Author: Andrew Timberlake

1 Samuel 29:1-11

1 Now the Philistines had gathered all their forces at Aphek. And the Israelites were encamped by the spring that is in Jezreel. 2 As the lords of the Philistines were passing on by hundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were passing on in the rear with Achish, 3 the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years, and since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.” 4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him. And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? 5 Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances,

  ‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
    and David his ten thousands’?”

6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “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. 7 So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.” 8 And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” 9 And Achish answered David and said, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ 10 Now then rise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who came with you, and start early in the morning, and depart as soon as you have light.” 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.

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

The story returns to David and the Philistines. The Philistine army was advancing and David had joined their ranks with King Achish at the rear. The commanders came to Achish and asked why he had brought Hebrews into battle with them. They had good reason to be concerned. In a previous battle they had allowed Hebrews under their protection to go into battle with them and the results had been disastrous. Hebrews in Philistine army dress and with Philistine weapons had turned on them and the result was Philistines killing Philistines (1 Sam 14:20-21). Achish tried to defend David. He explained how David had lived alongside him for over a year and he had found no fault with him. Achish was convinced that David would not turn against them. But the Philistine commanders were angry with him and demanded that he send David back. They believed David might seek to regain Saul’s favour by turning on them in battle. They reminded Achish that David is the one they sang the song about, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”—and weren’t those thousands Philistines?

Achish conceded to the commanders and sent David back in peace. He assured David that he had found no fault in him but that the commanders did not approve of him joining them. David feigned displeasure at this decision and asked what he had done to displease Achish. David was ready to go and fight for “my lord and king” though this phrase was likely intentionally ambiguous. David could have been referring to Achish, but could equally have been referring to Saul, or more likely, the Lord.

There are a number of similarities between Achish and Saul. Both kings made David their personal bodyguard. Both were impressed by David’s fighting prowess and yet removed him from their armies. Both misjudged David. Saul believed David was his mortal enemy though he was fiercely loyal. On the other hand, Achish believed David to be loyal though he was his enemy. These parallels serve to show that Saul was indeed, “a king like all the other nations ” (1 Sam 8:5)

This story also shows the providential hand of God keeping David from any involvement in Saul’s death. Instead, when Saul died, David and his men were miles away defeating the Amalekites whom Saul had failed to devote to destruction.

David lined up for battle with the Philistines against Israel. We know from David’s character that he would never have laid a hand on the Lord’s chosen people of Israel so he must have been operating in faith waiting for the Lord to show him what to do, and the Lord provided a way out. Are you living a life without compromise in faith that God will honour your decision and commitment to Him, and show you the way out when you encounter seemingly compromising situations?

Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan

The First Lord’s Supper: Luke 21-22

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

1 Samuel 28:1-25

1 In those days the Philistines gathered their forces for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, “Understand that you and your men are to go out with me in the army.” 2 David said to Achish, “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.” And Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”

3 Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the necromancers out of the land. 4 The Philistines assembled and came and encamped at Shunem. And Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.”

8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.” 9 The woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the necromancers from the land. Why then are you laying a trap for my life to bring about my death?” 10 But Saul swore to her by the LORD, “As the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.” 11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” He said, “Bring up Samuel for me.” 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul.” 13 The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.” 14 He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.

15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do.” 16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done to you as he spoke by me, for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the LORD will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The LORD will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”

20 Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night. 21 And the woman came to Saul, and when she saw that he was terrified, she said to him, “Behold, your servant has obeyed you. I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to what you have said to me. 22 Now therefore, you also obey your servant. Let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.” 23 He refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, urged him, and he listened to their words. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed. 24 Now the woman had a fattened calf in the house, and she quickly killed it, and she took flour and kneaded it and baked unleavened bread of it, 25 and she put it before Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they rose and went away that night.

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

The Philistines once again gathered their forces for war against Israel. This time King Achish expected David to go out to war with his army [against Israel]. David’s response is suitably vague. He told Achish that he would see what David could do, but did David mean against Israel, or against Israel’s enemies? Achish assumed the former and trusted David enough to make him his bodyguard for life.

