YOUTH STS LESSON 215 DAVID FLEES FROM SAUL
MEMORY VERSE: “And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath” (1 Samuel 21:10).
TEXT: 1 Samuel 21:1-15; 22:1-23; 23:1-29
David, a man after God’s heart, was faced with a threat to his life. King Saul wanted him dead. The king envied him because the people attributed more praises to him after he had conquered Goliath. He became more distressed when he noticed that David behaved wisely as he ministered to him in music when an evil spirit troubled him. Having escaped his evil plot to kill him several times, Saul knew that David was chosen by God in his stead (1 Samuel 24:20).
Question 1: How did David react to Saul’s threat?
“And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath” (1 Samuel 21:10). It was not wrong for David to run away since he was facing persecution from Saul. Whenever any Christian youth is faced with persecution of threat to life, the Scripture commands him to flee. Jesus said: “But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come” (Matthew 10:23).
David stopped in the house of God on his way to Gath. This is commendable. But he did not use the opportunity of his meeting with Ahimelech, the priest, to seek counsel from God. Rather, he acted in deception and told a lie. Eventually, his running to Gath did not bring relief to him. From this act, we learn that taking decisions without divine guidance always leads to regret as the situation can get worse. Our lesson today also concentrates on how David escaped from Achish to Israel where he hid himself in the cave of Adullam. We will also see how he protected his family and raised a private army to protect himself from Saul. However, Saul did not give up. In his quest to kill David, he killed the priests and those he suspected to have supported David to escape his wrath. He had left fighting the enemy nations to pursue David everyday (1 Samuel 23:14). Yet in his trials, travails and troubles, the almighty God delivered David from his hand. “And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand” (1 Samuel 23:14).
- DAVID RUNS FROM SAUL (1 Samuel 21:1-15; 22:9; Psalm 52:1-7; Matthew 10:16; Proverbs 3:6; Luke 6:3,4; Mark 2:26,27)
When David ended his discussion with Jonathan in the previous chapter, he left to see Ahimelech, the priest. His visit troubled Ahimelech. David had become a notable personality in Israel who should not walk alone. He was a renowned warrior, skilled instrumentalist, the king’s son-in-law and anointed future king. He got these honours because he feared and followed the Lord wholeheartedly. God can make you great if you wholly fear Him, follow Him and get involved in His service.
Question 2: What can we learn from David fleeing to the house of the Lord in time of trouble?
David made a wise decision to go to the priest, a servant and minister of God. Christian youths should seek the help of God when in trouble. Unfortunately, David did not disclose his plight to Ahimelech. Instead, he told him a lie. It is a sin for any youth to indulge in lying or deception. “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deed” (Colossians 3:9). Lying led David into more troubles. His falsehood later led to the death of Ahimelech and other priests (1 Samuel 22:16-18). David himself was sorry and regretted his action.
“Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul” (1 Samuel 21:7). Doeg, a servant of Saul, an Edomite, was there when David ran to the priest to seek refuge. He later related the event to his master. In his rage, Saul commanded him to kill all the priests in Nob. Eighty five priests, including Ahimelech, died in the process. What a godless and mischievous man! His heartless actions are not surprising judging by his pedigree as an Edomite, the descendant of Esau, an avowed enemy of Israel. Believers should understand that not everybody who goes to church is a child of God. Therefore, as a Christian youth, beware of keeping the company of godless youths in the church, at school or in the neighbourhood.
“And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste” (1 Samuel 21:8). David asked Ahimelech to give him a sword or spear. He saw the need to be physically protected. Ahimelech responded by giving him Goliath’s sword, the only available weapon.
