He was far, far from the shepherd’s life now.
Oh, for a tranquil day with the sheep and a harp, David thought to himself. He sighed deeply—all that was now long gone.
His life had changed quickly and drastically. As David got out of Gath, recent events of his life flooded together in his mind. He had been Jessie’s youngest son, shepherd, defender of the flock, youngest brother, anointed king, killer of Goliath, King’s guardian, army captain, destroyer of the Philistines, King’s son-in-law; now—homeless, wifeless, friendless, on the run.
Cave of Adullam
David made his new hideout at a fortified cave near Adullam about 12 miles south of Bethlehem. He was very much alone and his life was in serious peril. Yet Adullam was a wilderness area making it easy for him to remain concealed. Unfortunately, David was not only in danger from Saul, wild animals could easily attack him.
We have insights into David’s thinking at this time from both Psalms 57 and 142. Study them both thoroughly. They are inspiring and instructional. David prayed to God, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Psalm 57:1). When David got into serious trouble with an enemy, he recognized that only God could protect him. No matter where he was—God was his refuge.
“I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me” (Psalm 142:1-3). All men need to learn this lesson from David’s life. When in trouble David cried out to God first.
While Saul hotly pursued him, David looked to God for protection and help, and he worked to stay close to God throughout the calamities. When we find ourselves in trouble, we should take it immediately to God; then stay close to God walking with Him until the trouble passes. Of course we should be walking with God at all times
David’s condition was outrageously desperate. He wrote, “My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword” (Psalm 57:4). What a nightmarish picture. David was surrounded by enemies intent on wiping him out with the cruelest of torture—lions to devour him, fire to burn him to ash, men to dice and slice him with their teeth and tongues.
On the surface things looked very bad. Yet David never got angry with God. He never blamed God for any of his trouble, rather, he exalted God. “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth” (verse 5). David’s relationship with God had developed to the point where he held deep trust in God. David knew that nothing would happen without God allowing it. We must develop this same trust.
David wrote, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise” (verse 7). The word “fixed” in the Hebrew is kuwn. The number in Strong’s is 3559. This word has various meanings and applications. It can mean prepared, established, faithfulness, firm, ready or right. No matter what happened to David he kept his heart faithful, fixed, firm and right with God.
By the time David arrived at Adullam, his problems were overwhelming. David wrote, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me” (Psalm 142:3). Even though his problems were staggering, David remained focused on God. We must learn to do the same.
David viewed his time at Adullam as if he had been in a prison. But his deep sorrow was soon turned into joy. Some people very close to him came to be with him. “[W]hen his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him” (1 Samuel 22:1). David’s father, mother and brothers came to him at Adullam. It was not just a friendly visit. Saul’s demented state put their lives in jeopardy as well. Simply because they were related, David’s entire family was subject to possible execution. Although sorry for their afflictions, the young king was thankful to have his family near him. David could handle the difficult conditions of the wilderness much better with the love and support of family. He could also better protect them because they were near him.
Captain of the Distressed
To David’s amazement, even more people came to support him. “And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men” (verse 2). It was not long until David had a small army surrounding him. God was working things out for David and the nation. Saul ruled the nation with cruelty. Many people were distressed and disenchanted. It was not long before many people knew that Saul wanted to destroy David. All Israel knew about David’s reputation—his undying loyalty to Saul. David was a superior warrior. He fought hard for his king. The people recognized Saul’s actions against David were not justified. The nation turned its heart to their disenfranchised king.
Those who attached themselves to David were anguished; some were severely imposed upon by Saul’s evil actions and insane decisions; some were simply bitter over the events happening to David and the nation. All despised Saul’s injustice. They knew David would be faithful to them and protect them. David became the captain of the distressed. Initially there were about 400 men who joined David. The number soon grew to 600 (1 Samuel 23:13) These men also brought their families. The total number of people could have approached 1,000. It must have been a ragtag gathering, yet it was far better to be in the wilderness with David than in a city with Saul.
Obeying Gad—God’s Prophet
“And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold” (1 Samuel 22:3-4). While at Adullam, David sought protection for his aging parents in Moab, the land of his great grandmother Ruth. The rough conditions of cave life would have been extremely difficult for his aging father Jesse and mother (who is not named in the Bible). David procured for his parents a more hospitable, safe and secure dwelling. For the immediate time, Moab would be a safe haven for them. The future would prove different.
Since David was not sure of how God would solve his crisis with Saul, danger and turmoil followed him like a foreboding shadow. Not having to be concerned about his parents lessened some of the burden he carried. He could rejoin with his parents once matters were worked out. David sought God’s guidance of what he should do. God sent a message by Gad the Prophet.
