1 Samuel 23 | The Trials of David in Keilah and Ziph**
A downloadable outline is available here: https://humble-sidecar-837.notion.site/Sermon-14-The-Trials-of-David-in-Keilah-and-Ziph-fba3ce09937448dc9d4b02ed63a37e7b?pvs=4
David Saves Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1-5)
In 1 Samuel 23, during the tumultuous reign of King Saul, the prosperous town of Keilah in Judah comes under attack from the Philistines, who aim to cripple their economic lifelines. The Philistines' seizure of Keilah's harvested grain was not just an attack on resources but a psychological warfare, inducing fear and despair among the Israelites.
The inhabitants of Keilah, seeking help, turn not to King Saul, but to David, anointed but not yet crowned. Despite his own hardship, David, with his band of over 400 men, represents hope and deliverance.
Uncertain, David consults the LORD, receiving the clear command: "David, Go!" Despite his men's fear, David seeks divine reassurance a second time and hears the same command with the promise of victory. David, following God's command, achieves a significant victory against the Philistines, strengthening his position and credibility as a leader who won't back down, even in dire circumstances.
However, verses 6-14 show that David has little time to revel in his victory.
Saul Pursues David (1 Samuel 23:6-14)
Abiathar's joining with David is unclear, but he held the ephod, empowering him to communicate with God. This was a time when only priests could approach God.
Saul, learning about David's location in Keilah, strategized an attack. He mistakenly believed that God was on his side, not realizing that God had abandoned him for David. His lack of spiritual insight was a dangerous aspect of his leadership.
Saul planned to besiege David in Keilah, highlighting his self-centered royalty. He failed to protect his citizens from real threats, unlike David.
David, having the ephod, asked God two questions: Will Saul come to Keilah, and will Keilah's men betray David? The answer was affirmative on both counts, putting David and his men in danger.
The citizens of Keilah, possibly out of obligation or fear, were ready to betray David despite his heroism. It's human nature to overlook benefactors when danger has passed.
David and his 600 men wisely retreated upon hearing about Saul's plan. They hid in the wilderness of Ziph, constantly pursued by Saul, but God protected David.
Jonathan’s Encouragement (1 Samuel 23:15-18)
During David's exile in the Wilderness of Ziph, he reunites with Jonathan, his loyal friend. Despite the danger, Jonathan risks his life to find David, a testament to their deep friendship and shared faith.
Jonathan "strengthens his hand in God" (v. 16), a metaphorical phrase indicating his support uplifts David. In Verse 17, Jonathan assures David that he will not be found by Saul, showing his commitment to protect David. He confidently declares David's future kingship and predicts he will stand next to him, though this doesn't materialize due to Jonathan's premature death.
As their meeting concludes, they renew their covenant, reinforcing their bond and shared destiny. Their enduring friendship, marked by loyalty and mutual respect, is one of the Bible's most profound relationships.
Their last reunion under dangerous circumstances reflects their unbreakable bond. The subsequent chapters describe Saul's continued pursuit of David and the tragic deaths of Saul and Jonathan, with David's lament over Jonathan’s death chronicled in 2 Samuel 1:17-27.
The Ziphites’ Betrayal and Saul’s Continued Pursuit (1 Samuel 23:19-29)
The Ziphites betray David by revealing his location to Saul and offering to capture him. Saul commands them to track David, triggering a tense chase. Despite the danger, David skillfully evades Saul by leveraging his wilderness survival skills.
The pursuit is abruptly halted when Saul is called to confront a Philistine incursion, seen as a providential intervention. This leads to the naming of the location as "Selahammahlekoth," or "rock of escape," marking where Saul abandoned his chase, and David escaped. David then relocates to Engedi, seeking sanctuary in the rugged terrain.
