Obey God, Not Man
Here is an audio link for today’s post.
Last time, we found David and his band of men hiding in Adullam’s cave. Saul had become even more paranoid and bloodthirsty. He and his army were looking for David. They desired his death, and the deaths of everyone who had supported David.
Unfortunately, David’s interaction with the priests at Nob led to more unwarranted violence from Saul.
Remember, there was an unscrupulous fellow, Doeg, that overheard the conversation between David and Ahimelech. But neither man behaved treasonously against Saul.
Doeg was a duplicitous little man. He had gone to the temple seeking assistance for himself. This opportunist would gather information that would lead to the murder of the priests from whom he sought help.
Then Doeg the Edomite, who was in charge of Saul’s servants, answered, “I saw Jesse’s son come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. Ahimelech inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”
1 Samuel 22: 9 & 10
Filled with paranoia and rage, Saul sent for the priests and their families.
Saul questioned the priests, but their truthful and wise answers could never have quelled Saul’s restless spirit.
Saul asked him, “Why did you and Jesse’s son conspire against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him, so he could rise up against me and wait in ambush, as is the case today.”
Ahimelech replied to the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David? He is the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and honored in your house.
Was today the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Please don’t let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father’s family, for your servant didn’t have any idea about all this.”
1 Samuel 22:13-15
But once evil intentions are unleashed in the human heart, godly decisions are pushed aside.
Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord because they sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they didn’t tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to execute the priests of the Lord.
1 Samuel 22:17
Can you imagine the courage that it must have taken for Saul’s guards to reject his authority in that moment? These men must have had reverence for God to allow them to take such a stand. They had to wonder if the insane rage of Saul could have led to their own deaths.
So, the king said to Doeg, “Go and execute the priests!” So, Doeg the Edomite went and executed the priests himself. On that day, he killed eighty-five men who wore linen ephods. He also struck down Nob, the city of the priests, with the sword—both men and women, infants and nursing babies, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.
1 Samuel 22:18 & 19
Only one person survived the rampage. Abiathar, the son of Ahemelech the priest managed to escape and reported all that happened to David.
David felt such sorrow and regret for the annihilation of the innocent priests and their families.
Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day and that he was sure to report to Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s family. Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for the one who wants to take my life wants to take your life. You will be safe with me.”
1 Samuel 22:22 & 23
From this experience David wrote the 52nd Psalm. I hope you will read the short passage. But here are the last three verses. See the contrast between the outcome of the righteous and people who have surrendered to Satan.
“Here is the man
who would not make God his refuge,
but trusted in the abundance of his riches,
taking refuge in his destructive behavior.”
But I am like a flourishing olive tree
in the house of God;
I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever.
I will praise you forever for what you have done.
In the presence of your faithful people,
I will put my hope in your name, for it is good.
Psalm 52:7-9
Every day that David lived on the run from Saul, God stayed beside him. David did not strike out against Saul, God’s first anointed king. And the Lord was building David’s army of loyal followers.
God’s divine plan is never in peril no matter how the shadows of darkness persist.
Take the time to read all of 1 Samuel 22 this week.
Share the Good News in your world.
Isaiah 52:7
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Statement of Faith
