24: Not a Refugee, but a Trainee ( 1Samuel 21:1 – 22:5)

David fled for his life, seeking refuge either in Philistine territory or with the king of Moab. However, the Lord commanded him to return to Judah.

👉 Read 1Samuel 21:1 - 22:5


Q1. David went to Ahimelech, the priest in Nob. When Ahimelech asked David how he alone came, what did he answer? 

The mission was urgent and came alone. David lied.





Q2. Only priests were supposed to eat the showbread (aka the Bread of Presence) (Lev 24:9). Were the priest and David guilty of violating the law?

Yes. 

It was not ordinary bread but ‘holy’ bread, permitted only for priests. David lied and exaggerated, claiming that his ‘imaginary’ soldiers and their equipment were ‘holy.’ The Bible again states that there was no other food (v. 6) and provides an excuse for their act. However, they were not free from the charge of breaking the law. Yet, the Lord exonerated them—not because they had no food, but by His mercy. We know this because the Lord later talked to David in Moab, implying the Lord didn't turn away from him. Jesus later affirmed David’s action, emphasizing that the spirit of the law is love.

However, there is something important to note here. David lied to the priest, pretending to request bread for his soldiers when, in reality, it was for himself. Behind this lie was his lack of trust in the Lord during his flight. This was a more serious fault than merely violating the ritual law.


Q3. What is the name of the Edomite who was in charge of Saul's shepherds?

Doeg.


Q4. How did David manage to escape from King Achish of Gath? 

He pretended to be insane. 


Q5. Why did David return to Judah after fleeing to the king of Moab?

God told him to return to Judah. God wanted David to stay in Judah, not Philistine or Moab.

This was the first message from the Lord since David's anointing. Until then, David had not sought guidance regarding his flight, but after this, he began to ask God for direction.




David experienced God’s protection when he fled to Samuel in chapter 19. However, he left and fled to a more secure place, fearing that Saul would come after him again and that God’s miraculous protection would not be repeated, leading to his death. 

As David fled for his life without inquiring of the Lord, his flight was full of humiliation. He lied to the priest and ate the holy bread, pretended to be insane to protect his life as the Lord’s anointed before the uncircumcised, and sought protection from the king of Moab, trusting in worldly resources. Thus, the Lord commanded him to return to Judah, for David was not in flight but undergoing God’s discipline.

Are you going through a time of difficulty? Recognizing that you are undergoing God’s discipline, rather than merely struggling to survive, can be the turning point in your spiritual journey on this earth.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

8. How Sin Reigns: Cain and Abel’s story (Gen 4:1-16)

As Adam and Eve ate the fruit, the sin entered their hearts. Now, this sin was inherited to their son Cain. The sin arouse burning anger in his heart and caused him to murder. Read Gen 4:1-16 Guided Observations When Cain was angry for his rejected offering, the Lord said, “If you not do what is right, (         ) is crouching at the door. It desires to (            ) you, but you must subdue it.” After Cain killed his brother, what was God’s punishment for him? (v11-12)   What was God’s grace upon Cain? (v15)   What was Cain’s problem? (hint: Eph 4:26)   Meditation & Application 1. Cain should have accepted his humiliation when his offering was rejected instead of being angry     -> learn to admit your sin, fault, or a humiliating situation. 2. It was the Lord's grace that He explicitly warned Cain not to go further from his anger      ...
Read more

15: They repented for the first time, But... (Judges 10:1 – 18)

They repented before the Lord, but He was not willing to deliver them because He knew their irresistible tendency toward idol worship. Read Judges 10:1 - 18 Q1. After the death of Abimelech, Tola rose up to (             ) Israel and (         ) Israel for 23 years. After him, (             ) rose up and (           ) Israel for 22 years. The towns he and his sons ruled were collectively called (                   ). Both (          ) and were buried in their hometowns. Answers 👉 After the death of Abimelech, Tola rose up to ( deliver ) Israel and ( led ) Israel for 23 years. After him, ( Jair  ) rose up and (  led  ) Israel for 22 years. The towns he and his sons ruled were collectively called ( Havvoth Jair ). Both ( died ) and were buried in their hometowns. They...
Read more

16: Jephthah: An Outcast Turned Contract Leader (Judges 11:1 – 28)

Image
The background of Jephthah’s story is the eastern side of Jordan, especially Gilead. They kicked him out because he was born from a prostitute. But being invaded and oppressed, they called him to be their leader.  Read Judges 11:1 - 28 Q1: What was the problem for them when the Ammonites assembled to attack the Israelites? (10:18) Answers 👉 There was no one to lead the battle. No one wanted to risk their own life in leading the army.  Q2: In what condition was Jephthah appointed as the leader of them?  Answer 👉 To lead the army, fight against the Ammonites, and win. They did not apologize for their kicking him out. (8)  They had once cast out the one they marginalized, but now, they asked him to be their king for their survival. They offered no apologies for their past actions nor showed the courage or faithfulness needed to lead in battle. They were willing to become subjects if it meant saving their lives. Begging for survival was their true reas...
Read more