Lessons from the Wilderness

1 Samuel 18-20

“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David.” 1 Samuel 19:1a  

After David killed Goliath, the Israelite women sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7) Saul became jealous of David, and the next day he tried to kill David twice with his spear. Later he tried to spear David again, and when he was unsuccessful, he sent men to David’s house to kill him.  But David escaped and became a fugitive, running and hiding from Saul for ten years.  About 400 men gathered around him, and he became their leader. This was the nucleus of his loyal army when he became king. We need to be thankful for the people God gives to stand beside us.

David served Israel even while he was in exile. The Philistines were raiding the Israelites in Keilah, and David attacked the Philistines and delivered the people of Keilah. We can help others even when we are having a difficult time ourselves.

Notice who was in complete control of the whole situation.  1 Samuel 23:14b, “Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.” God protects those who belong to Him. Irving Jensen, “Saul might as well have hoped to stop the sun in its course as to cut short David’s life until God’s time came. A hedge is set around God’s children, and nothing can touch them unless God permits.” Whatever our situation, God knows exactly what is happening and is sovereign over all circumstances. He will take us either around or through whatever we are facing and will teach us valuable lessons along the way if we just keep our eyes on Him and wait for His timing.

One time David and his men were hiding in the back of a cave, and Saul came into that same cave.  David’s men urged him to kill Saul, but David refused to harm the king, the Lord’s anointed. David trusted God to repay Saul in due time. He based his attitudes and actions on his faith rather than on his circumstances--a good example for us.

David’s best friend, Jonathan, Saul’s son, came to Horesh to encourage David. He told David not to be afraid, that Saul would not lay a hand on him. He said, “You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you.” In a time when men murdered members of their own families to gain the throne, Jonathan’s words to David are amazing. Jonathan was the king’s oldest son and was in line to inherit the throne. But there was no jealousy or selfish ambition in Jonathan because he loved his friend David so much. This is probably the last time the two friends ever saw each other. The time we spend with those we love is precious, and it’s important to take time to spend with them while we have the opportunity.

Father, You eventually take many of your children through a wilderness of sorts, where You remove many of the crutches on which we lean until we learn to lean on You. Thank You that nothing and no one can ever remove You from our lives, that Your love and power are always available to give us stability.  Amen.