Category: encourage

Being Betrayed

7 Saul soon learned that David was at Keilah. “Good!” he exclaimed. “We’ve got him now! God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself in a walled town!” 8 So Saul mobilized his entire army to march to Keilah and besiege David and his men.

9 But David learned of Saul’s plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the Lord what he should do. 10 Then David prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, I have heard that Saul is planning to come and destroy Keilah because I am here. 11 Will the leaders of Keilah betray me to him? And will Saul actually come as I have heard? O Lord, God of Israel, please tell me.”

And the Lord said, “He will come.”

12 Again David asked, “Will the leaders of Keilah betray me and my men to Saul?”

And the Lord replied, “Yes, they will betray you.”

1 Samuel 23:7-12, NLT

This passage reveals three details that are especially important to the reader.

  • Saul still believes that he has God’s approval and blessing.
  • David is still seeking the Father’s will and wisdom
  • Keilah, freed from attack by the Philistines by David, will turn right around and betray David.

Saul still believes.

It’s odd how someone like King Saul can still believe that the Lord is guiding him. His heart is honeycombed with jealousy and murder, and yet he doesn’t see it. He still thinks that wearing a crown gives him the automatic privileges of divine kingship and blessing.

What self-deception, Saul has not had God’s approval for a very long time, (see 1 Samuel 15:10-30). Obedience is far better than any sacrifice. Saul has been living outside of the presence for a long time.

“As the salt flavors every drop in the Atlantic, so does sin affect every atom of our nature. It is so sad there, so abundantly there, that if you cannot detect it, you are deceived.”

Charles Spurgeon

David is still seeking.

Hearing the desperation of Keilah, and then seeking the Lord of what to do, he directs his men to protect the city. He makes no strategic decision that could possibly put him outside of God’s will. He will not do this.

“The greatest mistake any Christian can make is to substitute his own will for the will of God.”

Harry Ironside

Keilah, will betray David.

This is so treacherous, it can hardly be believed or understood. The hearts of lost men only seek their own benefit. The elders of Keilah turn around and sell out those who had just delivered them. David seeks again God’s will and finds out that they will be betrayed. What should have been a celebration of joy only discloses lies and falsehoods.

Ironic, isn’t it. David and his 400 men escape the town they had just saved.

“Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me.”

Psalm 17:9

David Hood & His Merry Men

“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 than 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.” 

1 Samuel 23: 1-5

 (BTW, Keilah is pronounced “kee-EYE-luh.”)  

David can’t shake off the desperation of the Keilahites. Their plight becomes a passionate purpose for David. He hears of the need, and understands the injustice of these Philistine raiders. He knows deep down that they must be stopped.

Spiritual “wealth” is found here in this passage. Gold nuggets, and flawless diamonds for the taking. Let’s get started. 

But here’s a few things that might be helpful. 

  • It seems that David is quite approachable. He listens to the guidance of his men. He listens and then responds. David never diminishes their concerns, they’re depending upon him.
  • David seeks the guidance and will of the Lord twice because of their caution. 
  • David is going to do what King Saúl was supposed to do; to protect and defend the city of Keilah. It seems Saul had abdicated his call as king in his desperate pursuit of David. 
  • There seems to be a real risk involved. This was not a summer stroll. 
  • David knows in his heart what he has to do. Since Saul didn’t come to defend Keilah, he must do what is needed. 
  • God does not chide David for asking twice. There seems that there were several men in the Old Testament that required another ‘conversation’ with God. 

Can we do what is right when the situation demands it? Sometimes we see a need that others have neglected to meet. Can we step into what is needed at that moment?

What if the “detours” and the interruptions are really the path we were meant to take?  

These are good questions to ask ourselves.  Our compassion should not be rigid. I remember a time when the Lord asked me to be interruptible. That is, to set aside what I thought was essential, to take up something that made little sense, but did matter to the one asking. 

When I learned to be interrupted, it ended up giving me a blessing that came out of nowhere. Hitting the pause button is rarely a mistake if you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you. 

“Until I know what God is going to do for me.”

“Later David went to Mizpeh in Moab, where he asked the king, “Please allow my father and mother to live here with you until I know what God is going to do for me.” 

4 So David’s parents stayed in Moab with the king during the entire time David was living in his stronghold.”5 “One day the prophet Gad told David, “Leave the stronghold and return to the land of Judah.” So David went to the forest of Hereth.” 

6 “The news of his arrival in Judah soon reached Saul. At the time, the king was sitting beneath the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, holding his spear and surrounded by his officers.”