The story switches scenes to Saul. We are reminded that Samuel had died and been buried in his hometown of Ramah. We are also told that Saul had removed all the mediums and spiritists from the land which helps us to understand that he was fully aware that it was a sin to engage with such people (Deu 18:10-11). The Philistine army that was gathered against Israel was so large that Saul trembled in fear. Saul did the right thing and inquired of the Lord before engaging in battle, but the Lord did not answer him. God did not answer him in a dream through direct revelation. God did not answer him by means of the Urim, the device used by the priests—Saul had killed all the priests at Nob and the one remaining had fled with an ephod had fled to David. God also did not answer him by a prophet because Samuel was dead and he had likely lost the support of the prophets when Samuel had declared that Saul’s kingship had ended. Saul had broken his relationship with the Lord through disobedience on many levels. So he turned to another means—one expressly forbidden by the Lord. Saul went in search of a medium. One of his servants told him there was one living in Endor.

Saul disguised himself and went to her at night. He asked her to bring up a spirit he was looking for but she initially refused. She believed he was laying a trap for her because Saul had banished the mediums from the land. Saul didn’t just guarantee her safety, he swore by the Lord that no punishment would befall him. To invoke the Lord’s name in an act of willful disobedience was blasphemous. Saul asked her to bring up Samuel and when she saw him she cried out and realised that he was Saul. Her response strongly suggests that what she experienced was not what she expected. While we cannot rule out a medium’s ability to contact the dead, it seems that God may have permitted an actual encounter with Samuel rather than a demonic imitation. Saul couldn’t see what she could see but through her description, he was convinced that she had called up Samuel. Saul told Samuel about his distress at the Philistine attack and how God had ceased to answer him so now he came to ask Samuel what he should do. Samuel repeated the same prophetic word that he had proclaimed before he died, because of his disobedience to the word of the Lord and his failure to wipe out the Amalekites, the Lord had torn the kingdom from him and given it to his neighbour, David. Samuel continued with a further prophecy that the Philistines would prevail and both Saul and his sons would die the next day.

Saul collapsed in fear because of what Samuel had told him. He had not eaten at all. Perhaps he still held to the foolish notion that fasting in battle would help him (1 Sam 14:28). When he was offered food he refused, perhaps because it would break the vow he had made as part of his fast. Eventually, after the medium and his servents urged him, he relented and she prepared a meal for him. Then they returned that same night.

Is there any sin in your life that you’ve allowed to persist and convinced yourself is somehow within God’s will because you’ve flowered it in “godly” terms? If your relationship with God is broken, are you trying to fix it through your own means? You don’t need to. God is always ready to forgive those who repent (1 John 1:9).

Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan

Cleansing the Temple: Luke 19-20

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

1 Samuel 27:1-12

1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” 2 So David arose and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. 3 And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal’s widow. 4 And when it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, he no longer sought him.

5 Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be given me in one of the country towns, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?” 6 So that day Achish gave him Ziklag. Therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day. 7 And the number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a year and four months.

8 Now David and his men went up and made raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, for these were the inhabitants of the land from of old, as far as Shur, to the land of Egypt. 9 And David would strike the land and would leave neither man nor woman alive, but would take away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the camels, and the garments, and come back to Achish. 10 When Achish asked, “Where have you made a raid today?” David would say, “Against the Negeb of Judah,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Jerahmeelites,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Kenites.” 11 And David would leave neither man nor woman alive to bring news to Gath, thinking, “lest they should tell about us and say, ‘So David has done.’” Such was his custom all the while he lived in the country of the Philistines. 12 And Achish trusted David, thinking, “He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant.”

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

David didn’t believe Saul’s promise to leave him alone (1 Sam 26:21) so he fled with his group outside of Israel to the land of the Philistines. This is the second time he went to King Achish in the city of Gath (1 Sam 21:10). The first time he wasn’t accepted because David was known to be associated with Saul and was seen as a threat. By now the conflict between David and Saul would be more widely known and David would be seen in a more favourable light by the Philistine ruler. He could even be an ally against Israel. When Saul learned that David had led to Gath, he gave up his hunt for David.

