SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 23
DAVID SAVES KEILAH (vs. 1-6)
When the Philistines were fighting against Keilah, David inquired from the Lord if he was going to attack the Philistines. The Lord replied in the affirmative. So David and his men fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses to the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah. Abiathar, son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.
SAUL PURSUES DAVID (vs. 7-29)
When Saul knew that David was in Keilah, he called up all his forces to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. When David learned Saul was plotting against him, he inquired from the Lord: “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? “. The Lord replied: “He will”. So David and his men about 600 in number left Keilah, moving from one place to another. Then he stayed in the hills of the Desert of Zip. Jonathan went to David to encourage him and assure him that he will be king over Israel. The two of them made a covenant before the Lord and then Jonathan went home.
The Ziphites informed Saul that David was hiding in the stronghold at Horesh on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon. Saul’s men began to search and David went down to the rock and stayed in the Desert of Maon. When Saul heard it, he went into the Desert of Maon in pursuit of David.
Now while David and his men were on one side of the mountain, Saul and his forces were on the other side closing in to capture David. But a messenger came to report that the Philistines were raiding the land. So Saul stopped his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. The place was called Sela Hammahlekoth. And David went up from there and lived in the stronghold of En Gedi.
THOUGHTS:
David rescued the citizens of Keilah from the Philistines. Instead of protecting their deliverer, they planned to turn him and his men over to Saul. Here, we learn two lessons: Frist, do not expect everyone you help to appreciate what you have done for him. Second, appreciate what others have done for you.
When Saul was about to capture David, God caused an invasion of the Philistines that forced Saul to return home. No matter what men may do, God is in control of circumstances. He works out His purposes and delivers His plan at the right time.
The priest Abiathar brought along the ephod with the Urim and Thummin. David sought the guidance before he took action. We should likewise discern God’s will before hand. Hear Him speak through His Word, through counsel of others and through the leading of the Spirit. Do not act compulsively and then ask God to undo the results of your hasty decision.
The marks of trued friendship are trust and confidence. Jonathan met David in the wilderness at the risk of his life. He displayed humility and sportsmanship by willing to be second to David. Are you a real friend?