3.18.22 - 1 Samuel 29
Scripture - What stood out?
1 Samuel 29:11
So David set out with his men early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
Observation - What does it say?
David had sought asylum with the Philistine king of Gath, Achish. On the eve of battle against the Israelites (David’s heritage), the Philistine elders say that having David on the battlefield is too great a risk. And Achish, David’s current liege, obeys the elders wishes - and in turn David obeys Achish.
Understanding - What does it mean?
One of my favorite seasons in David’s life is the way that he rose to power or the path that he took to finally be anointed as the rightful ruler of Judah. Rejected by king Saul, David found refuge with one of his enemies. The philistine king Achish who represents the God-less/pagan world in this story says this about David - the same David who took on and defeated the Philistine champion Goliath:
“As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you. So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.”
War tends to blur the lines between loyalty,trust, and obedience but there is something so sweet about David finding favor in the eyes of “the enemy”.
In many ways this is what I would like for my life. To be known as a Christian and for those that do not want or obey God to treat me with a begrudging…something…And not for my name’s sake but for Christ’s - the true King.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Lord, I always learn so much from your servant David. Teach me to live my life so that I may find favor with You much like David did. Teach me to follow your ways so that when the time comes I will be prepared, covered, and coated in your Holy Spirit.
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong (Psalm 125:3)