David was a cunning warrior. He wasn’t against Israel nor would he ever be. He intended to use his time away still in service of the Lord. In a show of humility, he asked Achish for a place to settle that was in the country. Strategically this would be favourable for the king who wouldn’t want 600-1000 Israelites moving in and upsetting the city of Gath. It also meant David would be able to operate out from the watchful eye of Achish. Achish gave David the city of Ziklag to settle in. Ziklag was about forty kilometers southwest of Gath and technically assigned to the tribes of Simeon (Josh 19:5) and Judah (Josh 15:31) but the Israelites had never conquered it. David managed to bring the city into Israelite hands without any battle and “it belonged to the kings of Judah to this day.” David lived among the Philistines for sixteen months.

During his time David continued to develop his leadership and military strength. He also continued to conquer the promised land which Israel had failed to do (Josh 13:1-2). David would attack the cities of the Geshurites, Girzites, and the Amalekites who were all under the ban (Deu 20:16-17), and following God’s instruction, he left no one alive but took the spoils of war. On his return, he shared a portion with king Achish who inquired about the locations of the raids. David would tell him that he had moved against the arid regions of various parts of Israel and because he had left neither man nor woman alive, no one could report otherwise to Achish. While the Bible is clear that we should not lie (Lev 19:11; Col 3:9) it is expected that in war, deception will be used. Achish was Israel’s enemy. David’s deception worked. His deception combined with generous gifts of plunder caused Achish to believe that David was loyal to him and had become a stench to his own people Israel and Achish trusted him.

It is right to question David’s use of lying. Did he sin? Is military strategy an adequate defense for lying? Consider when and why you have lied? Was it for some noble, God-honouring purpose? Most likely it was to cover up sin or for personal gain—no matter how small. God is clear that he expects us to be truthful (Prov 12:22; 6:16-19; Luke 8:17; Psalm 12:2-6; John 8:44). Are you an honest person?

Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan

The Coming Kingdom: Luke 17-18

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

1 Samuel 26:1-25

1 Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” 2 So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 3 And Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road on the east of Jeshimon. But David remained in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, 4 David sent out spies and learned that Saul had indeed come. 5 Then David rose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him.

6 Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab’s brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah, “Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?” And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” 7 So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. 8 Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” 10 And David said, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.” 12 So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.

13 Then David went over to the other side and stood far off on the top of the hill, with a great space between them. 14 And David called to the army, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Will you not answer, Abner?” Then Abner answered, “Who are you who calls to the king?” 15 And David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? Who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not kept watch over your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy the king your lord. 16 This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the LORD’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is and the jar of water that was at his head.”

17 Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” 18 And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands? 19 Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the LORD who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the LORD, for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the LORD, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.”

21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.” 22 And David answered and said, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. 23 The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. 24 Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the LORD, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.” 25 Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

Once again the Ziphites actively betrayed David to Saul. Saul took three thousand men to look for David. Saul encamped on a hill which provided him strategic advantage and protection. David and his men remained hidden. David sent out spies who confirmed that Saul was indeed after him again. David approached Saul’s camp at night and discovered where Saul lay as well as the location of Abner, the commander of his army. David took Abishai with him into Saul’s camp to where he was sleeping. Saul slept with his spear at the ready near his head but remained asleep. Abishai saw this as a God-given opportunity and requested the honour of killing David’s enemy for him. David responded to Abishai’s theological motivation with a theological answer, no one can lay their hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless. The Lord would deal with him as He saw fit to do. David then told Abishai to take the spear and a jug of water that was at Saul’s head which they could use later. No one woke, not because David and Abishai were extra stealthy, but because the Lord had caused them to fall into a deep sleep.

David moved to another hill and then called out to Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, and accused him of not adequately protecting the king declaring that he deserved to die for his failure. As evidence of his failure, David sent Abner to check for Saul’s spear and water jug.
Saul woke and called out to David similarly to their encounter two chapters earlier. David again asked why Saul was pursuing him. David was open to hearing if he had done something wrong and the Lord had directed Saul to come after him. If that was the case, he prayed that the Lord would accept a freewill offering. But if it was man who was the cause of David’s troubles, then he prayed that the Lord would judge them for their sin. They had driven him from his share in the covenant relationship with the Lord. By keeping David from being able to freely worship God within the Jewish structures God had put in place, David saw them as driving him to serve other gods. Then David asked Saul to look at the situation in perspective. Saul was focusing enormous military energy on one innocent man like looking for a single flea or hunting a partridge in the mountains.