Gad directed David to move from Adullam. “And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth” (verse 5). This shows us that God was intimately involved with David’s life. God communicated directly with David through the prophet. God had David move into the forest of Hareth for his own protection.
Saul was determined to kill David, however, every plan he made was frustrated. God helped David remain one step ahead of the wily king. Saul was continually incensed that he could not eliminate David. Saul lived such a tragic fruitless life. He could never destroy David. He was God’s man, under God’s special protection. Some today have tried very hard to unseat or have God’s men dismissed. The all-powerful God of the universe will never allow such plans to work.
Doeg the Edomite
News of David’s whereabouts and the large company of fighting men with him got back to Saul (1 Samuel 22:6). Bound by satanic paranoia, Saul accused his own men of conspiracy against him. Everyone is protecting David, he thought.
“Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that showeth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or showeth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?” Saul berated his men (verses 7-8). Surely this speech was unnerving to the men closest to Saul. The king’s soundness of mind was gone. He accused Jonathan of plotting with David to kill him.
Incredible! What was even more disturbing, he accused his own men of knowing about the plan and concealing it from him. This is biblical proof of Mr. Armstrong’s statement that we are often accused of what our accusers are doing. Saul whined that no one felt sorry for him. Then one of his men saw opportunity. The moment had come for an evil man to curry favor.
Doeg the Edomite stepped into the gap. He pampered Saul by betraying David, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he inquired of the Lord for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine” (verses 9-10). Doeg said he had seen David at Nob with Ahimelech the priest (1 Samuel 21). Remember, Nob was the center for the priests. Saul became incensed. He demanded that Ahimelech and the priests have a meeting with him. They quickly obeyed.
Slaughter at Nob
The priests’ meeting with Saul ended up in tragedy. Saul, in a fit of rage, accused the priest: “Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?” (1 Samuel 22:13). Saul continually accused David of plotting to kill him. The demon-mad king made it appear as if Ahimelech was also involved in the conspiracy.
Ahimelech’s response is nothing short of noteworthy. He demonstrated great courage in his answer. He said to Saul, “And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king’s son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more” (verses 14-15). It took true grit to answer Saul’s false accusations against David.
Ahimelech proved his loyalty to God and David. He reminded Saul of David’s faithfulness. He talked of David’s undying obedience and respect. Ahimelech implored Saul not to impute such a crime to David. And if David held such a plot, Ahimelech assured Saul, he knew nothing of it.
Ahimelech’s praiseworthy speech had little affect on Saul—the priests were sentenced to death. The blood-crazed king condemned the priest, “Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father’s house” (verse 16). All the priests were to die because David’s needs were met—needs that should have been met. The Bible does not say exactly where this meeting between Saul and the priests took place. Yet, the tragic outcome took place in Nob.
The next scene in the Bible opens with Saul and a band of his soldiers in Nob. Doeg the Edomite was with them watching over all the events. Saul commanded the soldiers, “Turn, and slay the priests of the Lord; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not show it to me” (verse 17). The soldiers refused. Who would ever dare to kill a priest of God? The scene must have had a sickening intensity.
Saul then commanded Doeg to do the deed. He willingly and readily complied. Doeg hacked to death 65 priests. Unfortunately, the tragedy did not stop there. “And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword” (verse 19). Doeg destroyed the entire city of Nob. He destroyed every man, woman and child. In addition, he destroyed all of the livestock. This was a very dark day.
This was not just the act of an angry king. It was the act of Satan the devil. God certainly would not allow Satan to kill David. This had to make the angry devil even angrier. Satan turned this wrath against God’s priests. The priests represented God’s Work—Satan always violently attacks God’s Work because he hates God so much. God’s people in this last hour of the end time must never forget this fact.
Rescue of Keilah
Only Abiathar the priest escaped. He fled to David. The news of the destruction of Nob devastated David. He told Abiathar, “I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father’s house” (1 Samuel 22:22). David took the burden of the death of the priests on himself, although he was not responsible. It was Saul’s rebellion gone berserk that caused the massacre. David gave sanctuary to Abiathar. He stated, “Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard” (verse 23).
Although Abiathar came to David under disastrous circumstances, his presence was an added blessing for David. Abiathar carried with him a linen ephod (1 Samuel 23:9). The ephod, along with the Urim and Thummim, was used to inquire of God. This gave David a more direct spiritual connection to God that he needed. David fulfilled his promises to Abiathar. David proved loyal. However, after decades of loyalty, this young priest would turn against his protector.
This ragtag band of warriors must have looked somewhat ridiculous. David probably received a few laughs from those who scorned him. But we must recognize that God was working out a plan. David, his warriors and now Abiathar the Priest were in reality the mustard-seed formation of the new kingdom of Israel. As Mr. Armstrong taught, God always starts out small when He works though human beings. And if there has to be a restart—like David’s reign—God begins again in the smallest way.
