wilderness – King David 101

“You Shall Be King”

KingDavid101.com

“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.”

1 Samuel 23:15-18

Somehow I think that if a hitman was actively following me, I would become fearful and a bit paranoid. I would see everyone through these fallen filters. I don’t know what I would do, and fear would consume everything.

Jonathan finds David hiding in the wilderness. Saul’s son, a man who could be king himself rejects the throne himself. Jonathan correctly sees the good in David: the anointing by Samuel, Goliath, the psalms David wrote, and all the victories over the Philistines.

There is no doubt in Jonathan’s heart. He believes in David and humbly steps aside. There is no bluster and no prideful desire for taking Saul’s throne. He understands that David will be the next king of Israel.

Jonathan’s presence to the wilderness of David was significant and timely. It’s written in verse 16 that he “strengthened his hand in God.” The word in Hebrew is somewhat broad, but it often means “to restore to strength” or “to make hard.” This is exactly what David needed to hear.

We all desperately need encouragement from someone else.

And we must be an encouragement to God’s people who are in a deep wilderness.

Sure, the Word, worship, and communion are places of encouragement for me. The “home groups” and my elders build me up (or edify).

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV

Jonathan become God’s agent to support and reassure David who hides from King Saul in a difficult place in the wilderness. What a powerful ministry. To come along the side of another and remind someone else of God’s calling, and to strengthen them of God’s purpose and work.

This passage should bless both the “would be king,” and those 600 men who have attached to David. What a blessing Jonathan is to David.

We are called to do what Jonathan did for David.

“I’ll lift you and you lift me, and we’ll both ascend together.”

John Greenleaf Whittier

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.” ²Therefore 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.” ³But 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?”

⁴Then 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.” ⁵And 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.

War Crime: Aftermath

^20 “Now one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. ²¹And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the Lord’s priests. ²²So David said to Abiathar, “I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have caused the death of all the persons of your father’s house. ²³Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you shall be safe.”

1 Samuel 22:20-23

The terrible slaughter of the town of Nob had been total—well, almost. One man escaped and ran to David. His name is Abiathar. He brought the report to David of the complete massacre of everyone. Abiathar also identified Doeg the Edomite as the murderer.

David has a soul searching, reflective response to this news.

This intrigues me. “I knew…” and “I caused…” David now realized his actions had terrible consequences. He voices his complicity out loud. In his heart he sees his guilt (at least partially). This dark murder would change him.

His sin was lying to the high priest.

David deceived him. Doeg also saw David manipulating Ahimelech and Doeg remembered this. In a sense David in his awful duplicity created death for the priestly city of Nob. In his heart, he understood what he had done.

We must realize how our evil has ramifications.

It’s like throwing a rock in a still pool. Concentric waves happen as a result, and they cannot be stopped. Consequences to sin affect others and often we never realize it. But here we see David seeing it and responding like he did.

David seems to have a tender heart to respond to what he has done. It becomes the impetus of Psalm 52 which was written during this time. Here we can read what he was thinking. Here’s the title and verses 1-3.

“To the Chief Musician. A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem. A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”

“Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking righteousness. You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue.”

Psalm 52:1-3

It’s quite apparent that David survives his guilt, and that is a powerful lesson for us. There are things that must be turned over to God. There is forgiveness for the evil we have done. We must give that to God.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

Psalm 103:12

War Crime

“Why did you give him food and a sword? Why have you consulted God for him?

Why have you encouraged him to kill me, as he is trying to do this very day?”

¹⁴ “But sir,” Ahimelech replied, “is anyone among all your servants as faithful as David, your son-in-law? Why he is the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household! ¹⁵ This was certainly not the first time I had consulted God for him! May the king not accuse me and my family in this matter, for I knew nothing at all of any plot against you.”

¹⁶ “You will surely die, Ahimelech, along with your entire family!” the king shouted. ¹⁷ And he ordered his bodyguards, “Kill these priests of the Lord, for they are allies and conspirators with David! They knew he was running away from me, but they didn’t tell me!” But Saul’s men refused to kill the Lord’s priests.

¹⁸ Then the king said to Doeg, “You do it.” So, Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. ¹⁹ Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests’ families—men and women, children and babies—and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats.

²⁰ Only Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, escaped and fled to David. ²¹ When he told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord, ²² David exclaimed, “I knew it! When I saw Doeg the Edomite there that day, I knew he was sure to tell Saul. Now I have caused the death of all your father’s family. ²³ Stay here with me, and don’t be afraid. I will protect you with my own life, for the same person wants to kill us both.”

1 Samuel 22:12-23, NLT

The deeply paranoid king is desperate; he must capture David. Saul needs information and intelligence; at times like this he must rely on his network of spies. Most leaders depend on that. Especially bad ones.

King Saul is trying hard to find David.

Saul’s consumed. He’s insane. When at last he gets a lead, he takes his army to the priestly city of Nob. Doeg the Edomite gives Saul the tip, he had seen David there, consulting with the Lord, and taking bread and a sword from Abimelech, the high priest.

Simply based on Doeg’s singular witness, Saul will order the deaths of 85 priests and the entire town of Nob, a city populated with the Levitical priesthood and their families. When Saul orders the murder, his own men refused to carry it out. They simply refused, and so he must rely on the Edomite, Doeg.

