Amid My Enemies
Here is an audio link for today’s post.
Today’s story is a contextual introduction for tomorrow’s study of David. It is a brief but vital step toward David’s rise to the throne.
If you have been following this series, then you may recall that David has found an unlikely friendship with his enemy, the Philistines. Specifically, David has secured the trust of King Achish of Gath. David is living in Ziklag.
Ziklag had once belonged to Israel. It had been given to Judah (Joshua 15:20 & 31), and later on it was given to the tribe of Simeon. (Joshua 19:1 & 5)
“…the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David has conquered…”
Revelation 5:5
But the Philistines had taken possession of the city. When David convinced King Achish that he would fight with him against his enemies, the king made David the ruler of the city.
David never truly joined the Philistines. But this would have been a perilous strategy if God had not been with David. The Lord kept David from sinning by preventing him from fighting against his own people.
This major bridge to the coming Kingdom of David reveals how God’s divine intervention:
- kept David from attacking Israel
- safeguarded David’s coming ascension to the throne
- led to the rescue of David and his troop’s families
- reinforced the trust of his men
- led to the rescue of an Egyptian man
- led to the defeat of the wicked Amalekites
So, let’s take a look at today’s story.
As the Philistine leaders were passing in review with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were passing in review behind them with Achish.
Then the Philistine commanders asked, “What are these Hebrews doing here?”
Achish answered the Philistine commanders, “That is David, servant of King Saul of Israel. He has been with me a considerable period of time. From the day he defected until today, I’ve found no fault with him.”
The Philistine commanders, however, were enraged with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the battle. What better way could he ingratiate himself with his master than with the heads of our men?
Do you see God’s intervention? David did not sin against God. Also, the pagan king saw David’s good character. Achish didn’t understand the relationship that David had with God.
As believers, the way we honor Him should always catch the eye of lost people around us. They may not understand it, but they should see God living in you by your motives, deeds and words.
So Achish summoned David and told him, “As the Lord lives, you are an honorable man. I think it is good to have you fighting in this unit with me, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until today. But the leaders don’t think you are reliable. So, David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines…
Be sure to follow this amazing story of God’s guidance and love for David and all of Israel.
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
