608
Patriarchs and Prophets
battle, thou and thy men.” David had no intention of lifting his hand
against his people; but he was not certain as to what course he would
pursue, until circumstances should indicate his duty. He answered the
king evasively, and said, “Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can
do.” Achish understood these words as a promise of assistance in the
approaching war, and pledged his word to bestow upon David great
honor, and give him 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 recalled the victories that God had given him over his
enemies in the past. He reviewed the great mercy of God in preserving
him from the hand of 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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