September 13, 2021
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Reading along with us in 1 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Samuel 23 (NIV)
David Saves Keilah
1 When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” 2 he inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”
3 But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!”........Continue Reading
I noticed unlike Saul, David sought the counsel of God and when his men were fearful and discouraged by God’s plan he sought God again but remained vigilant to God’s command. Saul ultimately followed his own path to keep favor in man’s eyes or to gain wealth or power for himself, however, David listened to his men but still trusted God’s plan and reassured his men that God would be with them.
He was also careful with the lives of those around him. Instead of fighting and endangering the lives of the people in Keilah he ran and hid to protect them also unlike Saul who had priests slaughtered because of his own pride.
1 Samuel 22&23
Samuel 23. I have finally caught up. Saul doesn’t seem to realize that David has an advantage – God. More to come I think.
1 Samuel 23
1 Samuel 21-23
What a good movie this and the ensuing chapters would make. They are full of mystery and intrigue. It is very notable that David consults God on several occasions to seek direction, and we should do the same. Even to see that David listens to his men and goes back to God but still follows God’s direction and leads his men in it, shows good leadership. It is a bit disappointing the the people of Keilah would hand David over to Saul after David saved them, but understandable as well after seeing what Saul did to a town that helped David. I like the straight forward answers that God gives David. But it all shows the better character of David over Saul.
It is interesting that Jonathan can find David but Saul can’t. And how wonderful that Jonathan goes to David to encourage him in the Lord and affirm God’s plan even though circumstances didn’t look like that. How important that we trust more in what God says than what we see. But then the intrigue continues as Saul finds out where David is, David nearly escapes, and then they are literally side by side with a mountain between them. How clear that in spite of Saul’s desires, God’s plan is prevailing.
David consults the Lord at all times. The Lord protects him, by giving him a way of escape or by letting him know events in advance.