26 The Ziphites went to Saul at Gibeah and said, ‘Is not David hiding on the hill of Hakilah, which faces Jeshimon?’ 1 Samuel 26
The Ziphites were from the tribe of Judah, David’s own tribe, yet they went to Saul twice to betray David. They ignored the fact that David had been given prophecies that he would be the next king of Israel after Saul. They sought to help Saul find and kill David for their own interests, but God prevented it. There are still those today who believe they can stop God’s purposes from coming to pass, but their actions will also come to nothing. Saul had three thousand chosen soldiers around him and yet his life was placed in David’s hands for a second time.
2 So Saul went down to the Desert of Ziph, with his three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search there for David. 3 Saul made his camp beside the road on the hill of Hakilah facing Jeshimon, but David stayed in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul had followed him there, 4 he sent out scouts and learned that Saul had definitely arrived. 1 Samuel 26
David saw Saul with his army around him, but chose to go down into the camp with Abishai, Joab’s brother. God honoured them and when they got to centre of the camp everyone was asleep.
7 So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying round him.
Abishai would have killed Saul right there, but once again David refused to lift his hand and take his pursuer’s life. Instead he took Saul’s jug and spear and withdrew to a hilltop away from the camp. Then he taunted Saul’s soldiers for not protecting the king, telling them he had been right beside the king’s head.
16 What you have done is not good. As surely as the Lord lives, you (Abner) and your men must die, because you did not guard your master, the Lord’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head? 1 Samuel 26
Saul recognised David’s voice and once again acknowledged that he was in the wrong for trying to take his life. David even returned the king’s equipment so that no one could mock Saul nor belittle him for losing his own jug and spear during the pursuit.
God didn’t have to put anyone to death to defend David, instead they fell into a deep sleep. Remember, God doesn’t always need to raise His hand to defend His children, He often just closes the eyes of those who would harm us. It’s the same today, there may be no powerful displays of God’s power, yet the enemy cannot hold back His purposes. Hallelujah
An old movie called, ‘Inn of the Sixth Happiness’, starring Ingrid Bergman, about Gladys Aylward, a missionary in China, gives a good example of God’s silent presence around those He loves. Perhaps, if you’ve some spare time over Christmas, it would be good to watch it. (Available on YouTube)
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.