David acknowledged Saul as God’s “anointed” (24:6)
This was the position that God appointed Saul for. David was not going to take matters into his own hands, for he knew that God had a reason/purpose in what was transpiring. The Bible records these words from David: “As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish” (1 Sam. 26:10, ESV [my emphasis]). By David saying this, it reveals that he knows God is going to have His way, without the need of his human assistance. David had no desire to kill Saul, and the reader of this biblical text can quickly understand that “Saul is to David both king and protector”(Ackroyd, 1971, p. 188), as illustrated in 24:11 with the simple words of David, “my father”. In spite of David’s respective fear of Saul and Saul’s behavior toward David, he still showed respect and honor for the King whom he loved.

This biblical narrative paints a picture of what trying to operate without the council of the Spirit of God is like; when in fear, call on the Lord and He will direct your path. It is quite interesting, if one notices, that after God had removed His spirit from Saul (1 Sam. 16:14), not one time up until the time of his death (31:4) did Saul ask God to return His spirit to him. As God caused Saul to strip himself of his clothes and prophesy (19:24), God also strips the kingdom from him and hands it over to David (2 Sam. 2:7).

That Saul expended so much energy in hunting down David – unsuccessfully, I may add – it shows that when one gives into such evil desires, much like Saul’s jealousy of David, the consequences thereof can leave a person in such a stronghold of “bent” thinking that he can be completely side-tracked from the goals and purposes he had originally began with (assuming they were good from the start). Such is so with Saul in his pursuit of David; Saul got so “caught up” in wanting to kill David that he completely forgot about the security of his own land (1 Sam. 23:27-28). In this, it seems as though Saul was operating out of fear (1 Sam. 18:12, 29), in that he retaliated and attempted to put to death the very thing he is afraid of. On the other hand, even as David was motivated by fear into fleeing, he used his fear much more wisely than Saul. While “David [had] been shown handling his fear through clever, life-preserving measures, Saul [was] represented as capitulating to his fear . . . .” (Borgman, 2008, p. 72).

Conclusion
Let the reader now capture a great moral of this historical chase; As with Job, so with David: “For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me” (Job 23:25, ESV), therefore, do not fear, rather “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7, ESV).

Fear is not always bad. After all, it is the beginning of all wisdom (Ps. 111:10). It is what we do with that determines whether it is bad. Therefore, what kind of fear are you operating in and how is it impacting your life?

-Jonathan J.

Sources quoted:
-Ackroyd, P. R. (1971). The Cambridge Bible Commentary on the New English Bible: The First Book of Samuel. London: Cambridge University Press Bently House.
-Borgman, P. (2008). David, Saul, and God. New York: Oxford University Press.

Saul pursues, David flees: both are fearful of something
In one of my earlier posts, I mentioned the following in the geographical flee of David:

David then went to the strongholds of Engedi (13 [23:29]). This is here where David had an opportunity to kill Saul (which will be discussed later)

This post will focus primarily on how the influence of fear played a role in David’s opportunity to kill Saul. So, by way of a theological inquisition, the question must be asked: Why didn’t David kill Saul when he had the chance? Surely David had the opportunities to do so. In fact, some may say it would have been a wise thing for David to do, enabling him to quickly end Saul’s pursuit of him and assume the recognized position of a King. The reader of this biblical text can quickly capture the “visible proof of David’s good intentions toward Saul . . . . The reader of ancient or modern times can scarcely imagine a more powerful means of conveying David’s fidelity toward ‘the LORD’s anointed’. Who of us, maligned by an unjust, perhaps even irrational, superior, has not dreamed of the perfect response that would stop our accusers in their tracks and put them on their knees begging for our forgiveness and good will?”(Polzin, 1817, p. 207). What did David have to lose when he could gain an entire Kingdom?

Rightfully so, David is to become King (1 Sam. 16:1-13). But rather than stripping it from Saul, he is patient with the Lord in receiving his gift of Kingship. This element of patience can be seen no better than David’s opportunities to execute Saul. One place in particular is the cave of Engedi. In this unique, ridge-like barrier between the Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea, Saul and David come “too close for comfort”. Too close for comfort, not only because it is here where he comes nearly face-to-face with Saul, but also because the chance of David and his men coming face-to-face with some other “wild” creature were of practical odds. As one man had observed on an expedition, the elements of these caves were “dry and . . . pure, though strongly tainted with the smell of jackals, hyenas, and other wild beasts, that find in its numerous grottoes a warm and sage retreat, making its exploration rather dangerous as you have to advance very cautiously, with revolver in hand, not knowing what moment you may meet with some ferocious, half-starved beast”(Frank S. DeHass, 1885, p. 208). So this mighty group of men may have been battling more than just Saul and his army, but the wild beasts of the caves. Note: revolvers did not exist in this era!

