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Sometimes we can get ourselves into complicated and destructive situations through our own bad decisions and wrong-headed thinking. David had himself caught in such a situation in chapter 28, whereby he had been both double-dealing with the Philistines and then, in 28:1–2, somehow got conscripted into their army. So, in chapter 29, David finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place as he marches with the Philistine army on Israel (vv. 1–2). What hope is there for us when we find ourselves in a mess of our own making?
Amazingly, in the story, the deliverance comes through the intervention of the Philistine top brass (v. 3). They are (rightly) very suspicious of David (vv. 4–5) and don’t want him around. King Achish, ironically, tries to defend David against his own military leaders (v. 3), but fails and ends up apologising to David for his being wronged (vv. 6–7)! Surprisingly, David is released, unharmed, from the Philistine army (vv. 10–11), and so escapes the terrible dilemma of being caught between an invading army and his own people. (Notice how no such escape came for Saul in 28:20–25.)
We’re meant to see the Lord at work in this. His name isn’t explicitly mentioned, and yet often it isn’t in such stories (see the book of Esther as an example). Nonetheless, we’re meant to conclude that David, the chosen king, has been remarkably rescued by the Lord through his use of pagan military leaders. Isn’t it amazing to see how the Lord will sometimes use even our enemies to save us? And isn’t it remarkable to see the Lord’s mercy to us when we least deserve it? The fact is that the Lord’s plan will prevail despite the failings and foolishness of his own people. He can keep us even when we walk off the way. This isn’t an excuse for presumption, but a reason for gratitude and wonder at God’s work in our lives.
REFLECTION
1. How have you experienced the Lord using ‘enemies’ in your life to do you good, or even save you in some way?
2. Are you trusting the Lord to keep you and save you for the future, or are you putting your hope in your own wisdom and good decision-making?
Scripture
About this Plan
1 Samuel charts the rise and fall of several of Israel’s leaders. You’ll meet the notoriously arrogant king Saul and see the ascent of the man after God’s own heart – David. You’ll read of dangerous battles, murder plots, giants and even more surprises in this book. You’ll see that despite turbulence in leadership, seemingly strong enemies and spiritual decay God is very much at work orchestrating the fall of the proud and the rise of the humble. What an encouragement for us today when we are faced with challenges not too dissimilar to these!
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