File No. 58

I SAMUEL 22:1–5; 23:1 – 24:22

DAVID HIDES FROM SAUL

Printable Version

(SBS Bk 2 Story No. 40)

Story Notes

David now entered a part of his life where he seemed most distant from the work for which he was anointed. He remained faithful to his king and, apart from Samuel, did not know on whom he could rely.

David came to establish his first headquarters in Adullam. His family joined him, perhaps for safety, and because they saw the hand of God on him. (Psalms 57 and 142 have been attributed to this occasion.) However, David must have felt quite isolated because he needed to entrust the care of his parents to a neighbouring king. Others gathered for all manner of personal reasons, but captained by God's anointed, were disciplined to a new purpose.

We remember the many outcasts who gathered to Jesus in Galilee. We also are grateful, that we have been gathered, by our need for the grace of Christ, to be disciplined by him to the service of God's mercy.

Chapter 23 – 24

It is not clear how long Saul hounded David, but while he was on the run, he continued to care for Israel. He had begun his military career defeating the Philistines and Israel still needed relief. He was anointed and the Spirit must have stirred him constantly to be about his calling. So, he enquired of God concerning each aspect of the battle (and later occasions: 30:8; II Sam. 2:1; 5:19, 23; 21:1). How could a king function without the guidance of the Lord? By this, he knew which battles were his to fight, who were his reliable friends and when he should run.

The first anointed shepherd of Israel, King Saul, had become a wolf. His son recognised God's newly anointed king and, as one who also lived by God's promise and grace, 'encouraged him in God'. He gave him his allegiance and sought his favour. Not so the self seeking Ziphites. David fled further South, and there, was saved from Saul again, this time, because Saul was called to another battle. Then, David went east to Engedi, on the shores of the Dead Sea, an area well described as a wilderness. Still, his spirit sang, as is suggested by two psalms attributed to this period (54 and 63).

Saul was still thirsty for the defeat of his enemies, but particularly for the defeat of the one he saw as his rival. God showed him how unnecessary his action was by the incident in the cave. The same incident showed David's men how David feared God above men and would not harm the one God anointed. Then David, with honour, showed that Saul was doing wrong to a man who would do him no harm, and called on God to vindicate him. (Israel saw his thoughts reflected in Psalms 57 and 142 and attributed them to this period.) Saul was forced to acknowledge that his actions were indefensible, and confessed that David's dynasty would be established rather than his own. He blessed David and asked for favour on his family when this happened. His son had willingly done this earlier.

© Grant Thorpe 2000