Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of 1 Samuel 22 - 23
by Max Frazier, Jr.

We are now in 1 Samuel 22 and 23. Chapter 22 focuses upon the paranoia of Saul as he continues to feel everyone is against him, resulting in the slaying of the priests at Nob, which chapter 23 continues the saga of his pursuit of David.

I. David at the cave of Adullum (1 Samuel 22:1-2)
II. David goes to Mizpah in Moab (vs. 3-5)
III. Saul feels everyone is against him (vs. 6-8)
IV. The priests of Nob are killed (vs. 9-19)
V. Abiathar escapes (vs. 20-23)

David, while running for his life, suddenly thinks of his family. He knew the mind of Saul. If he wanted David dead, then perhaps he might threaten, yes even kill his family. So David helps his parents escape out of Israel into Moab. It is so easy at times, when the pressures mount up against us and we even feel like the walls of our lives are beginning to collapse, to focus upon us. Yet, others become vulnerable when we are. Although running like David, we also need to consider others, especially those of our families. When Satan attacks us we often fail to be the priest we should be to our wives and children. So they become open to attack. They hurt when we hurt. David could continue both his flight and his fight when he knew that those he loved were shielded from the long arm of Saul. And so will we as we daily commit our families into the care of God.

As one reads this chapter one is aware that there yet remains some integrity among the men of Saul. He summoned his men and gave them a royal tongue-lashing, accusing them of not being loyal to him. All remained silent, except for one - Doeg the Edomite. Here is a man who looked out for himself. Not knowing what this ruthless king was about to do (perhaps kill them all) Doeg shared information with Saul. We would call him a "snitch." Oh the betrayals we offer as we try to protect ourselves.

Yet, Saul's men remain men of integrity as the scene changed next to the assembly of the priestly family from Nob. These innocent servants of God - remember David had really deceived them - were falsely accused of aiding and abetting the enemy. In spite of their pleas of innocence, Saul ordered his men to kill them. No one moved. Not a muscle flinched. How could they kill these priests of God. So Doeg, the snitch becomes Doeg the killer. There is a lesson taught here by Saul's men. When the commands of our governmental leaders contradict what God has told us, our first allegiance and subsequent obedience should be to God. Although these men knew the possibilities of death by the hand of this "psycho-king" they could not disobey God. What a powerful testimony for us today!

I. David rescues the town of Keilah (vs. 1-6)
II. David escapes from Keilah (vs. 7-13)
III. Jonathan's conference with David (vs. 14-18)
IV. Saul pursues David at Ziph (vs. 19-29)

David found encouragement twice as recorded in this chapter. The first occurrence came as he sought guidance about aiding a nearby city, Keilah. God encouraged him through the priest Abiathar. Now I believe this is very similar to being encouraged through His Word. The Bible is a source from which we draw strength. Through its pages we draw fresh courage for the challenges that are before us. It is also our guide, the lamp for our feet. But David also found encouragement through the advice of his friend Jonathan (see verses 16-18). Oh the great value of Christian friendship. I think Jonathan must have risked his very life to go to David, but God used him to strengthen His servant. God delights to strengthen us through His Word and through our friends.

1Samuel 20-21 Return to the Table of Contents 1Samuel 24-25