1 Samuel 21 Commentary

1 Samuel 21 Commentary.

http://www.lovingscripture.com

What Doeg, the Edomite, does here is the subject of Psalm 52. What David does here is the subject of the teaching we find in the gospel according to Mathew in chapter 12. What David experienced at Gath is possibly the subject of Psalm 34. These events give context to the many psalms of David. These are not songs meant to top the charts! You want to read them again and again when you find yourself in David’s situation.  

These are difficult times for the anointed of the LORD. He consults the LORD at Nob but only at a huge cost to the priests of the LORD. We are not told what the LORD tells him but we know these are tough times for the young David, still a youth at this point.

An isolated and disillusioned David finds himself at Gath of the Philistines. The plan backfires. He shouldn’t have gone there in the first place. But we understand. Decision-making in times of deep crisis can be very difficult. For many saints, the deepest crisis is not exactly the presence of difficulties but the absence of a clear-cut direction from the LORD. But there is a message in the silence.

David’s decision to seek refuge at Gath, in the enemy territory, is every saint’s option. And it is wrong. It is not an open door for the saint. It wasn’t for David. The Philistines at Gath made it clear to David. Now the LORD must save David from the Philistines. He had run away from Saul to another problem; a jump from the hot pan into the fire itself.

So the LORD saves David at Gath, only to throw him back into the right ring. He must fight and not run away. Could this be the message here? When salvation comes in installments, then you know the LORD is up to something.

More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com

Published by Joseph Malekani

Joseph Malekani is a born-again Christian with a strong PAOG/Baptist background. He is heavily involved in student ministry with ZAFES – an IFES movement with focus on student ministry in Zambia. He is married to Audrey and they have two lovely children.

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