fighting the Philistines. The Philistines were enemies of Israel, it was not a simple task to convince the king of Gath to assist David.
 
David knew that God would not fail in fulfilling His promise. At the same time, he knew that he was personally responsible to put his plans in place that would lead to success. This included personal safety and building up a strong support from the people of Israel. Thus, David made this move.
 
THOUGHT: God works even in the heart of the enemy to save His own.
PRAYER: Father, while I fulfil my human responsibility, may my safety depend not on my own might and power, but on Thee.

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