 1 Samuel 22:3-6 

David and 400 (“the 3D men”) are together in the Cave of Abdullam waiting for what, I do not know. I suspect they didn’t know either. For any of us who are in a “holding .pattern,” David’s stay can be understood. But God hasn’t forsaken you, not a bit. Waiting on God is never easy. Every disciple goes through this. 

David takes up this time to care for his parents. You see they followed David out into the wilderness. I’m pretty sure that were prime candidates for blackmailing David. They could be easily taken as hostages by Saul, to manipulate David who is hiding. 

Now there is a reason that they went to Moab. David’s great-grandmother Ruth was a Moabite (Ruth 4:18-22, 1:4). That would mean that one of his parents could claim that Ruth was a grandma to one of them. It’s said that “blood is thicker than water.” That proverb has a powerful theological meaning. 

As David arranges for their safety with the king of Moab, he makes a curious statement, “until I know what God is going to do for me.” That phrase encapsulates David’s heart and mind. David doesn’t know how or why; he has no idea what is going to happen next. 

In his heart he’s taking it one step at a time, and he really doesn’t know what the next step is going to be. He’s walking by faith, not by sight. And you know that is how God works out His will. We don’t always understand, but we do obey. 

Gad the prophet steps up and speaks the word of God to David. He must return to Judah. That is probably not what David wanted to hear; after all, it’s moving toward danger. King Saul rules Judah, and David must be thinking that he would be moving into peril. 

King Saul hears of this and he’s waiting for David.

The safest place to be is in the center of God’s will. Perhaps it’s here that David pens this verse. David is learning that the Cave of Adullam is not a safe place, he must understand his real safety is in the Rock of God. 

 “The  Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; 
    my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. 
He is my shield, the power that saves me, 
    and my place of safety.” 

Psalm 91:2

 

The Cave of Adullam

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

1 Samuel 22:1-2, NKJV. (Background: Psalm 57 and Psalms 142.) 

The cave of Abdullam is now a national park in Israel. It’s part of a system of caves, but this is the biggest and most well-known. Thousands visit it every year; it’s on the list that tourists want to visit. 

Our passage today tells us that immediately after the “insane” David skedaddled from Gath, he travelled to this cave. I suspect that Saul had spied everywhere, so the king had a general idea where David was. But the cave of Adullam was very close to the Philistine border. 

A state of war between Israel and Philistia existed, and king Saul could not risk any appearance of violating that without causing an incident. Perhaps Saul was somewhat content that David was isolated in a “hole in the ground,” and everyone would simply forget him. 

But the was not the case. 

First, it was family, then others came. I suspect David’s brothers may have realized that they now were on Saul’s “list.” 

The others had other reasons. Most knew of David’s prowess as a warband leader; some may have served with him. They may have known of his anointing by the prophet to be the next king. 

Now these I call the “three Ds.” The distressed, the debtors, the discontented, sought out David. Our text tells us there was 400 men (plus their families). If David thought, he was hidden and alone he was mistaken. 

Logistically, I’m not sure how that works out. Where did their support come from? And again, what was Saul thinking? 

I suspect that some of these would develop and become the “mighty men” of David, and they would become some of his generals that David would rely on when he became king. 

Verse 3 tell us that “he became captain over them.” They submitted to David and meshed themselves into whatever destiny may come.

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.“

Psalm 57:1, from a song written by David while in the cave of Adullum.

David at Nob

Biblical village of Nob

“David went to the town of Nob to see Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech trembled when he saw him. “Why are you alone?” he asked. “Why is no one with you?”  “The king has sent me on a private matter,

“David said. “He told me not to tell anyone why I am here. I have told my men where to meet me later. 3 Now, what is there to eat? Give me five loaves of bread or anything else you have.”

1 Samuel 21:1-3

David was afraid and anxious; he really doesn’t seem to have a plan. So where did he go? He went straight to Nob, the city of priests overseen by Ahimelech the High Priest of Israel. David did right; when you’re confused go to God. 

The Ark of the Covenant was still in Nob. 

We have a fleshly tendency to lean on our understanding. We think we know what is right as we calculate our best move. However, when we lean on our own understanding bad things are apt to happen. Proverbs 3:5-6 fits well here: 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; 
    do not depend on your own understanding. 
6 Seek his will in all you do, 
    and he will show you which path to take.” 

Ahimelech was on edge by David’s arrival. He saw something in David, but he wasn’t exactly sure what it was. I think he also was nervous. The passage points that he “trembled” when he saw David. Why, I’m not sure. 

