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From Eternity Past
warring against his own nation, the men of Judah. By this dissembling
he strengthened the hand of the Philistines, for the king said, “He hath
made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my
servant forever.” David was not walking in the counsel of God when
he practiced deception.
“And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered
their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said
unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to
battle, thou and thy men.” David answered the king evasively, “Surely
thou shalt know what thy servant can do.” Achish pledged his word to
bestow upon David a high position at the Philistine court.
But although David’s faith had staggered somewhat at 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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