This passage is terrible and reveals all of Saul’s depraved brutality.

One by one, systematically Doeg murders each priest. The bodies keep stacking up. It’s a massacre. Doeg now begins to slaughter their families. And then to all the livestock, until the entire town is one bloody graveyard.

I admit I don’t understand exactly why?

But there is one priest who escapes. Just one man and he flees to David and carries the horrific news of the wholesale slaughter of Nob. Saul and Doeg have completely decimated the city to punish them for aiding David.

And David remembers seeing Doeg there. He also has a moment of truth as he understands his own guilt in this massacre. I suspect he now understands Saul’s cruelty, and David learns a lesson he will never ever forget.

“This is one of the worst acts in the life of Saul; his malice was implacable, and his wrath was cruel, and there is no motive of justice or policy by which such a barbarous act can be justified.”

EnduringWord.com

“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.”

⁴So 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. ²And 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.

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:

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, containing 176 verses.

Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter, containing only two verses. So, the Psalms contain both the longest and shortest chapters in the Bible.

Psalm 117 is also the middle chapter of the whole Bible out of a total of 1,189 chapters.

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

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/

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. ⁴⁰And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, “Go and carry them to the city.” ⁴¹And 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. ⁴²Then 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.

True Colors

Jonathan now knows; his father’s true colors were now obvious, which almost always happens over time. Saul hates David and now begins an even more effort to murder him. His hatred now consumes him. The king is no longer rational. He wants to kill him.

(And I don’t know why.)

But Jonathan is committed to warning David. He loves his friend; and so, he sticks with a prearranged signal. He will risk everything. David must be warned.

“Run and find the arrows that I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. ³⁷And when the boy came to the place of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the boy and said, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” ³⁸And Jonathan called after the boy, “Hurry! Be quick! Do not stay!” So Jonathan’s boy gathered up the arrows and came to his master.”

1 Samuel 20:36-38, ESV

Those arrows were genius—a plan that was wonderful and kept Jonathan safe. And David would now know his next step. I must admit I see no reference to prayer or seeking God, that troubles me. (But I must assume the singer of Psalm 23 understood God’s protection and care.)

⁴¹And 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. ⁴²Then 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 20:41-42

David saw the arrows and heard Jonathan speak. I suspect his heart sank. He wanted reconciliation and he didn’t want to leave in this way. And he didn’t want to go out in the wilderness. He was now a fugitive on the run.

David loved Jonathan and it showed it. There was nothing cold or professional. He expressed a love that went beyond “bad news.” It wasn’t contingent on terrible news, for it was real, authentic. He had made a covenant.

David will now spend the next 10-15 years on the run from Saul.

He will try to live in the wilderness. But David would be protected by the Lord, and although he didn’t realize it, he was on a timetable set by God Himself. The clock was running but David was learning many things about being a king. His education would be long and hard.

“Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God, do you learn.”

C.S. Lewis

I believe David still had his harp, and I believe he would still worship the Lord God. He would compose even more psalms. And much of the wilderness would be woven into what he would sing. Worship was at his very core.

And worship is why we exist.

The Bow and the Arrows

I will shoot three arrows.” So much depends on these three, will David be restored to the court of king Saul, or will he need to flee into the wilderness?

Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon; and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty. And when you have stayed three days, go down quickly and come to the place where you hid on the day of the deed; and remain by the stone Ezel. Then I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target; and there I will send a lad, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I expressly say to the lad, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; get them and come’—then, as the LORD lives, there is safety for you and no harm. But if I say thus to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you’—go your way, for the LORD has sent you away. And as for the matter which you and I have spoken of, indeed the LORD be between you and me forever.”

1 Samuel 20:18-24

Jonathan’s plan is simple. It’s a setup after observing the response of Saul to David’s absence at a feast. He is being secretive, his father’s spies are everywhere, but his heart and covenant with David compel him.

It was the second day, and David’s chair was still empty. Saul noticed this and became furious. It’s this furious anger that betrays him.

“Then Saul became angry with Jonathan and shouted, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you are siding with Jesse’s son to your own shame and to the disgrace of your mother? ³¹Every day Jesse’s son lives on earth you and your kingship are not secure. Now send for him and bring him to me—he must die!”

It’s here we see Saul broadcasts his hatred toward David. It exposes everything and now Jonathan knows what is in his father’s heart. It’s a rage that bubbles up for all to see; it is uncontrollable and obvious. David “must die.”

Pay attention now. Saul attacks Jonathan’s mother in verse 30. We don’t know the details, but it seems that in his anger he disparages the character of Jonathan’s mother. Anger has the tendency to completely twist and distort one’s perception of reality. It’s like a wildfire that can’t be controlled.

“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”

Proverbs 29:22

Jonathan’s plan has now become active. He now knows what he must do. He picks up his bow and gets his arrows. He must communicate with David about what he knows. His covenant with David supersedes everything, even the chance to rule as the next king of Israel.

The wilderness in desperate hiding is the last place David wants to be. As I read the life of David, I see that he doesn’t want this—he has done everything possible to avoid it. This isn’t a choice he makes, rather it’s been thrust on him by God himself. And who can walk with God without doing His will?

Jonathan shoots his arrows in the field, but wide of the mark. This is David’s cue that he must run; Saul intends to murder him. He dares not remain under Saul as his king. He must escape into the desert.