Saul again repented, but his words no longer carried any weight. David didn’t accept Saul’s offer to return but asked that he send one of his young men to come and fetch his spear and jug. David concluded with a reminder of the Biblical concept of sowing and reaping (Gal 6:7). Because he had considered Saul’s life precious and spared him, David humbly trusted that the Lord would look after him and deliver him from his trouble.

Jesus was clear in His teaching that we should treat others’ lives as precious (Mat 7:12; 5:44; 7:2). One might argue that David would have been justified in killing Saul—but God’s ways are higher than our ways. If Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for them, how are you doing with treating others the way Jesus expects you to?

Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan

The Parables of the Lost Things: Luke 15-16

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

Proverbs 22:17-29

17   Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
    and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18   for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19   That your trust may be in the LORD,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20   Have I not written for you thirty sayings
    of counsel and knowledge,
21   to make you know what is right and true,
    that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
22   Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
    or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23   for the LORD will plead their cause
    and rob of life those who rob them.
24   Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
    nor go with a wrathful man,
25   lest you learn his ways
    and entangle yourself in a snare.
26   Be not one of those who give pledges,
    who put up security for debts.
27   If you have nothing with which to pay,
    why should your bed be taken from under you?
28   Do not move the ancient landmark
    that your fathers have set.
29   Do you see a man skillful in his work?
    He will stand before kings;
    he will not stand before obscure men.

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that are easily applied to everyday situations. Consider carefully which of the sayings you’ve read today are particularly applicable to you today and in the coming week. What do you need to change or do more of to make use of God’s wisdom in your life?

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

Psalm 32

A Maskil of David.

1   Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
2   Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3   For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
4   For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
    my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5   I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not cover my iniquity;
  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6   Therefore let everyone who is godly
    offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
  surely in the rush of great waters,
    they shall not reach him.
7   You are a hiding place for me;
    you preserve me from trouble;
    you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
8   I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9   Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
    which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
    or it will not stay near you.
10   Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
    but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11   Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
    and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

The Psalms are great for helping us relate to God and worship Him. It’s wonderful to spend time in the word and grow in your knowledge of God at a head level. Use today to do your quiet time a little differently and try to grow in your knowledge of God at a heart level. We must always strive to move from knowing of God to knowing God.

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

1 Samuel 25:1-44

1 Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah.

Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. 2 And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 3 Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. 4 David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. 5 So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. 6 And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. 7 I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. 8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’”

9 When David’s young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited. 10 And Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. 11 Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” 12 So David’s young men turned away and came back and told him all this. 13 And David said to his men, “Every man strap on his sword!” And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage.

14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. 15 Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. 16 They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 17 Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.”

18 Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. 19 And she said to her young men, “Go on before me; behold, I come after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. 20 And as she rode on the donkey and came down under cover of the mountain, behold, David and his men came down toward her, and she met them. 21 Now David had said, “Surely in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him, and he has returned me evil for good. 22 God do so to the enemies of David and more also, if by morning I leave so much as one male of all who belong to him.”

23 When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. 25 Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent. 26 Now then, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, because the LORD has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. 27 And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. 28 Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the LORD, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. 29 If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. 30 And when the LORD has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you and has appointed you prince over Israel, 31 my lord shall have no cause of grief or pangs of conscience for having shed blood without cause or for my lord working salvation himself. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.”

32 And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! 33 Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand! 34 For as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there had not been left to Nabal so much as one male.” 35 Then David received from her hand what she had brought him. And he said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have obeyed your voice, and I have granted your petition.”

36 And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until the morning light. 37 In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 38 And about ten days later the LORD struck Nabal, and he died.

39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing. The LORD has returned the evil of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her as his wife. 40 When the servants of David came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, “David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife.” 41 And she rose and bowed with her face to the ground and said, “Behold, your handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” 42 And Abigail hurried and rose and mounted a donkey, and her five young women attended her. She followed the messengers of David and became his wife.

43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and both of them became his wives. 44 Saul had given Michal his daughter, David’s wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim.

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

The chapter begins with a note that Samuel died bringing to an end the period of judges in Israel.

David moved to the wilderness of Paran. A very wealthy man named Nabal lived in the area. Nabal is described as harsh and his name means fool which he proved himself to be. His wife’s name was Abigail and she is described as discerning and beautiful. Nabal was a Calebite which meant he was from the same clan as David (1 Chr 2:51).

