Scripture:
1 Samuel 23:24-29
Sat, 2 October 2021

A Messenger Came to Saul

Observation:

What is the significance of “but a messenger came to Saul” (v.27) in the context of verses 24 to 29?

Deeper Reflection
THE DIVINE ASSURANCE to David through Jonathan, “The hand of Saul my father will not find you” (1 Sam 23:17), does not mean that when Saul pursued David, David needed to do nothing. No, he still had to be on the run. David and his men were staying in “a secure place”4 in “the wilderness of Maon” (v.24). When Saul heard it, he “pursued David in the wilderness of Maon” (v.25). Both Saul and David were now locationally “at the closest since David’s flight”5. They were so close that as Saul passed along one side of the mountain, David passed along the other side (v.26). Sensing that Saul and his men were “surrounding him in a pincer movement”6 “to seize them”, David “hurried to get away from Saul” (v.26). It was a very narrow escape. But the danger was still present, as Saul was still pursuing David. But just then – in the nick of time – “a messenger came to Saul”, who urgently summoned the king to confront the Philistines who were again raiding Israel (v.27). Saul had no choice but “reluctantly and temporarily abandoned his personal vendetta”7 to deal with the Philistines (v.28). Clearly, it was Divine Providence over this. God acts only at the right time. When God says He will not “delay long” but act “quickly” (cf. Lk 18:7-8), it is about the perfect timing of a God with whom “one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (2 Pet 3:8).
4 David G. Firth, 252
5 David G. Firth, 252
6 David G. Firth, 252
7 Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, The New American Commentary (B & H, 1996), 237
Application:

What situations in my life do I need to trust in God to act in His perfect timing?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for Church Board: To grow in waiting on God with patience
  • 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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