14 David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. DAY AFTER DAY SAUL SEARCHED FOR HIM, BUT GOD DID NOT GIVE DAVID INTO HIS HANDS. 1 Samuel 23
We’ve already seen that Saul pursued David relentlessly, intent upon taking his life. David had been anointed as the future king and Saul was enraged that David would one day take his place, so he tried to kill him; BUT GOD! The first part of this verse tells us that David and his followers had to live in deserted places, away from people. David had one main focus in his life, SURVIVAL. He had to stay where the enemy couldn’t trap him and where there was room to escape. It’s interesting that the Desert Fathers chose to withdraw to the wilderness to protect their walk with God and avoid the corruption of the towns and cities. We also read that Lot was tormented by the unrighteousness in Sodom and Gomorrah, until God rescued him and his family. 2 Peter 2:7 Sometimes it may be prudent for us as believers to step aside from the masses in order to be with God. Sabbath is meant to be a regular blessing for God’s children, that’s why the enemy is so intent on destroying it.
12 THE PRUDENT SEE DANGER AND TAKE REFUGE (A good way of describing David’s path and at times the best way for us as well),
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 27
Saul had an army and was by far the more powerful compared with David and his small group of followers, but Saul could never quite get to David. God protected him at every step along the way and HE CAN PROTECT YOU AND I, NO MATTER THE OPPOSITION ARRAYED AGAINST US.
Many times in God’s Word we are reminded of the Father’s faithful care and protection for His children.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise
they will not reach them.
7 YOU ARE MY HIDING-PLACE;
YOU WILL PROTECT ME FROM TROUBLE AND SURROUND ME WITH SONGS OF DELIVERANCE. Psalm 37
Another beautiful description of God’s presence and protection in a time of trouble.
9 THE LORD IS A REFUGE FOR THE OPPRESSED,
A STRONGHOLD IN TIMES OF TROUBLE.
10 THOSE WHO KNOW YOUR NAME TRUST IN YOU,
FOR YOU, LORD, HAVE NEVER FORSAKEN THOSE WHO SEEK YOU. Psalm 9
The last line of verse 10 is something for everyone to lay hold of today, God never has and never will forsake His people.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.