INTRODUCTION: This is a difficult time for David. He is constantly in fear for his life. Yet, he survives by continually seeking God’s will (1 Samuel 23:2, 4, 9-12) and by trusting in the providence of God (1 Samuel 23:27-28). We must learn to do the same.
- DAVID RESCUES THE MEN OF KEILAH (1 Samuel 23:1-5)
- The Crisis in Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1)
- Keilah: a city of Judah about 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem
- Under attack by the Philistines
- Losing the fruit of their labor - the threshing floors
- The Decision to Fight (1 Samuel 23:2-4)
- David seeks Gods direction (1 Samuel 23:2).
- David faces the fear of his own men (1 Samuel 23:3).
- David seeks Gods confirmation (1 Samuel 23:4).
- The Lord tells him to go.
- The Lord promises deliverance.
- NOTE: One of the keys to Davids survival was his faithfulness in seeking Gods guidance (1 Samuel 23:9-12; 1 Samuel 30:7-8).
- The Victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:5)
- David and his men smite the Philistines.
- They spoil the Philistines of their cattle.
- They save the inhabitants of Keilah.
- DAVID ESCAPES FROM KEILAH (1 Samuel 23:6-13)
- Saul Comes against David (1 Samuel 23:6-8).
- The ephod of Abiathar (1 Samuel 23:6)
- Brought by Abiathar when he fled from Saul to David (1 Samuel 22:20-23)
- Ephod: a priestly garment that fit around the shoulders. The high priest had a special one (Exodus 28:6-8).
- The two shoulders had two stones with the names of the tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:9-12).
- The breastplate of judgment was attached to the ephod (Exodus 28:13-15).
- The breastplate had a pouch, within which was placed the Urim and the Thummin (Exodus 28:16, 28-30).
- The Urim and Thummin were used to give guidance from the Lord (Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6; Ezra 2:63). Although the Urim and Thummin and the way they were used is never described, they are probably the way in which the Israelites often enquired of God (Judges 20:27; 1 Samuel 10:22; 2 Samuel 2:1; 2 Samuel 5:19, 23; 2 Samuel 21:1).
- The plans of Saul (1 Samuel 23:7-8)
- God hath delivered him into mine hand how quick we are to put Gods stamp of approval on those things which we most desire!
- David is shut up within city walls (1 Samuel 23:7); those city walls would be a tempting source of comfort to David, but God chose to protect him in the wilderness.
- Saul gathers an army to besiege David (1 Samuel 23:8).
- David Enquires of the Lord (1 Samuel 23:9-12).
- He sends for the ephod (1 Samuel 23:9); his heart is to know Gods will (Psalm 40:8; Psalm 143:10).
- The Lord confirms the coming of Saul (1 Samuel 23:10-11).
- The Lord reveals the treachery of Keilah (1 Samuel 23:12) David delivered them, but they would turn David over to Saul.
- David Escapes with His Men (1 Samuel 23:13).
- Davids men now number about 600 (see 1 Samuel 22:2).
- They depart from Keilah.
- Saul goes back home.
- DAVID HIDES IN THE WILDERNESS (1 Samuel 23:14-18)
- In the Wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 23:14-15)
- Ziph was a town about 4 miles southeast of Hebron. The wilderness of Ziph would be the area surrounding Ziph.
- They stay in the strongholds in a mountain in the area (1 Samuel 23:14).
- Saul continually seeks David (1 Samuel 23:14-15).
- Every day (1 Samuel 23:14)
- To seek his life (1 Samuel 23:15)
- But God delivered him not (1 Samuel 23:14); God is still watching over David.
- In a Meeting with Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:16-18)
- The encouragement of Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:16)
- He goes to David.
- He strengthens his hand in God.
- NOTE: This is the way to help people when they are troubled: 1) go and just be with them; 2) strengthen them in the Lord.
- The confidence of Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:17)
- Fear not.
- Saul will not find you.
- You will be king.
- I will be next to you; in this, Jonathan was wrong, but it shows his willingness to submit to Davids rightful rule.
- The covenant of Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:18; 1 Samuel 20:8)
- DAVID ESCAPES CERTAIN DEATH (1 Samuel 23:19-29)
- The Offer of the Ziphites (1 Samuel 23:19-20)
- They reveal Davids location (1 Samuel 23:19).
- They offer to deliver him to Saul (1 Samuel 23:20).
- Psalm 54 was written on the occasion of this betrayal see the title.
- The Instructions of Saul (1 Samuel 23:21-23)
- He blesses them for their compassion (1 Samuel 23:21).
- He warns them of Davids subtlety (1 Samuel 23:22); as if it were Davids cunning and not Gods protection that has delivered David.
- He promises to come and find David (1 Samuel 23:23).
- The Surrounding of David (1 Samuel 23:24-26)
- Saul comes to Ziph (1 Samuel 23:24).
- David is in Maon (1 Samuel 23:24).
- Saul pursues to Maon (1 Samuel 23:25).
- Saul traps David between two portions of his army (1 Samuel 23:26).
- The Deliverance of David (1 Samuel 23:27-29)
- The Philistines invade the land (1 Samuel 23:27-28).
- Saul receives word of their attack (1 Samuel 23:27).
- Saul calls off pursuing David (1 Samuel 23:28).
- David moves to the strongholds of En-gedi (1 Samuel 23:29).
CONCLUSION: Everywhere David goes people are turning on him. He cannot trust anyone but God. Through it all, David continues to be a man after God’s heart.