David Flees
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the lips of Samuel. David learned precious lessons from the teacher
of Israel. But David’s connection with Samuel aroused the jealousy
of the king, lest the prophet lend his influence to the advancement of
Saul’s rival. The king sent officers to bring David to Gibeah, where he
intended to carry out his murderous design.
God Restrains Evil
The messengers went on their way intent upon taking David’s life,
but One greater than Saul controlled them. Met by unseen angels, they
began to utter prophetic sayings and proclaimed the glory of Jehovah.
Thus God manifested His power to restrain evil.
Saul was exasperated and sent other messengers. These also were
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overpowered by the Spirit of God, and united with the first in prophesy-
ing. The third embassage was sent by the king, but the divine influence
fell upon them also, and they prophesied.
Saul then decided that he himself would go. As soon as he should
come within reach of David he intended with his own hand to slay
him, whatever the consequences.
But an angel of God met him and the Spirit of God held him in Its
power. He went forward uttering prayers to God, with predictions and
sacred melodies. When he came to the prophet’s home in Ramah, he
laid aside the outer garments that betokened his rank and lay before
Samuel and his pupils under the influence of the divine Spirit. The
people were drawn together to witness this strange scene, and the
experience of the king was reported far and wide.
The persecutor assured David that he was at peace with him, but
David had little confidence in the king’s repentance. He longed to see
his friend Jonathan once more. Conscious of his innocence, he sought
the king’s son and made a touching appeal: “What have I done? what
is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh
my life?”
Jonathan believed that his father no longer intended to take the life
of David. “God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do
nothing either great or small, but that he will show it me; and why
should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so.”