Scripture:
1 Samuel 27:1-28:2
Mon, 22 November 2021

A Backfire to David’s Compromise

Observation:

What happened to David when he deceived Achish that his raids were made on the various subdistricts of the Negev in Judah (1 Sam 27:8-28:2)?

Deeper Reflection
DAVID FLED TO GATH to escape from Saul – the second time, where he and his people stayed for 16 months (vv.1-7). David had to gain Achish’s trust in order to remain in Philistia, which he believed was the safest place for him – instead of God. To achieve that, David deceived Achish that his raids were made on the various subdistricts of the Negev in Judah (vv.8, 10), which made him appear to be anti-Israel and pro-Philistine (v.12). Confident of David’s loyalty, Achish made him his “bodyguard for life” (1 Sam 28:2). David’s compromise resulted in an incongruity: The one who defeated Israel’s arch-enemy, the Philistine hero from Gath – Goliath (1 Sam 17) – was now protecting the ruler of Gath.34 The complete trust that David gained from Achish brought on himself “his greatest difficulty” and “an insoluble problem”35. David could not avert the risk of war between the Philistines and Israel, which happened now. Achish expected David to fight Israel with the Philistines (1 Sam 28:1). Should David fight for the Philistines against Israel, it “will generate implacable opposition to his claim to the throne”36. When we lose focus on God and take things into our own hands, we may fall into a tangled web. What’s more, the absence of God’s name in 1 Samuel 27:1 to 28:2 suggests that God was absent in David’s scheming for his survival and security in those 16 months.
34 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 179 35 David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2009), 286, 287 36 David G. Firth, 287
Application:

In what ways have I lost focus on God and taken things into my own hands, and what can I do about it?

Prayer:
O Sovereign Almighty God, I confess that when adverse circumstances are too overwhelming for me, it is so easy for me to walk by sight rather than by faith in You, and take things into my own hands to work out my own salvation. Teach me and help me, O Faithful God, to trust in You steadfastly and wait on You patiently according to Your trustworthy Word.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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