Slices
Prepare
Pray today that God will guide your steps, whether you are conscious of it or not. Ask that you may be in the centre of his will in all you do.
Bible passage
Achish sends David back to Ziklag
29 The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. 2 As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish. 3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, ‘What about these Hebrews?’
Achish replied, ‘Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.’
4 But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, ‘Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favour than by taking the heads of our own men? 5 Isn’t this the David they sang about in their dances:
‘“Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands”?’
6 So Achish called David and said to him, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased for you to serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you. 7 Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.’
8 ‘But what have I done?’ asked David. ‘What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?’
9 Achish answered, ‘I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, “He must not go up with us into battle.” 10 Now get up early, along with your master’s servants who have come with you, and leave in the morning as soon as it is light.’
11 So David and his men got up early in the morning to go back to the land of the Philistines, and the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
Explore
Providence is the belief that God is guiding our lives, whether we are aware of it or not, weaving whatever happens to us into his overall good purpose for us. This truth has given comfort to God’s people throughout the generations, and here we see providence at work in the life of David.
As the Philistines prepare to do battle with Israel once again, David faces a dilemma. Can he fight against his own people? If he does not join Achish’s men his cover will be blown and he may well perish, yet he cannot betray his own people. What should he do?
Happily for David, God’s hand is upon his life. When the Philistine commanders see David and his men are with them, they fear the Hebrews will turn against them in the battle and so refuse to let them join their army. Achish is convinced of David’s loyalty, but reluctantly agrees to send them back to their base in Ziklag. Thus, the dilemma is solved for David by God’s intervention. He will not have to fight against his own people. What a relief that must have been.
Respond
Providence is best seen with hindsight. As you look back over your life, can you see examples of how God orchestrated events for your good? Let this remind you that you can trust him in your present challenges too.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Leviticus 15,16; Acts 9
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the many millions of children in England and Wales who don’t go to church, and don’t yet know Jesus. Pray that churches will be inspired, equipped and empowered to step out and reveal Jesus to them effectively, relationally and impactfully, right where they are.