1 Samuel 24 verse 2-3a reads, “Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seed David and his men . . . . there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself” (ESV). David and his men are already in the very same cave hiding (v.3b). The narrative here climaxes and brings the reader to the edge of his seat in suspense of what will happen next.

As David’s men encourage him to slay Saul, he would have no part in the matter. Instead, he cut off “a corner of Saul’s robe” (1 Sam. 24:4). It can be said that “[t]he removal of the piece of the cloak . . . may be designed to embarrass the wearer by exposing his body. It could simply be to provide evidence that David has Saul in his power (v.11)”(Ackroyd, 1971, p. 188), but the point to draw out here is the fact that David did not kill Saul. In fact, David’s heart was “struck” even from this much of an act against King Saul. Here we get to the “heart” of the matter: David’s heart, that is. Saul to David was precious. Insomuch that “David’s conscience reproached him for offering even so slight an indignity to the king”(A. F. Kirkpatrick, 1880, p. 196), as seen acted out in verse 8 when David “bowed with his face to the earth” (ESV).

David had a respectful fear of King Saul. He firmly states that he will not destroy the “Lord’s anointed”. The question is now on you; on me. If you had the chance to kill (figuratively speaking) the very thing that was getting in your way of power, would you do it? As I process this question, remembrances of prime examples in my past quickly emerge. Not only have I “killed” others to get what I want, but I have done it multiple times.

What have you “killed” to just get what you want?
What have you not killed, and was patient to wait for your portion, and how did you see God move?

Jonathan J.

Sources Quoted:
-A. F. Kirkpatrick, M. (1880). The Cambridge Bible for Schools: The First Book of Samuel. (D. J. J. S. Perowne, Ed.) London: The University Press.
-Ackroyd, P. R. (1971). The Cambridge Bible Commentary on the New English Bible: The First Book of Samuel. London: Cambridge University Press Bently House.
-Frank S. DeHass, D. (1885). Burried Cities Recovered. Philadelphia: Bradley & Co.
-Polzin, R. (1817). Samuel and the Deuteronomist. San Fransico: Harper & Row.

As a return to the observation
of David and Saul, we will move from seeing how motivated they both were, especially Saul to pursue David through such a geographical landscape, to further gain insight into how fear motivated the both of them. Jonathan works out an arrangement with David so that David can know whether or not to stay or flee. Beginning in 1 Samuel 20 verse 30, it reads,

“Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, ‘You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse [David] to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die. Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, ‘Why should he be put to death? What has he done?’ But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him.” 1 Sam. 20:30-33ab

This example of Saul’s outrage shows his easy submission to his fear. He (Saul) was so engulfed by it that he would burst into a rage of anger against his own son, trying to kill even him! On the other hand, David’s response to Saul’s desire to kill him is quite different. David responded with weeping and sorrow. As he (David) received the message from Jonathan that Saul wanted him dead, he “rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground. . . .” (1 Sam. 20:41). The following chapters record David’s flight from Saul, fearing for his life and taking measures to protect those whom he loved (1 Sam. 22:3-4).

So, it is seen that Saul’s response to fear was evil and selfish, putting even his own family at harm from his own hand, as David’s response to fear was acted out through taking extra measures to ensure safety of his loved ones and avoiding confrontation with Saul and his army in an effort to preserving both Saul and his own life, for he did not want to fight against Saul. As one author put it:

“[David], in the middle of the flight sequence . . . refrains from using sword or spear against Saul, who is in David’s hands; capable of wielding a sword against an insulting fool, David is able to be deterred from doing so . . . .” Borgman, 72

It is interesting that David’s fear of Saul motivated him to flee through all these rigged areas. In contrast, Saul’s fear of David succeeding him motivated him to eliminate David from the face of the earth. That fear would have such an affect on one’s behavior, it seems only wise for an individual who may be confronted with such an emotion to acknowledge the presence of that emotion, asses what consequences each action taken would render, and take council in God. This seemed to be a regular practice of David whenever he was confronted with this strong emotion (1 Sam. 23:9-12; 30:7-8; 2 Sam. 2:1).

Let us take note of this “man after God’s heart.” Fear can motivate an individual to do many things, but let it not be a motivator of evil. Let the fear you experience motivate you to avoid evil, and may you take your fear before God and inquire His council.

- Jonathan J.

Text Quoted: Borgman, P. (2008). David, Saul, and God. New York: Oxford University Press.

This post will focus primarily
on the geographical situation and places David had fled from Saul. And likewise, Saul pursuing David. I was debating whether or not this would be beneficial to include and have determined it is. You will see my reasoning in my closing comments.

