Scripture:
1 Samuel 21:10-12
Wed, 8 September 2021

Lost in Disorientation: David’s Wavering Faith (2)

Observation:

What does David’s flight from Saul to Achish, a Philistine king, tell us about David?

Deeper Reflection
DAVID “FLED FROM SAUL and went to Achish king of Gath” to seek asylum (v.10). No reason is given for David choosing Gath as the place.4 But Gath seems to be the wrong place to go to. Gath was the hometown of Goliath whom David killed (1 Sam 17:4). And the irony is, David came to Goliath’s hometown with Goliath’s sword in his hand (1 Sam 21:8-9). It seems so illogical and foolish to flee to your enemy’s territory to seek asylum. Perhaps, David was thinking that Achish would “welcome the defection of Saul’s prize lieutenant”.5 It certainly seemed to David that Achish was his best hope, even though it was a great risk. He still took the risk, nonetheless. And this shows how desperate David was. Achish’s servants objected strongly to their king about David’s dangerous presence in Gath, reminding him that this man was the legendry David who had slain “his ten thousands” (v.11) – most of whom were the Philistines. But rather strikingly, they called David “the king of the land” (v.11). The Philistines recognised David as king even though Saul was king of Israel.6 God must be speaking to David through this in his wavering faith, reminding him of His calling for him. But David was “very much afraid” when he heard “these words” (v.12). For the first time in the story, David is described as being fearful. What would we have done if we were in the shoes of this desperate David?
4 David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2009), 236 5 Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2000), 218 6 David G. Firth, 236
Application:

What would I have done if I were in the shoes of the desperate David?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for leaders:
  • Pray for singles: To grow in faith and courage in God
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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