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Noble Spirit of David
431
While living in this isolated town David made war on the Geshu-
rites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, and left none alive to bring
the report to Gath. He led Achish to believe that he had been warring
against his own nation, the men of Judah. By these lies he strength-
ened the hand of the Philistines, for the king said, “He has made
his people Israel utterly abhor him; therefore he will be my servant
forever.” David was not walking in the counsel of God when he was
deceptive.
“Now it happened in those days that the Philistines gathered
their armies together for war, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to
David, ‘You assuredly know that you will go out with me to battle,
you and your men.’” David answered the king evasively, “Surely
you know what your servant can do.” Achish pledged his word to
bestow on David a high position at the Philistine court.
But although David’s faith had somewhat hesitated regarding
the promises of God, he still remembered that Samuel had anointed
him king of Israel. He reviewed the mercy of God in preserving him
from Saul and determined not to betray a sacred trust. Even though
the king of Israel had sought his life, he would not join his forces
with the enemies of his people.
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