How poignant that the first use of the word “type” in the New Testament refers to the print of the nails! In the latter half of 1 Samuel 23, Saul is pursuing David from one hideout to another. “So David made haste to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were encircling David […]
When the King of terrors comes knocking, how precious to have the King of kings answer the door. In our passage today (1 Sam 23:14-29), David and his valiant 600 are moving from one hideout to another along the southern border of Israel. Anyone who has traversed this territory knows what a menacing land it […]
Read More… from November 13, 2023 — A Step Between Me & Death
The stories of the threshing floors of Scripture have a great way of sifting the grain from the chaff. It was fortuitous that one priest, Abiathar, escaped Doeg’s slaughter and fled to David (1 Sam 22:20). He had the Urim and Thummim with which God’s will could be determined. It would be used several times […]
You would think Saul would be looking for ways to reconnect with God. Instead he does this? King Saul had alienated Samuel; he had driven David from the palace and grieved Jonathan, his loyal son; many mighty men in desperation had abandoned Saul’s forces and joined their fugitive hero at Adullam. This is spectacular bridge […]
Now part of Adullam Park, an area of 20 square miles (50 sq km), this cave can still be visited. Saul had done terrible damage to the fabric of the nation. Imagine trading Doeg the Edomite for David! Most of those who gathered around Saul were called on to fight against the Lord who had […]
Imagine David seeking asylum in Philistia. Then, when there, he makes as if he really belongs in one. Faith takes us from good to better; fear takes us from bad to worse. Realizing he was persona non grata at Nob, David “fled that day from before Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath” […]
The ugly truth is always better than the best dressed-up lie. Sooner or later, the disguise comes off. David’s escape plan in fleeing to the old prophet, Samuel, had only been a short reprieve from Saul’s relentless pursuit. So he made a run for Nob, where the priests were in residence. Ahimelech clearly was nervous. […]
Surely this is one of heaven’s greatest blessings: we won’t cross the golden street to avoid anyone! Foreseeing their paths diverging, but not their devotion to each other, Jonathan had asked David to make a covenant with him (1 Sam 18:3), later ratified and explained (20:14-15), lasting for generations to come. If their hearts were […]
The whole of human history is decided on the choice between loyalty to, or betrayal of, God. Life is real and its challenges are often convoluted. Some of the most difficult of these to face are the cross-currents of competing loyalties. A “contention” so “sharp” that it separated Barnabas and Paul in Acts 15 comes […]