The events described in 1 Samuel 21 are often overlooked. After spending a portion of his life in Saul’s court, David is running from the king. Due to David’s growing popularity in Israel, Saul’s insecurity and paranoia have consumed him, and he is determined to kill David.
- Saul attempts to use his son (Jonathan) to kill David (1 Samuel 19:1-9). Jonathan refuses because he is David’s loyal friend and knows David is innocent. He pledges to protect David and stand with him against his evil father (1 Samuel 20).
- Saul attempts to kill David with a spear (1 Samuel 1:9-10). David is able to escape narrowly!
- Saul attempts to kill David in his house (1 Samuel 19:11-17). David is able to escape with the help of Michal (Saul’s daughter and David’s wife).
- Saul attempts to kill David in Ramah (1 Samuel 19:18-24). God miraculously protects David.
David flees to Nob (1 Samuel 21:1). The events in Nob are among some of the most disturbing in all of the Bible!
What happened in Nob?
- David meets Ahimelech the priest. He lies about why he is there and takes consecrated bread (1 Samuel 21:1-9). While David is a servant of God, he is also flawed.
- David goes to Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15). Gath is in Philistine territory! Goliath was from Gath. David pretends to be crazy and is sent away by the king.
- David goes to Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1). There, he intends to continue hiding from Saul.
- David is leading a small army (1 Samuel 22:2). There are four hundred battle-tested men with David. These men are also outcasts and extremely loyal to David.
- David takes care of his family (1 Samuel 22:3-4). He takes his parents to Moab so that the king can protect them.
- God is still with David (1 Samuel 22:5). God sent him Gad, and the prophet told David where he needed to go.
- Saul continues to be suspicious of everyone and paranoid (1 Samuel 22:6-8). He falsely believes that everyone is conspiring against him.
- Saul also kills Ahimelech and 85 priests who wore the linen ephod (1 Samuel 22:9-19). He also ordered all of the men, women, children, and animals to be killed in Nob (1 Samuel 21:19).
Who are we imitating?
- Are we more like David? David had favor with God. He sought counsel from God and obeyed God (1 Samuel 21:5). Like David, during rough moments in life, do we trust and submit to God?
- Are we more like Saul? Do we blame others for our failures? Do we feel sorry for ourselves and make excuses? Do we push away godly people who can help? Do we continue sinning, spiral out of control, and refuse to repent?
- Godly character matters! David has a heart for God, and God will remain in his life.
- The chapter concludes with one of the priests escaping Saul’s wrath and fleeing to David for protection (1 Samuel 22:20-23).
Conclusion:
Do you have a heart from the Lord like David?