Inquire of the Lord; 1 Sam 22-23; Ps 52

May the mumbling commence!

What a contrast!  The actions of King Saul and David are like night and day.  In 1 Samuel 22, Saul discovered through Doeg the Edomite that the priest Abiathar aided David in his escape (though Saul continued to refer to David solely as the son of Jesse).  Saul burned with anger. 

Saul wanted his men to massacre the priests of Nob, Abiathar’s hometown.  When his men refused to harm the priests of the Lord, Saul called upon Doeg.  Doeg did what the men of Israel would not do.  Doeg killed all the priests and the whole town of Nob – men, women, children, infants, and its animals.  What Saul refused to do to the Amalekites at the Lord’s command, Saul chose to order against the priests of the Lord.

One son of Abiathar, Ahitub, escaped to David.  When David heard about the massacre, he blamed himself.  David had seen Doeg.  David thought he should have known that Doeg would give him away.  David thought that he should have prevented Doeg from speaking to Saul.  David brought Ahitub and the ephod under his protection.

Now let’s examine how David reacts in a time of distress.  In 1 Samuel 23, David learned that the Philistines were attacking Keilah.  David inquired of the Lord.  What a wise and novel idea!  Saul would not have thought of such an action.  Would you or I inquire of the Lord in our distress? 

Then, David’s men expressed fear at the thought of attacking the Philistines.  David and his men were already fleeing from the wrath of Saul.  Why would they choose to seek other trouble?  David inquired of the Lord a second time for the benefit of his men, and the Lord gave him the same answer.  David and his men went and conquered the Philistine army attacking Keilah.

Saul learned that David was at Keilah and knew that David was cornered in a gated city.  Saul planned to lay siege to Keilah and destroy David and his men.  When David heard of Saul’s advance on the city, David inquired of the Lord.  Would Saul come?  The Lord answered, “Yes.”  Would the people of Keilah give David and his men up to Saul?  The Lord answered, “Yes.”  David and his men quickly fled from Keilah to protect themselves (and the people of Keilah for a second time).

In hard times, are you and I willing to wait upon the Lord?  It will make all the difference if we chose to wait.  In Psalm 52, David reflects on this very thing.  Rely on the Lord alone.  Anything or anyone else will fail you.  Read the ending of the Psalm:

The righteous will see and fear;

they will laugh at him, saying, 

"Here now is the man

who did not make God his stronghold

but trusted in his great wealth

and grew strong by destroying others!" 

But I am like an olive tree

flourishing in the house of God;

I trust in God's unfailing love

forever and ever. 

I will praise you forever for what you have done;

in your name I will hope, for your name is good.

I will praise you in the presence of your saints. (Verses 6-9) 

Enough mumbling for now…  

Peace Out