DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!

I'm anxious to tell you a story rich in Bible history; it's more about David, a most colorful fellow-soldier, shepherd, King!  David was still running from Saul, with all his followers-- soldiers, wives, servants, and livestock--following him as well. Things were getting very risky and David decided the best thing the could do for himself and his followers would be to hide himself, his men and their followers with the people of Gath by telling Gath's leader that they were done with Saul and Israel.


Now the people of Gath were the enemies of Israel.  Therefore, the men and their families would need to pretend to be Israel's enemies, too, and were given the city of Zikleg in Philistine territory.  They lived there a year and four months.


David attacked the enemies of Israel instead of the required cities, and lied abut whom he attacked when questioned by Achish, the king. But in order to keep Achish uninformed, David had to leave none alive in his raids.


On one occasions, Achish' commanders of quite a large war would not allow David, whom the commander knew from the past as an Israelite, to fight in their war.  David and his men were directed to turn back to Ziklag.  They found on their return that their families had been taken captive and most of Ziklag was destroyed.  David and his men were greatly distressed, weeping and sobbing.  Finally, having no strength left to weep, David asked God if he should rescue them and God said, "Pursue them!" And so they did.


They found an Egyptian in a field who was hungry and thirsty.  After giving the man food and water, he told them where the raiding party went.  David fought them from dusk of one day until the evening of the next day.  David and his men recovered everything.


There was much plunder and David shared it with all of his men, including those who were unable to go to the final battle.  He also shared his plunder with friends in Judah, along with the news of his victory.


Now what does this story have to teach me today? It certainly teaches me that war is just plain awful no matter when it is fought. And it has another advantage, to show that  one can find a safer home even if it must be  in a less safe territory! But the Study Bible makes it clearer in its suggestions:


1) "When facing a problem it is useless to look for someone to blame.  Consider instead how you can help find a solution. 2) The Egyptian slave had been left to die, but God used him to direct David to the Amelikite camp which held their hostages.  So, treat those you meet with respect and dignity no matter how insignificant they may seem.  You never know how God will use them to help you--or haunt you--depending on your response to them."


Just a nice little story to remind us of good King David.  But, poor guy, he wasn't always so good!  But we'll save that story for another day.


Let's pray there will be many more days to find out, "What was King David thinking?"


Off to check with my family, to see if all is well!


Hope all is well at your house! Still praying for all of you!


Jo of MN
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