This is the geographical flee of David from Saul, in numerical order: (sorry, no pictures!)
As he is situated in Gibeah (1); he fled to Samuel in Ramah (2 [1 Sam. 19:18]); headed back south to Gibeah where he hid behind the “stone heap” (3 [20:1]); traveled south again to Nob (4 [21:1]) where he visited Ahimelech the priest; then went west to Gath (5 [21:10]) as he crossed over the Judean Shephelah; east to the cave of Adullam (6 [22:1]) where he met his family and won the hearts of the people there who were “distressed” and “bitter in soul”, which gained him “about four hundred men” (1 Sam. 22:1-3). After this, he traveled an extreme distance through the Judean wilderness, probably across the Lisan and into the land of Moab (7 [22:3]) where he left his parents in the care of the King of Mizpeh (1 Sam. 22:3); headed back east to the Stronghold (8 [22:4]), which in this case would pose a little difficulty on David and his men; was told by a prophet of Gad to leave, so he fled to the forest of Hereth in the land of Judah – which had to be west, the Judean wilderness, since he was at that time in the stronghold – (9 [22:5]) which is apparently not where he and his men wanted to be (23:3); moved west back into the Shephelah to Keilah (10 [23:5]) where he and his men defeated the Philistines and plundered them (23:5).

Now, Saul heard of their location there and said,
“God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars” (23:7). This is a city with one road crossing through it that travels from Azekah, to Adullam, to Keilah, to Nezib, and south toward Beer-sheba. Along with the mountainous terrain, Keilah had the Shephelah to its west (which is also where the Philistines and the King of Gath were, whom David did not get along well with either of them), no roads leading to the north, so David and his men (about 600) went “wherever they could go” (23:13) to flee from Saul and remained in the wilderness of Ziph (11 [23:14]). David and his men ended up in the wilderness of Maon “in the Arabah, south of Jeshimon” (12 [23:24]). It was here where Saul had nearly enclosed David and his men (23:26), but as it turned out, a messenger had informed Saul, “the Philistines have made a raid against the land” (23:27). In this event, God had spared David. David then went to the strongholds of Engedi (13 [23:29]). This is here where David had an opportunity to kill Saul (which will be discussed later). Rather, David spared Saul’s life and they departed, with David going to the stronghold (14 [24:22]). David then went to wilderness of Paran (15[25:1]), which was probably due west of Carmel since he was near Carmel (25:5) and had just left the Stronghold. It was here that David, once again, spared Saul’s life (26:11). Saul and David departed from this place and David then went to Gath (16 [27:3]), where Saul’s pursuit of David ends (27:4).

Why did David flee to the places he did?
Maybe it was because he was already familiar with the land of the wilderness, as he was once a shepherd boy. One thing that could be confidently believed is that both David and Saul’s motivation for pursuing and fleeing is that of fear. However, the dynamics of how each of them responded to their fear is quite a different outcome. When Saul is consumed by his jealousy and fear of David taking over the Kingdom, he reacted in evil and violent ways. 1 Samuel 19 shows Saul’s anger toward his son Jonathan as Saul learns that Jonathan had relieved David from having to appear before Saul at the special meal. And this, we will look at next post!

I know there has been a lot of geographical context here, but once we learn all the places David fled to – and Saul pursuing – we learn that whatever was motivating them was a pretty strong force. In short, fear can act as a great motivator. This however, I am not suggesting that fear was the entire motivator, but it played a central role and it is this concept we are drawing our lesson from.

See you on the other side of the next post as we explore some behavior traits of both David and Saul!

In the last post
We looked at the context of this series. Saul was sending David out to battle, and David, as always, would return successful. He won the hearts of the people as they would shout, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 18:7b).

This is an important verse to note. One would think that David has not fought as much as Saul, being that David has just begun his identity as a fighter. So, to give David honor of such a high number of defeats compared to Saul would not take much thought to suspect King Saul’s jealousy. Therefore, Saul revealed the beginning of his jealousy and fear of his successor, David. For we see in the following verse that Saul said, “. . . what more can he have but the kingdom?” (v. 8).

What is portrayed in the following Scriptures is Saul’s fear taking root into action. He sent David out to war as an attempt to have him killed on the battle field against the Philistines. Saul said to David, “Here is my elder daughter . . . I will give her to you . . . [o]nly be valiant for me and fight the Lord’s battles. For Saul thought, ‘. . . let the hand of the Philistines be against him’” (1 Sam. 18:17).

