David Escapes From Saul

I Samuel 23:15–29
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As we read I Samuel 23-24 and consider the events, we are reminded of the words of Christ in Matthew 18:7, “Woe unto the world because of offenses! For it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!”

David was at Horesh in the Ziph Desert. He was afraid because Saul had come to the area to kill him. In these days of hiding, it seemed as if Jonathan was the only one whom David could trust. One night, while David and his group were hiding in the wilderness, Jonathan comes to visit him (v. 15). This may have been the last time Jonathan and David were ever together. Jonathan came to encourage him and no one knows how much his words meant to David (v. 16). Johnathon tells David not to be afraid becaisw his father Saul will never get his hands on him (v. 17). They both promised the Lord that they would always be loyal to each other (v. 18). Saul was told that David was hiding nearby and they could easily catch him (vv. 19-20). Saul thanked the people for helping him and asks them to help him catch David (vv. 21-23).

Since Jonathan had been able to find their hiding place, David presumed that Saul would be able to find them so he moved to the desert of Maon, 10 miles southeast of Hebron (v.24). Saul pursued him there and just as everything looked hopeless for David (v. 25), Saul was called back to defend Israel from a Philistine attack (vv. 26-28). That is why the place is called “Escape Rock."David takes this opportunity to move on to Engedi (v.29), an oasis 10 miles north of Massada on the Dead Sea. This happends to be one of my favorite places to visit when I go to Israel.

David escapes from Saul. From all of this we can see God’s hand of direction and protection in David’s life. Whether He used direct means to prevent David’s capture (vv.27-28) or He gave him warning so he could escape, the Lord was sovereignly orchestrating the events of David’s life just as He wants to orchestrate the events of our lives.

Application

I must not soon forget the principle teaching of this passage that, no matter how harsh the circumstances of this life may be, God is always there to direct and protect me. He doesn’t want me to worry or fret, but just trust Him to take care of me.