Day 113, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalm 86: 1Samuel 27; 28:1-2; 29; 1Chronicles 12:1-7, 19-22
To Fight or Not to Fight?
Boxers fight, families fight, and even friends fight. When do we need to face our opposition, and when do we need to avoid it or escape? How can we know?
The Need for Escape
Because of King Saul’s hot pursuit of David, he seeks refuge for himself, his family, his army, and their families. He fears staying in the land of Israel because one day, Saul and his army will find and destroy him. He wonders, what will happen to my family? Will they also be destroyed? What will happen to my men?
One reason for escape is for the preservation of those who are counting on our leadership.
Many of us are parents, owners of a business, or leaders of an organization.What would happen if (out of pride) we decide to stay and tough out conflicts which might destroy us? What would happen to our family or our associates? Would they survive?Survival is important.
David escapes to Philistine territory. He settles in Ziklag with his armies, his family, and their families; he finally has some peace, even though he is in enemy territory.
Preservation
Escape does not always mean peace, and we may have to fight for preservation.
David is in a weak position, living in enemy territory, so he deceives the Philistine king. He makes his presence in the country seem more acceptable by attacking those whom David says are Philistine enemies, even the Israelites.
In reality, David attacks Israelite enemies, destroys them, and leaves no one to tell a different tale. Then he gives a false report to Achish, the Philistine ruler, that he has been attacking Israelite cities.
By feigning loyalty, David gains the favor of King Achish. Achish trusts David and says to himself, “He has become so odious to his people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant forever” (1Samuel 27:12, NIV). While we cannot condone lying,
Acts of service and respect can help us survive in hostile environments.
During the time of David’s refuge in Ziklag, Israelite warriors from the tribe of Benjamin (Saul’s tribe) defect and join David’s troops (1Chronicles 12:1-7). Shortly after that, many generals from the tribe of Manasseh also defect from Saul and join David, so he now has large experienced forces. Their change of loyalty to David must have encouraged him, knowing God still cares about his preservation and will bring him to rule Israel one day.
If the LORD has acted to preserve us, we should give him praise.
Now that David has gained respect from King Achish, the king wants him and his army to join the Philistine army in a fight against Israel. Achish thinks David is loyal but unknowingly puts David between a rock and a hard place. David wants to appear loyal, but he does not want to fight against his people.
Fortunately, God solves the problem for David by providing a means of escape. The Philistine commanders are afraid this famous warrior might turn on them during the conflict and lop off some of their heads to regain favor with King Saul. They talk with the king about their concerns. King Achish reluctantly gives in and sends David and his soldiers back home to Ziklag.
Sometimes God provides us a way to escape.
The Apostle Paul will later write to a church in Corinth,
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1Corinthians 10:13, NASB’95)There is wisdom in escaping the battle; David will not have to face King Saul, Jonathan, and his countrymen in the conflict. God has other plans for David’s army, for when he returns home, he has to rescue his family and that of his men (more about that in tomorrow’s Bible study).
Focus Verse
1Corinthians 10:13 (NASB’95)
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
Discussion
What should factor in our decision to fight or not to fight?
If we decide the fight is not worth the price, how might God preserve us? Will that decision make things easier? What should we do?
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Looking Ahead: After David goes back to Ziklag, Saul and Jonathan and the armies of Israel face the Philistines in battle. Saul wants God's help but because the LORD is silent, Saul seeks help from a witch. Is that okay? Should we seek counsel from God or the Occult? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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