“And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath” (1 Samuel 21:10). David took a decision to go to Achish, the king of Gath. Gath is one of the towns of the Philistines (1 Samuel 5:8). David’s intention was to flee to a place where Saul would not come to seek for him (1 Samuel 27:1). He was still driven by fear. He did not seek God before going to Gath. He was neither with God’s or human guidance. This is what happens when believers allow fear to overrule them. Fear makes youths walk in the flesh and subdues the Spirit. It could make their faith in God to wane. It makes them see what the enemy or opponent can do more than what God has promised to do in our days of trouble. The outcome is often wrong decisions or choices. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
Question 3: How should Christian youths respond to threat or unfavourable situation in their locality?
Life is full of different experiences. There are times what happens in our environment brings us great opportunity to explore. Other times, it may bring threats. In either case, we must take appropriate steps and do the right thing. It is common practice for most youths to run away when threats occur. Christian youths should learn to listen to God for direction when managing threats. David turned a threat into an opportunity when he killed Goliath.
David fleeing to Gath led him to deception and hypocrisy as he pretended to be mad before Achish, the king of Gath (1 Samuel 21:11,12). Deception and hypocrisy are sinful. This is self-imposed humiliation. The giant-killer, a strong warrior, future anointed king of the most dreaded nation on earth playing the madman. However, David realised how depraved he had gone and later repented (Psalm 56:1). As a Christian youth, if hypocrisy has been your way of life, there is need to repent and reach out for God’s mercy. He will surely pardon and give you His blessings again.
- DESTRUCTION OF GOD’S PRIESTS BY SAUL (1 Samuel 22:1–23; Psalm 7:14–16; 1 Samuel 18:28,29; 19:1,10,11; 20:30–33; 21:10; Psalm 27:1–3;)
David had to run away for safety to the cave of Adullam. However, when he got there, members of his family and many others who were in distress, debt and discontented joined him. The number of people who associated with him, which were mostly untrained people, were about four hundred. These were the people who worked with him to ensure he was preserved for the assignment which God had given to him. He also made provision for his parents.
Question 4: What can young people learn from how David took care of his family members during this time of danger?
David showed care and love to his family members and the discouraged. He did not abandon them but placed them where they could feel secure. Many youths today do not show enough care for their parents. Some are disrespectful and unruly to their parents and elderly ones. This is wrong and attracts the wrath of God (Ephesians 6:1,2).
In the midst of all his challenges, David was still close to God. Prophet Gad received a divine revelation about David and informed him. “And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth” (1 Samuel 22:5). David listened to the prophet who advised him to leave the cave to a recommended place. This was to be a major life-saver. If he had remained in the hold (hiding place), he may have been killed by Saul’s rampaging army. This emphasises the importance of godly counsel appointed men. God has appointed Christian leaders and ministers to attend to us in the youth fellowship, church and even in our schools. Obedience to the ministers of God brings blessings to us and helps us avert present and future calamities.
When Saul discovered that David and his army were within reach, he prepared for battle against him. Before continuing in his search for David, Saul challenged the tribe of Benjamin and David’s relatives for sabotage and collusion with him. He also stated how bitter he felt that his son was in a league with his enemy and protecting him. Saul realised that the plan of God could not be stopped by any man. David had been anointed king and no one could change or stop its fulfilment.
Question 5: What was the danger of Saul’s anger without a just cause?
While the king was trying to engage the Benjamite, Doeg, the Edomite, who was a witness when David came to Nob to meet the priests, reported to Saul. However, he did not give details of David’s meeting with the priests, but gave half information, which made Saul to kill the priests. Saul dealt foolishly and started reprimanding the priests by attributing what they did not do to them and accusing them falsely in anger.
Ahimelech who had expressed fear in meeting David earlier, responded to the king, explaining what had happened. He further told the king “Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more” (1 Samuel 22:15). In spite of his response, Saul insisted that by giving David any form of support, he was a traitor. Ahimelech pleaded but Saul insisted that all the priests should be killed. After he gave the order, it is instructional to note that “…the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD” (1 Samuel 22:17). The servants of the king refrained from touching the anointed of the Lord because they had godly fear in accordance to His command that says: “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15). Doeg, however, stood up and killed eighty-five priests and destroyed the city of Nob where the priests lived. He joined Saul in carrying out a devilish, destructive act of killing the priests of the Lord. Christian youths should not follow anyone to do evil no matter their status or position.
