“David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And his brothers and all his father’s house… went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and in debt, and bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.”
“David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord said, ‘Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah…’
“Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men… Then David said, ‘O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down?.. Please tell your servant.’ And the Lord said, ‘He will come down….’ Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition… And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.
“David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life… in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, ‘Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel… Saul my father also knows this.’ And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord.” 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 23:2,8,10-11,13-18
King Saul was on a jealous rampage to extinguish the man he knew would succeed him, and his subjects were beginning to question his fitness as king. If he would not accept God’s stated word, why would they accept him? His orders were inconsistent with the word of the Lord through Samuel. In the meanwhile, the anointed-yet-not-installed David was running for his life. But he never stopped running to his Lord, seeking His direction and strength at every turn. It was David who attracted loyal followers by exercising integrity and godly leadership as he followed his Lord. (1 Samuel 15:26; 16:7-13; 18:12-16)
David showed continuing deference and honor to Saul, but his true King was the Lord. He knew what he’d been called to do, and while patient to wait God’s time, did all he could to fend for His people. He trained a faithful band of followers who increased in number and stature to become mighty men. Even Jonathan, Saul’s son, recognized God’s hand on David and pledged his support. (2 Samuel 23:8-39)
When deciding allegiances and alliances, it’s important to align ourselves with God’s truth and those who follow it. Are the narrative and the walk in synch and consistent? Do those we follow exemplify and point us to the King?
For ourselves as leaders and influencers, how carefully do we live out the words and beliefs we espouse? Do our decisions, manner, and actions reflect God’s character and commands? In any role God’s assigned, how effectively are we building up others, and leading them to courageous faith and increasing trust in the Lord?
My King, keep me faithfully following You so others see and are attracted to You through me.
As the rain and snow 