Naval was shearing his sheep during a time of one of the Jewish festivals. David sent ten of his men to bless Nabal and ask for favour in the form of some supplies. They reminded him that David and his men had offered protection to his sheep and his shepherds, keeping them safe while they grazed in the area of Carmel. Instead of responding out of gratitude, Nabal accused David of being a slave who had broken away from his master and he had no obligation to give his food to ”men who come from I do not know where”. When David’s men reported Nabal’s response to David he responded immediately with the intention of revenge. He took four hundred men with him and left two hundred behind to keep watch.

In the interim, one of Nabal’s servants went to Abigail and informed her of the situation between David and her husband. He let her know that David and his men had provided protection like a wall around them while they were keeping the sheep. He then let her know that David intended harm against Nabal mentioning that he “is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.”

Abigail’s actions were not typical of a married woman of the time. She acted with independence and met secretly with a man without her husband. She was interceding for her husband. She prepared a gift for David and his men. When she met David, she showed him respect and then accepted the blame for her husband’s mistreatment of David. She succeeded in calming David convinced him to spare her husband by reminding David of the consequences of avenging this wrong himself. David blessed her for keeping him from the bloodguilt of vengeance by his own hand and being the Lord’s instrument in keeping him from sin. David accepted her gift and sent her home in peace assuring her that he would stay his course of action.

When Abigail returned home, she found her husband drunk having feasted like a king. She couldn’t tell her husband what had happened until the next morning. When he was sober she informed him of what had happened and he suffered what seems to have been a heart attack or something similar that led to a coma and he died ten days later. This was no random medical accident—“The Lord struck Nabal and he died”. David blessed God for vindicating him, punishing Nabal, and keeping David from wrongdoing.

David sent for Abigail to be his wife. It’s possible that David was acting as a kinsman-redeemer for Abigail even though he was not most closely related to her. This is supported by the fact that the only child recorded to have come from Abigail was fathered by David (2 Sam 3:3; 1 Chr 3:1) and was never mentioned as a contender for the throne. David had also taken Ahinoam of Jezreel as a wife. In the meantime, Saul had given Michal, David’s first wife, and Saul’s daughter, to Palti, a man of Gallim.

Are you rash with your words or selfish like Nabal? Quick to respond in anger like David? Or a humble peacemaker like Abigail who interceded for her husband and calmed David from a potential sin?

Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan

The Narrow Way: Luke 13-14

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

1 Samuel 24:1-22

1 When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks. 3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 6 He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.” 7 So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.

8 Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? 10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. 12 May the LORD judge between me and you, may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! 15 May the LORD therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.”

16 As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. 18 And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the LORD put me into your hands. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. 20 And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 21 Swear to me therefore by the LORD that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.” 22 And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

When Saul returned from dealing with the Philistine invasion (1 Sam 23:27), he was told that David was in the wilderness of Engedi. So he went after David with three thousand men. During the pursuit, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself (the Hebrew euphemism is “to cover his feet”). He didn’t realise that David and his men were hiding deeper in that same cave. The men with David pointed out that clearly God had engineered this situation to his advantage. The “prophecy” they quote is not mentioned in Scripture so it may have been a false or misapplied prophecy. David stealthily approached Saul and cut off the corner of his robe. Immediately David’s conscience was pricked. He recognised the significance of his symbolic gesture. This was more than an act against the king, it was a sin against God who had commanded that Israel uphold their ordained leadership (Ex 22:28; Num 12:2-15). David acknowledged that even though he had been anointed to one day be king, Saul was the Lord’s anointed until God deemed it the right time for David to assume the throne. David repented and left Saul to leave. David’s cutting off the corner of Saul’s robe was not a meaningless act. He had shown the transfer of power from Saul to David. He had made Saul’s robe non-compliant with God’s law which required tassels on the corner of their garments (Num 15:38-39; Deu 22:12) and made his symbol of kingship unwearable, symbolically invalidating Saul’s right to the throne.