After the killing of the priests, one of the sons of Ahimelech – Abiathar, escaped and reported to David. When he reported the incidence, it was painful to David as he knew they were killed because of him. He therefore, insisted that Abiathar should stay with him for protection “Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard” (1 Samuel 22:23).
3. DAVID DEPENDS ON GOD FOR SAFETY (1 Samuel 23:1-29; 30:6-8,17-20; 2 Samuel 5:19-23; John 8:59; 12:36; Jeremiah 36:26)
David heard that the Philistines came to fight against Keilah but did not rush into battle with them immediately. He first, “…enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah” (1 Samuel 23:2). Furthermore, after the Lord had spoken and assured him of victory over the Philistines, his men were afraid to fight against them. He therefore, went back to God and the Lord said, “Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand” (1 Samuel 23:4). After the second assurance from the Lord, David and his men immediately moved into action.
Question 6: What can we learn from David’s attitude?
The attitude and actions of David have great lessons for Christian youths today. One, he demonstrated courage with faith. Despite the fact that his men were afraid, he moved forward in faith and saved the inhabitants of Keilah (verse 5). Two, he took an action of faith because he agreed with the decision of God (verses 2,4). This was also demonstrated when he fought with the champion of the Philistines – Goliath. At this time, he arose and went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines. Three, he also demonstrated steadfastness in faith. Though the situation was tough, he depended on the assurance from God and was steadfast, trusting that He who never failed before will not fail at this time. Four, he received the reward of faith. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). God delivered him from the hands of the Philistines and Saul who sought after his life.
Upon hearing from his men that David came to Keilah, Saul immediately gathered all the people together to war. He did not appreciate the effort of David and his men in fighting against the Philistines, his arch enemies, in Keilah. It could be recalled that Saul once admonished David to be valiant and “fight the LORD’S battles” (1 Samuel 18:17). While David was fighting the Lord’s battles, Saul was hunting to kill him. “And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod” (1 Samuel 23:9). The ephod was used by Old Testament priests to get directives from the Lord. So when David heard security reports of Saul’s intentions, he immediately took action.
Question 7: What action did David take?
Christian youths must not disregard security report. In the case of David, he first prayed and departed from Keilah for safety. God has promised Christian youths security, protection and preservation from danger, yet they have a duty to watch and keep away from every danger. It is not wise to expose themselves to danger because they have faith. They should learn from Jesus who when faced with security challenge, hid Himself (John 8:59). Therefore, as we do our part, the Lord will protect us.
“And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand” (1 Samuel 23:14). As we study the book of Samuel, we see David behaved himself wisely in every matter. At this time, he abode in strongholds for safety. Yet, Saul sought for him every day. The Scripture says: “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). The life of Saul illustrates a life without the grace of God, full of wickedness. He left everything and pursued to kill David. He had forgotten that God has His hands on David’s life. Therefore, he could not do anything evil against the anointed of the Lord. In all Saul’s attempt, “God delivered [David] not into his hand”. God will not deliver Christian youths to the will, wiles and ways of their enemies (Jeremiah 1:19; 2 Timothy 4:18).
Jonathan came to the wood to strengthen David’s “hand in God” (1 Samuel 23:16). He assured him of God’s protection and security despite his father’s threat to kill him. “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
Saul’s evil attempt to kill David has been a failure. To further his evil plan, the Ziphites came to give him information about David’s hiding place. Saul praised the Lord because He had compassion on him. This was not sincere because he immediately plotted a desperate search to kill David.
Christian youths, should trust God in every situation and He will see us through every storm of life. He created you for a purpose and will not allow the devil to cut short that purpose. “The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:10,11).
