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Patriarchs and Prophets
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
even in his retreat in the mountains he was far from feeling secure, for
he received continual evidence that the king had not relinquished his
murderous purpose.
He found a refuge for his parents with the king of Moab, and
then, at a warning of danger from a prophet of the Lord, he fled
from his hiding place to the forest of Hareth. The experience through
which David was passing was not unnecessary or fruitless. God was
giving him a course of discipline to fit him to become a wise general
as well as a just and merciful king. With his band of fugitives he
was gaining a preparation to take up the work that Saul, because of
his murderous passion and blind indiscretion, was becoming wholly
unfitted to do. Men cannot depart from the counsel of God and still
retain that calmness and wisdom which will enable them to act with
justice and discretion. There is no insanity so dreadful, so hopeless, as
that of following human wisdom, unguided by the wisdom of God.
Saul had been preparing to ensnare and capture David in the cave
of Adullam, and when it was discovered that David had left this place
of refuge, the king was greatly enraged. The flight of David was a
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mystery to Saul. He could account for it only by the belief that there
had been traitors in his camp, who had informed the son of Jesse of
his proximity and design.
He affirmed to his counselors that a conspiracy had been formed
against him, and with the offer of rich gifts and positions of honor he
bribed them to reveal who among his people had befriended David.
Doeg the Edomite turned informer. Moved by ambition and avarice,
and by hatred of the priest, who had reproved his sins, Doeg reported
David’s visit to Ahimelech, representing the matter in such a light
as to kindle Saul’s anger against the man of God. The words of that
mischievous tongue, set on fire of hell, stirred up the worst passions in
Saul’s heart. Maddened with rage, he declared that the whole family
of the priest should perish. And the terrible decree was executed. Not
only Ahimelech, but the members of his father’s house—“four-score