It is interesting how Saul appoints David to “the Lord’s battles,” all the while his heart is set against David. When David declined this marriage, Saul then offered to him the daughter who loved David, as he thought to himself, “. . . she may be a snare to him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him” (v. 21). This is yet another interesting element how Saul was willing to give up his own daughter for the death of David. It seems as though Saul was so consumed with fear of losing his acclaim insomuch that love and concern for even his own children was lost.

All of Saul’s attempts to “snare” David in battle were futile (1 Sam. 18:30). Therefore, he made it clear that he was set out on killing David (1 Sam. 19:1). It is here David begins his flee from Saul. Once David learned that Saul would not relinquish his desire to kill him (1 Sam. 20:42), he knew that his fleeing from King Saul had just begun.

When introducing this series I mentioned that we would be observing the influence of fear specifically relating to David’s flee from Saul (1 Sam. 19 – 2 Sam. 2:7). The only issue I intend to observe here, primarily, is the difference between healthy and unhealthy motivation stemmed from fear. Many anecdotes can be used to adequately illustrate this point. I have found, though, this particular section of Scripture gives us a good understanding of how fear can motivate an individual to both healthy and unhealthy motives. Also, these two individuals are great examples to draw from. Partially because they are both Biblical figures, and because they are both leaders: leaders ordained by God, mind you. As we will see, even though ordained by God one of these leaders finds himself engulfed in evil motives, which all seem to originate from fear.

I do not necessarily have a thesis to prove, rather to observe these historical Bible figures in the context of the Biblical narrative; to take from this account insight for Christian faith and character.

Before jumping into the study, a little background information would provide some good reference to the reason of David’s fleeing from Saul. “Situated on a fruitful ridge about 6 miles south of Jerusalem, overlooking the valley of Kedron on the north, and the deep chasm of the Dead Sea on the east, is Bethlehem of Judea, to the Christian the holiest place on the earth” (Frank S. DeHass, 1885, p. 191), but to David, this region of the Holy Land was quite possibly the most difficult of places to live as he fled from the King whom he loved and respected.

The context is that David had defeated the Philistine, Goliath, and gained favor in the eyes of the people of Saul’s Kingdom. Thus, Saul “set him over the men of war” (1 Sam 18:5, ESV) to go and fight in battle. In this position, David was successful in every battle that Saul sent him out to. As the Scriptures read: “And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of the war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants” (1Sam. 18:5, ESV). This seems like it would have been a good thing, but as we read, David was gaining favor, not only with the people, but also with Saul’s servants. We see how this favor grew and gained more acclaim from the people as David, again, returned from battle and won the hearts of the people as they would shout, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 18:7b, ESV).

We will see in the next post the beginning of our context moving into action. Until next time, read the story, it will do you good!

Source referenced: Frank S. DeHass, D. (1885). Burried Cities Recovered. Philadelphia: Bradley & Co.

So I have been thinking
It can sometimes be a terrible thing for me. Partially because I, at times, get these highly irritating mind blocks. In these moments, I find most fulfillment playing my guitar and worshiping God. Maybe God is causing my mind blocks so I can worship Him? Also, when I do a lot of thinking – which I don’t know of any moment of the day where I am NOT thinking – I sometimes get ideas and have no where to place them. I will have an “idea spree”. I am not disciplined in writing my ideas down, mostly because I feel like it slows me down. Also, I simply just do not cary a note pad on me any more.

BUT!
Like I said: I have been thinking – And – I suppose I shall have another series to write about here on the good ‘ole Sorting Beans page. The topic I want to write about is that of fear. Observe the fact that fear is a topic of enormous weight. Thus, my coverage of fear will be limited, quite so. Therefore I will present to you an idea of the influence of fear and how it can play a role in our lives.

Most of us would have a pretty good understanding of how fear can be both healthy and unhealthy. For we are told to “Fear God”. Naturally speaking, if you don not want to be electrocuted to death, you will most likely not be found indulging in the infamous “Pierce the electric socket with my metal object” game. This is a good product of fear. An individual fears the result(s) of some action which could worsen their current state of existence. Unhealthy example would be hyperventilating every time you were near an electrical socket for fear of it having some keen sense of knowing you are afraid of it and at any time it could jump sparks out to get you, as if the simple think can think.

However
The examples I am going to use are found in 1 Samuel 19 through 2 Samuel 2:7. It is David’s flee from Saul. I will talk about how the influence of fear played a role on both David and Saul throughout Saul’s pursuit and David’s flee. I am not sure how long this series will last, but I promise at least two posts. Knowing me, I will make it at least three. So, sorry, no outline for this one.

Contemplate the affects of fear: good and bad. Consider how both David and Saul could have been motivated by it. My next post will be the first “official” installment of this new series.

God bless!