The word “trembled” has an interesting meaning. Literally it means “terror,” or even an earthquake. Ahimelech was disturbed by David’s arrival, and it seems that he didn’t understand what was happening politically. David had fallen out of favor for some time now. 

David lied to Ahimelech, claiming he was on a secret mission for the king. 

David’s world was complicated; he could trust no one, not even the high priest. These verses advance the idea of paranoia and fear affecting everyone. Ahimelech asked two questions. I believe that he couldn’t really discern David’s reasons for coming to Nob.

It was a bald-faced lie.

David demanded bread. He was hungry and no provision was made before his escape. It would be nice if they had planned better—a secret cache of food and weapons would have been incredibly helpful. 

We will pick this story up in the next post. 

Writing Down The Early Psalms

As I dug around, I found this: it’s the order of the early Psalms. Basically, a chronological way of seeing when, and why he wrote a “song.” I found it quite interesting to see the backdrop or setting of each one. 

Please remember two words when you read the Psalms: 

  • Authentic observations 
  • Profound theology 

It’s a collection of songs, not in any real order. Interestingly David only wrote about ½ of them. Also, they are lyrics, we don’t have notes or melodies. Which is somewhat sad. I guess we’ll hear them when we go to heaven. 

The psalms cover over the span of 1000 years. Psalm 90 was written as the earliest; Moses was the author in 1407 BC. The latest was written anonymously in the mid-400s BC. Thus, the book of Psalms was written over the span of about 1,000 years. 

New Testament leaders, including Jesus quotes the Psalms frequently. Some of these were directly connected. For example, the work of Jesus is directly revealed in Psalm 22. Many others are linked to specific verses. It’s all is pretty fascinating. 

Here’s some interesting trivia: 

  1. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, containing 176 verses. 
  1. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter, containing only two verses. So, the Psalms contain both the longest and shortest chapters in the Bible. 
  1. Psalm 117 is also the middle chapter of the whole Bible out of a total of 1,189 chapters. 
  1. Psalm 118:8 is the absolute center of the Bible. It states, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” What a great verse for our day and age.1 
  1. Did you know that there are duplicate Psalms? A lot of people don’t realize that. Psalms 14 and 53 are word-for-word identical descriptions of fallen mankind. And there is a reason why those duplications are needed in each of the books one and two. They are structurally important for understanding those books. Likewise, all of Psalm 108 is included as part of Psalm 60, and all of Psalm 70 is included as part of Psalm 40. 

When and where: 

The entire list can be found at https://biblehub.com/timeline/psalms/34.htm 

Also, https://dailypax.com/p-is-for-psalms/ 

See also, https://biblicalblueprints.com/Sermons/BibleSurvey/16%20psalms 

Jonathan’s Secret Message

In verses 36-39 a young boy was chasing down arrows. The plan was one both David and Jonathan understood. If the arrows fell short, it meant David could return safely and securely to the court of Saul. But if the arrows went long, David had better run. 

“Only Jonathan and David knew the matter. 40 And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, “Go and carry them to the city.” 41 And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. 42 Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.” 

1 Samuel 20:39-42, ESV

As I read these last few chapters, I’m amazed by David’s desire for reconciliation with the king. He desperately wants peace; David wants restoration, but the “ball” is in Saul’s court now. Now, I guess that I wouldn’t be as patient as David. But that only emphasizes the wonderful character of David. 

I also sense that David wanted to avoid the wilderness. He never wanted to go there, maybe the wilderness was a place of “death.” Maybe not a physical one, but a death to everything David knew. It would be a hard place: thirsting, scavenging, and hiding. A difficult place to survive. 

There is one last time that David and Jonathan will meet. I think it was something bittersweet, and each reassured their covenant to each other. There must’ve been much pain. Neither wanted this, of all things to happen. Sometimes we’ll be put in a similar situation. It’s always difficult. 

Jonathan, knowing that David has been anointed the next king of Israel, submits his heart to what the Lord God has decided though the prophet Samuel. He accepts this and refuses to take the route of Saul, rather Jonathan appeals to David as the future king. 

The request is a bit bold maybe, but Jonathan asks that David would honor this, “between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” Jonathan is asking David to refuse revenge and not try to get even with the house of Saul. Now David could have made an end to Saul’s progeny; that could mean stability for him, and for Israel. 

It’s then that must say goodbye, each goes on their very separate paths. This is the very last time they were together, but I doubt they would never forget their covenant. 