David followed Saul out of the cave and called out to him. David bowed in respect and called Saul both lord and king. David showed complete loyalty to Saul. He then proceeded to explain his loyalty exhibited most recently by not following the obvious course of action that had presented itself in the cave. He showed Saul the corner of his robe as evidence that he had deliberately spared Saul’s life to prove that there was no wrong or treason in his life even though Saul hunted him as though there was. David’s motivation for loyalty was not based on what Saul had done but because he was the Lord’s anointed. David respected human authority because he recognised the Lord’s authority. Finally, David would not avenge the wrongs done against him. He would leave God to be the judge and trust God to deliver him from Saul’s hand.

Saul responded acknowledging that David was more righteous than he was and had repaid him good for his evil. David had gone against logic and military strategy and spared Saul when he was vulnerable and exposed. Saul admitted that David would surely be king and pleaded for him to spare his family and name (it was customary for a newly enthroned king to wipe out the descendants of his predecessor). David made an oath with Saul readily because he had already pledged the same to Jonathan. After their interaction, Saul went home but David remained in hiding, probably because he didn’t trust that Saul would remain faithful to his confession.

David shows incredible integrity and strong faith in God’s timing. Are you prepared to wait on the Lord, even when opportunity seems favourable, to make sure you are only moving within God’s will? Do you have someone who can help you to make godly decisions in your life?

Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan

Keep Searching: Luke 11-12

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

1 Samuel 23:1-29

1 Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” 2 Therefore David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 3 But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 4 Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” 5 And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

6 When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech had fled to David to Keilah, he had come down with an ephod in his hand. 7 Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, “God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.” 8 And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. 9 David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” 10 Then David said, “O LORD, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. 11 Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, the God of Israel, please tell your servant.” And the LORD said, “He will come down.” 12 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the LORD said, “They will surrender you.” 13 Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition. 14 And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.

15 David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. 16 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” 18 And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

19 Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? 20 Now come down, O king, according to all your heart’s desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king’s hand.” 21 And Saul said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, for you have had compassion on me. 22 Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning. 23 See therefore and take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you. And if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah.” 24 And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul.

Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. 25 And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. 26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, 27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land.” 28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi.

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

The story seems to move briefly back to a time before Abiathar arrived in David’s camp. The Philistines were attacking Keilah, an agricultural city of Judah. David was in a position to help and asked God if he should go and attack the Philistines. David was a patriot and desired to help his fellow countrymen but would not move without confirmation that he was acting within God’s will. It’s not clear how David sought God’s will because he didn’t have a priest with him who would have used the Urim and Thummim from the priestly ephod (Ex 28:6-35). Evidently, the men with David weren’t convinced of the Lord’s answer and were afraid to proceed. David inquired of the Lord again and received the same answer to proceed with the confirmation that He would give him victory over the Philistines. David and his men fought the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah acquiring some livestock in the process.

Abiathar, who had fled from Saul’s murder of the priestly family, came to David with an ephod in hand giving them access to the officially sanctioned method of seeking the Lord’s will (Num 27:21).

Saul heard that David was in Keilah and saw it as God handing him over through advantageous circumstances. Contrast that with David who actually asked God what to do next using the ephod that had recently arrived. David knew that Saul was on his way and would destroy the city he had just rescued on his account. He asked God if the people would betray him to Saul—an understandable action for those looking to save themselves. God confirmed that they would surrender him and his men to Saul so David and his men left for the strongholds in the wilderness. At this time David’s band had increased to six hundred men. David’s departure meant that Saul did no go to Keilah. Saul pursued David every day but God kept him and those with him safe.

While David was in the wilderness, Jonathan, Saul’s son, came out to meet with him and encouraged David to find strength in God. Jonathan reminded his friend of the promise God had made to him, that he would be king over Israel. Because God had established that David would be king he didn’t need to be afraid of Saul.

The Ziphites went to Saul and betrayed that David was hiding in the wilderness near to them. It was understandable that the men of Keilah would betray David under fear of Saul’s retribution. But the Ziphites were active in their betrayal and they begged Saul to come down. Saul again showed that he believed God was on his side by responding, “May you be blessed by the Lord”. Then he charged them to find out more information that would help him to apprehend David. When Saul and his army were closing in on David and his men and about to capture them, a messenger came to Saul and informed him of a Philistine raid against Israel. Saul had to put country over personal vendetta and returned to deal with the Philistines. Once again God had intervened to keep David safe.

