Chapter 65—The Largeheartedness of David
This chapter is based on
1 Samuel 22:20-23
;
23
to 27.
“One of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar,
... escaped, and fled after David. And Abiathar showed David that
Saul had slain the Lord’s priests. And David said unto Abiathar, I
knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would
surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy
father’s house. Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my
life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.”
Still hunted by the king, David’s brave band repaired to the wilder-
ness of Ziph. At this time, when there were so few bright spots in the
path of David, he received an unexpected visit from Jonathan. These
two friends related their varied experiences, and Jonathan strengthened
the heart of David, saying, “Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father
shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be
next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.” The hunted
fugitive was greatly encouraged. “And they two made a covenant
before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to
his house.”
The Ziphites sent word to Saul in Gibeah that they knew where
David was hiding and they would guide the king to his retreat. But
David, warned of their intentions, changed his position, seeking refuge
in the mountains between Maon and the Dead Sea.
Again word was sent to Saul, “Behold, David is in the wilderness
of Engedi. Then Saul took three thousand men chosen out of all Israel,
and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.”
[481]
David had only six hundred men in his company. In a secluded cave
the son of Jesse waited for the guidance of God as to what should be
done.
As Saul was pressing his way up the mountains, he entered alone
the very cavern in which David and his band were hidden. When
David’s men saw this they urged their leader to kill Saul. The king was
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