1 Samuel 27

Good Morning “Always Seeking Gods Direction.”  Today we are in 1 Samuel 27.

David has gone through some testing.  And… it seems he has grown, some.  Or has he?  Last chapter we saw David seemingly making a wise decision not to humiliate Saul but instead to focus on Saul’s lack of protection from his own chosen protectors.  

So having received evidence of Gods protection repeatedly, having made the statement that God would one day deal with Saul… what’s next for David?  He flees to enemy land so that Saul can’t or won’t pursue him, and wins the king of that lands favor by insinuating he’s killing Jews.  What’s wrong with this picture?  

The first verse of the chapter says it all, “But David thought to himself, “One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Absent from this chapter is any mention of God, or seeking Gods leading… nothing.  David appears to have (maybe because of his exhaustion from fleeing Saul) resorted to going his own way.  Even as he goes his own way though, we can see glimmers of God still directing.  In David’s raids he’s cleansing Israel of those that had been left after Joshua commanded them to let no one live.  He’s in the process, paving the way for his kingdom.

The writer offers no real definitive voice on his approval or objection to David’s actions here.  We’re left to scratch our heads wondering why David is doing what he’s doing.  Yet God is still sovereign and will one day install David as king.  Preparation is happening. However ; we will later see consequences of David’s actions here - stay tuned.

For us, take heed!  Never rely on “Thinking for yourself”… ha ha!  We’ve God a Lord and Savior that would love to direct every step of your heart!  He is your guidance, shelter, your strength and your protector.  

Love you all!  Dig in!