Journal Through the Bible: Week 40 Wednesday

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I Samuel chapter 23

The Philistines attacked Keilah so David rescued them. They had a funny way of showing gratitude.

David then went into hiding in the wilderness. Saul could not find him but Jonathan could!

And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.  vv.14b-16

The men of Ziph then sold David out to Saul. Every life has its mountaintop and valley experiences and sometimes they come in rapid succession. In this case David and his men came close to being surrounded by Saul's troops. Only a Philistine raid within Israel's borders caused Saul to call off the pursuit. David then fled to Engedi.

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God told David to go to fight against the Philistines to save Keilah. David's men were afraid so David asked again. Same answer!
• God told David that Saul would come to Keilah and that the men of the city would deliver him. This was believed to be God's way of telling David and his men to leave.

Does God make any promises?

• Through Jonathan God delivered the message that Saul would not find David and that despite it all David would be the next king of Israel. They made another covenant of peace concerning royal succession.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Not that I identified.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Not that I identified.

Psalm 54

Written when the Ziphites betrayed his hiding place to Saul. In the last verse David states that his eye has seen God's judgment upon his enemies. This is probably because of the encouragement and spiritual support he received from Jonathan prior to this event. Never underestimate the power of the support of other believers!

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• He can save and protect by the power of His name!
• He can judge by His strength.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• There is certain judgment coming. He shall reward His enemies with evil and will cut them off.
• When David wrote this psalm he was being pursued by Saul but he spoke as if his deliverance had already happened. He spoke of a future event as being in the present tense. That's because when God makes a promise it is as though it has already happened. It is that assured! God promises deliverance of His people. It will happen just as He promised.