This was also true with the Philadelphia Church of God. Our experience has been so much like David’s in the wilderness. The pcg has grown consistently in strength. Now we are poised to do a final powerful work. We are already in this new and final phase.
David and the remnant nation became stable enough to begin to help others in need. So is the Philadelphia Church of God.
At this early beginning, David and his men hired themselves out much like a paid militia. They protected others in exchange for provisions. The first city to be delivered by David was Keilah. Located south of Adullam. “Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors” (1 Samuel 23:1). The Bible does not say who sent the message for help to David. It really doesn’t matter. God wants us to see David’s attitude. He was passionate about delivering his people from any oppressors.
David wanted to deliver these people from the Philistines, but first he inquired of God. “Shall I go and smite these Philistines?” asked David. God answered, “Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah” (verse 2). David’s men feared to do this. With Saul and his men also at their heels, David’s men didn’t want to stir up the Philistines against them as well. But David’s sense for delivering the innocent prevailed. He took the matter to God again. God confirmed His promise to deliver the Philistines into their hands.
Following David’s gutsy leadership, the men went off to the battle. “So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah” (verse 5). There was a great victory. David and his men enjoyed the spoils of war. When he routed the Philistines, they got their cattle.
The people of Keilah received a great blessing. They were set free from the iron fist of Philistine oppression. By saving Keilah, God reestablished David’s reputation as a great warrior and defender of the nation. Defending Keilah was a first small step forward paving the way for David to take full control of the nation.
Encouraged by Jonathan
However, the thrill of victory was short-lived. A dark cloud loomed on the horizon. An intelligence report revealed that Saul had gained knowledge that David was in Keilah. He had begun pursuit. David had a serious decision to make. Could his men fight off Saul’s men from this outpost? Was it even fair to draw a fight with Saul at Keilah?
The city was fortified with gates and bars (verse 7). Saul believed that David was hedged in. If David stayed to fight, would the city support him? David sought some tough answers from God.
“Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant,” inquired David (verse 11). God answered yes to both questions: Saul was definitely coming for David, and the people of Keilah would not support him. This must have been discouraging news for David. He had risked the life of his men and his own life for these people. Did they appreciate it? Obviously they did not. If David stayed in their city to fight, they would treacherously turn him over to Saul. David and his entourage moved on.
David and his men were outnumbered compared to Saul’s army. Saul hounded them continually. David’s band had to move quickly and often to survive. “And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. 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” (verses 14-15). The stress and tension of Saul’s threat had to be unbearable at times. David fought hard to maintain his focus.
God did send encouragement to David through Jonathan. Saul’s son discovered David’s hideout in Ziph and went to him. He purposely went to David to strengthen him. But Jonathan didn’t set out to strengthen him as friend to friend, he went to strengthen him in God. “And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God” (verse 16). This is a sign of true godly friendship. In times of highest stress, it is natural for any of us to want to rely on a human friend. But a true friend should always point us to God for our strength and help. For it is only God that can truly help us in our desperate hours.
Jonathan told David, “Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth” (verse 17). Jonathan had great faith in God’s plans for David. He sought to rekindle David’s faith in God. Jonathan knew David would reign over all Israel. Why? Because it was God’s decree that he should. Jonathan planned to serve at David’s side. Oh, that all of us could develop the faith, dedication, loyalty and humility of Jonathan! David and Jonathan renewed their covenant in the woods at Ziph (verse 18). Both men appear to have been renewed and strengthened by this, their last encounter. Jonathan would not live to serve at David’s side.
Betrayed by the Ziphites
The Ziphites treacherously plotted with Saul against David. “Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king’s hand” (1 Samuel 23:19-20). David had always been able to elude Saul. Now a plan was devised to catch David by surprise. How? The Ziphites promised to keep track of David until the wretched king could get to the wilderness of Ziph.
Saul became ecstatic. He highly praised the Ziphites. He exclaimed, “Blessed be ye of the Lord; for ye have compassion on me. Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtly. See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah” (verses 21-23). Saul believed he was quite the victim. It inspired him so much that these wonderful Ziphites could have so much compassion on him.
Yet even this plan failed. When the perfidious Ziphites returned from Saul, David and his men had already moved into the wilderness of Maon. When Saul arrived in Ziph, he had never been closer to catching David. Armed with the knowledge that David was in Maon, Saul and his army pressed hard to get David. David’s small army was now in grave peril. Saul strategically began to surround David on a mountain in Maon. “And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them” (verse 26). David and his soldiers could be easily crushed. Their position was extremely weak.
David and his band were spared only because Saul received some very negative news. “But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land” (verse 27). The Philistines were Saul’s constant headache. Here they proved to be David’s saviors.