Do you make it a habit to seek God’s will before making major decisions? Do you have friends, like Jonathan, who encourage you to find your strength in God and His promises when you are facing tough situations? Are you such a friend?

Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan

Sending Out the Seventy: Luke 9-10

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake

1 Samuel 22:1-23

1 David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. 2 And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.

3 And David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother stay with you, till I know what God will do for me.” 4 And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. 5 Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.

6 Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. 7 And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, “Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, 8 that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day.” 9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, 10 and he inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”

11 Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s house, the priests who were at Nob, and all of them came to the king. 12 And Saul said, “Hear now, son of Ahitub.” And he answered, “Here I am, my lord.” 13 And Saul said to him, “Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?” 14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, “And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honored in your house? 15 Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little.” 16 And the king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house.” 17 And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the LORD. 18 Then the king said to Doeg, “You turn and strike the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. 19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword.

20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. 21 And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. 22 And David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father’s house. 23 Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”

(ESV)

STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?

  • What is the writer saying?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

💡How to do your quiet time

David left Gath and hid in the cave of Adullam. His family joined him there—probably because they feared retribution from Saul. All those who were battling under Saul whether in distress, debt, or discontent joined with David and he became commander over them. David had a following of about four hundred men.

David went to Mizpeh of Moab and asked the king to give safety to his parents while he waited for God to reveal His plan. David’s great-grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabite. His stay in a Moabite stronghold was only temporary because the prophet Gad told him not to remain there but return to the land of Judah. The Law forbade establishing friendly treaties with the Moabites (Deu 23:2-6) so David moved his hiding to the forest of Hereth in Judah.

When Saul heard about David’s whereabouts he became enraged. He referred to all his servants around him as people of Benjamin. This suggests that he had given government positions of highest authority to his fellow kinsmen (which was not an uncommon practice). Saul implied they all had much to lose if David took the throne. Then he accused them of conspiring against him and keeping the fact that Jonathan had made a covenant with David from him. Then Doeg the Edomite revealed that he had seen David in Nob. He spoke of Ahimelech giving David provisions and the sword of Goliath. He added that Ahimelech had inquired of the Lord for David.

Saul summoned Ahimelech and his family. Just like David, and Jonathan before him, Saul referred to Ahimelech only as “son of Ahitub”. Saul accused Ahimelech of conspiring and aiding David in his rise against him. Ahimelech defended his actions first by pointing out that David was Saul’s faithful servant, his son-in-law, the captain of his bodyguard, and highly respected in Saul’s household. Secondly what he had done for David was not unusual. Finally, Ahimelech affirmed his loyalty as a servant of Saul who knew nothing of the supposed conspiracy.

Saul sentenced Ahimelech to death along with his entire household for what he had done. Saul instructed his guards to execute the priests but they refused. Perhaps they refused because they could see there was no conspiracy. David was previously the captain of the bodyguards and he had told Ahimelech that his men who served were careful to obey God’s law. As such, they would have been unwilling to lay a hand on the priests of God. But Doeg the Edomite had no such restraint and he killed eighty-five priests who were authorised (wore the linen ephod) to serve in the worship of the Lord. Then Doeg went to Nob, the city of the priests, and wiped out everyone, man, woman, child, infant, ox, donkey, and sheep. This kind of annihilation is similar to the ban God put on Canaanite cities that would lead Israel to sin against Him (Deu 20:17-18). That this act was perpetrated against those who served to point Israel towards God and away from sinning is an abomination. Saul truly was a king like all the nations (1 Sam 8:5).

Abiathar, one of Ahimelech’s sons, managed to escape and let David know what had happened. David confessed that he had known that Doeg the Edomite would tell Saul and so he was guilty of the death of Abiathar’s entire family. David invited Abiathar to stay with them and offered him protection.

Saul had lost all reason and given way to fanciful thoughts no longer based in reality. He had convinced himself that David was the bad guy and that everyone else was on David’s side against him. Our thoughts can be dangerous when we don’t seek out wise counsel based on the word of God (Heb 4:12). On the other hand, like Saul’s guards, we should ignore the evil direction of those who are operating outside of God’s way (Acts 5:29). What is guiding your thoughts?

Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan

Women Supporting Jesus: Luke 7-8

Posted on by Andrew Timberlake