A Plan to Understand Saul

This entire scene is a bit strange. David and Jonathan meet; they are careful as they should be. David is hiding and I strongly suspect that David is discouraged. He has done nothing wrong—quite the opposite. David suspects that king Saul’s bitterness and jealousy, and bitterness are out of control. Saul intends to murder David. The entire story is found in 1 Samuel 20:5-23.  

“Tomorrow, we celebrate the new moon festival. I’ve always eaten with the king on this occasion, but tomorrow I’ll hide in the field and stay there until the evening of the third day. 6 If your father asks where I am, tell him I asked permission to go home to Bethlehem for an annual family sacrifice. 7 If he says, ‘Fine!’ you will know all is well. But if he is angry and loses his temper, you will know he is determined to kill me.” 

1 Samuel 20:5-7 

These verses reveal David’s plan. They describe a maneuver that will reveal Saul’s heart toward David: will it be reinstatement or will it be murder? Obviously, David must find out. Will he continue to run and evade death or will he be restored? He obviously must know. 

David has no idea, but he has a plan to find out for sure. 

But let’s switch to Jonathan as he will be David’s eyes and ears into the banquet room. David will rely on the report of Jonathan, one way or the other. The plan is carefully made, and it seems like a wise one. Obviously, it involves Jonathan’s participation.   

“Jonathan’s response to David’s discouragement wasn’t theological rebuke but practical help; he offered concrete assistance to a friend walking through despair, modeling genuine support.” -David Guzik 

Jonathan only asks for a promise from David. (Which David fulfills later to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9). He asks that, “If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; 15 and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever, when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.” 

Jonathan reminds David of their covenant together after the slaying of Goliath. There’s now a political element added: David will need to protect the house of Jonathan, his heirs.  

It is Jonathan and not Saul who understands God’s heart. 

It is Jonathan’s humility that makes the whole plan work. There seems to be no guile here; he understands what the Lord wants to do. Many believers want to be a “David,” but it is Jonathan that seems to show more integrity, decency and honor. 

Jonathan proves that he is a man of integrity, and he asks that David be one also. It’s Jonathan that models that deep decency to the heart of David. 

This plan will reveal Saul’s motives; it’s designed to uncover his heart. That’s what the Holy Spirit does. David must know; his life depends on it. Jonathan is key to David’s survival and he must trust him. He depends on him to “pull off” this off. This strategy will determine David’s next step. 

I believe David still praises God.

I believe David still writes and sings. Worship is in his blood, and even if he sits on a knife’s edge, David praises Jehovah even if it seems illogical. 

God has anointed Davd and nothing has changed; when Samuel poured oil on his head it became the evidence of the Lord’s choice, blessing and approval. David’s calling was a done deal. David worships. 

“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.” 

    Rick Warren

The Encourager

“Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” 2 And he said to him, “Far from it! You shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me. And why should my father hide this from me? It is not so.” 3 But David vowed again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” 4 Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”  

1 Samuel 20:1-4, ESV 

David leaves Naioth behind, as he realizes that Saul (and his soldiers) had been temporarily “disabled.” He knew that the threat to assassinate him had for the time being had been stalled, and yet David didn’t stay for the theatrics. He simply knew it was time for an escape. 

And yet David seems mystified, and he reaches out to Jonathan with 3 questions that trouble him. It seems David is loyal, but he simply doesn’t understand the intensions of Saul. In all three questions David asks “what.” He is mystified. 

It takes the humility of Jonathan to attempt to ease David’s fear. 

Jonathan answers in an oblique way. He assures David that he can protect him with what he knows. Jonathan is aware of Saul’s treacherous plans and assures David of the strategies and plans that the enemy is concocting. He will do all that he can. 

It is here that we begin to understand that Saul is drawing near, and that David realizes that certain death has gotten very close. David understands how close he has come to being killed at the hand of Saul. “A step between me and death” is how David sees the plots of Saul. 

Again, Jonathan assures David of his commitment. Although he does not debate the claims of David, he simply assures him of his covenantal dedication. Jonathan encourages a discouraged man, and he speaks hope to the struggling David. 

This is what an encourager does. They bring comfort to the frustrated and weary. They stand in a remarkable place, and although they won’t deny the facts, they give strength to the weary. They declare all that God is to those who are overwhelmed and fearful. 

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”  

Isa. 40:29, NLT 

This comfort usually comes through people—servants of God who do not debate but encourage. They have renounced their own agenda and now live for others. They embolden, spurring others to be faithful to their calling. 

“I would go to the deeps a hundred times to cheer a downcast spirit. It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one that is weary.”  

Charles Spurgeon