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From Eternity Past
power and majesty, he would have been at peace even in the midst of
the shadows of death.
Among the mountains of Judah, David sought refuge. He made
good his escape to the cave of Adullam, a place that with a small force
could be held against a large army. “And when his brethren and all his
father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him.” The family of
David could not feel secure, knowing that at any time the unreasonable
suspicions of Saul might be directed against them on account of their
relation to David. They had now learned—what was coming to be
generally known in Israel—that God had chosen David as the future
ruler of His people. They believed that they would be safer with him.
In the cave of Adullam, the family were united in sympathy and
affection. The son of Jesse could make melody with voice and harp.
He had tasted the bitterness of distrust on the part of his own brothers,
and the harmony that had taken the place of discord brought joy to the
exile’s heart.
Many had lost confidence in the ruler of Israel, for they could see
that he was no longer guided by the Spirit of the Lord. “And everyone
that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that
was discontented,” resorted to David, “and he became a captain over
them: and there were with him about four hundred men.” Here David
had a little kingdom of his own, and in it order and discipline prevailed.
But he was far from secure, for he received continual evidence that the
king had not relinquished his murderous purpose.
At a warning of danger from a prophet of the Lord, he fled from his
hiding place to the forest of Hareth. God was giving David a course
of discipline to fit him to become a wise general, as well as a just and
merciful king.
[479]
Saul had been preparing to ensnare David in the cave of Adullam,
and when it was discovered that David had left this place of refuge,
the king was enraged. The flight of David was a mystery. Had traitors
in his camp informed the son of Jesse of his design?
King Saul Orders a Terrible Massacre
Saul affirmed to his counselors that a conspiracy had been formed
against him, and with the offer of rich gifts and honor he bribed them
to reveal who among his people had befriended David. Doeg the