Basic HTML Version
430
The Beginning of the End
for David. Looking at appearances, people interpret the trials and
tests that God permits as things that will only bring their ruin. David
looked on appearances and not at the promises of God. He doubted
that he would ever come to the throne. Long trials had worn down
his faith and exhausted his patience.
The Lord did not send David to the Philistines, the most bitter
foes of Israel, for protection. Yet, having lost all confidence in Saul
and in those who served him, David threw himself on the mercies of
his people’s enemies. God had appointed him to set up his kingdom
in the land of Judah, and it was lack of faith that led him to run away
from his duty.
Another of David’s Mistakes
The Philistines had feared David more than Saul. By placing
himself under the protection of the Philistines, David revealed to
them the weakness of his own people. Thus he encouraged these
determined enemies to persecute Israel. David had been anointed
to stand in defense of the people of God. The Lord does not want
His servants to give encouragement to the wicked by exposing the
weakness of His people.
In addition, the Israelites received the impression that David had
gone to the heathen to serve their gods. By this act, many were led
to be prejudiced against him. The very thing Satan desired to have
him do, he was led to do. David did not renounce his worship of
God nor devotion to His cause, but he sacrificed his trust in Him for
his personal safety.
The king of the Philistines received David cordially. The king
admired him and was flattered to have a Hebrew seek his protection.
David brought his family, his household, and all his possessions, as
[340]
his men did also. To all appearances he had come to settle perma-
nently in the land of Philistia. This flattered Achish, who promised
to protect the fugitive Israelites.
At David’s request, the king graciously granted him Ziklag as
a possession. In a town wholly separated for their use, David and
his men could worship God with more freedom than in Gath, where
heathen rites might become a source of evil.