David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us.” I Samuel 30:23 (Chapters 28-31)
David has once again taken refuge among the Philistines. Prince Achish trusted and believed that David had turned against Israel. Other Philistines leaders were not so naive and sent David away from battle. In the mean time, Saul, who is slipping further into desperation, asks a medium to summon Samuel from the ‘other side.’ He would not heed Samuel’s warning when he was delivering God’s direction live, but now he hopes that Samuel will say something to put his mind at rest. Whether it was really Samuel, sent by God, or an apparition or sorts, the incident did not give Saul the control and answers he sought.
It was thought that David was fighting Israel, but instead, he warred against the Amalekites, a people God told Israel to annihilate when they first settled in Canaan. Before David and his men returned home to Ziklag, it was attacked and everyone there was taken captive including David’s two wives. David organized a pursuit, selected some to follow and others to remain with the supplies and rest. Everything that was lost was recovered, but evil men and trouble makers refused to share the spoils of victory. David gave God glory and declared that all will share alike.
Saul’s life comes to a gruesome end. Both of his sons, Abinadab and Jonathan are killed in battle and Saul is wounded. When his armor bearer refused to finish the job of death, Saul falls on his sword and dies. The Philistines took Saul’s body, along with those his sons, mutilated them and placed them in the temples of Dagon and the Ashtoreths. Later, the men of Jabesh Gilead did not forget Saul’s first victory that saved them. They went undercover of darkness, retrieved the bodies and buried their remains.
Throughout his years of exile, David trusted God for everything, including that which made no logical sense. He brought honor and integrity to the throne that was first designed to bless all peoples and nations.
We cannot honor God with questionable behavior. Just do the right thing and God will take care of the rest.
Love,
Gretchen