David Desires To Build A Temple For God

With David firmly ensconced as king of Israel, and the Philistine army routed, There was a period of peace in Israel, giving David time to think and plan.  In moving the Tabernacle and the Ark to Jerusalem he had become aware that for over six hundred years, they had been using the Tabernacle as the center of worship.  When it had been built, they were moving every little while, and a portable structure had been essential, but they were no longer moving around, and most of the people, including David himself were living in permanent housing rather than tents.   

When the people were living in permanent housing, it didn’t seem right to David that all they had for God was a six hundred year old tent, so he proposed to build a permanent house for God, in II Samuel 7:1-2.  “And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.”

When he consulted God’s prophet, Nathan  thought it was an excellent idea that was long overdue.   He advised David to go ahead, in II Samuel 7:3.  “And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee.”  He was sure God would bless David’s actions. 

While it seemed a logical and desireable course of action to both David and Nathan, God forbade David to build it, because, while there was peace at the moment, it was only temporary respite.  While God appreciated his desire to do something nice for him, he also knew that there were going to be repeated attacks, and David must not be distracted with trying to build a temple at the same time.   David’s son would not have the same problems and would be able to build the temple without interruption, as II Samuel 7:4-17.  “And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?  Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.  In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?

Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.  Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies.

Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.  And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.  I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.  And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.  “According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.”

While God was pleased that David wanted to build him a temple, other things were more important at the moment, but he was content to continue with the Tabernacle until the other problems were resolved.   Because of David’s devotion, he promised to make David’s family kings over israel for ever, although they would suffer conflicts with other nations when they were disobedient. 

When Nathan told him what he said, David thanked God for the wonderful promises and his blessings on Israel and his family.  He accepted God’s instruction to leave building the Temple to his son.  II Samuel 7:18-29 describes his prayer of praise and thanksgiving.  “Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?  And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?  And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.  For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them.  Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?  For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God.

And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said.  And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.  For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.  And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

David knew he didn’t deserve God’s wonderful promises, but that God had given him this promise because he loved him.  He recognized God knew his limitations, and that he knew best when he said he was not to build the temple. 

Michal Is Embarrassed By David’s Lack Of Dignity

When David tried to bring the Ark to Jerusalem based on human ideas of what was best, it had cost Uzzah’s life.  The second time, when they did it the way God had intended, they made the entire journey without incident.  David and the people were dancing and leaping about in excitement that finally they were going to be able to worship God in a proper manner, as II Samuel 6:14-describes.  “And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.  So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

Michal had loved David and Saul had encouraged them to get married in hopes of using that love to get David killed.  When that failed, he had sought to have David murdered, but he had escaped into the wilderness with Michal’s help.  Saul forced her to marry another man, as I Samuel 25:44 tells us.  Several years later, David had insisted that she be returned to him, and she had been taken from her second husband and restored to him, with no say in the matter.  Apparently her marriage to Phalti had been good, and she was resentful about being forced to leave him.  Instead of being happy for him, she was embarrassed by his exhuberance and her resentment turned to disgust, as II Samuel 6:16 tells us.  “And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.”

David had had the Tabernacle moved to Jerusalem, and they offered sacrifices and offerings that had not been offered for about a hundred years, as we see in II Samuel 6:17-19.  “And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.  And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.  And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.” 

David and the people made it a day of celebration, with David serving everyone that came a good meal.  Instead of rejoicing in what having proper worship restored, Michal sat at home fretting about David’s lack of dignity.   When he returned home she jumped him about it, accusing him of having no self respect and acting like some drunken fool, in II Samuel 6:20.  “Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!”

David had done nothing wrond and was hurt by her accusations.  He appreciated what God had done for him and his had just been trying to show his appreciation.  If she was going to get upset over his love for God she better get used to being upset because he was not going to forsake God to please her, as II Samuel 6:21-22 states.  “And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.  And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.”  While she might think it was undignified to associate with and act like the common people, the people would appreciate it.

Though they would remain married for many years, the marriage would never be emotionally or sexually satisfying because of Michal’s resentment as II Samuel 6:23 tells us, “Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.”  She would later adopt five boys in an attempt to satisfy her desire for children, only to lose them in II Samuel 21.  It would have been far better for both had they followed the directions in Deuteronomy 24:1-4.  “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.  And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife.  And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”

As I Corinthians 6:16 tells us, the sexual act causes an emotional bonding that is not easily broken.  “What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.”  The emotional effects of that bonding will affect other relationships in the future, making it more difficult to have a proper marriage.   Because they have such an emotional impact, what should be a minor issue becomes a major problem.    

Doing a Good Thing The Wrong Way

After its return by the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant had remained in Gibeah, throughout Samuel’s lifetime and Saul’s forty year reign.  During this period, the Tabernacle remained at Shiloh, and as a result Israel was unable to keep some of the sacrifices God had commanded.  Finally, after about a hundred years, David set out to bring the Ark and the Tabernacle together and fully restore the worship of God, in II Samuel 6:1-2.  “Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.  And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.”

The Tabernacle had not been moved since being set up at Shiloh in Joshus’s day, almost seven hundred years before, and the Ark had not been moved since it had been at Gibeah, when it had been sent back in a cart by the Philistines.  Eager to restore proper worship, David decided to to use a cart to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, in II Samuel 6:3-5.  “And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.  And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.  And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.”

It was a time of great celebration, with bands playing and dancing in the streets.  Everyone was excited about restoring the worship until the cart hit a pothole and one of the priests died as a result of touching the Ark, in II Samuel 6:6-11.  “And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.  And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.  And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?  So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.  And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.”

David and Israel had been shocked that their efforts to serve God resulted in Uzzah’s death.  Afraid to go any further until they knew what was wrong, they left the Ark in Obededom’s house for three months.  During that time the researched the law and learned that while most of the Tabernacle was to be transported on wagons, the items used in worship were only to be carried by the Kohath Levites in a certain manner.  Upon learning that Obed Edom had been especially blessed during the time the Ark was in his home, David decided to bring it on to Jerusalem. 

This time the followed God’s commands, avoiding the risk of another death, as II Samuel 6:12-15 describes.  “And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God.  So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.  And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.  And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.  So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.”

The Philistines had used a new cart and Israel undoubtedly thought what worked for them would work for Israel as well, but as we have seen, it resulted in Uzzah’s death.  Unfortunately, in the modern church, sincere well-meaning pastors and leaders, like David, have tried to use the world’s techniques or programs in the belief they would be more efficient or produce faster results, not realizing the risks such techniques and programs may entail.    God has reasons for specifying a particular way of doing things, and doing them a different way may put others in danger. 

The Philistines Try to Disrupt Israel’s Unity

During the seven years Israel was split between David and Ishbosheth, the Philistine shad not viewed Israel as a particular threat.  When they unified under David and defeated the Jebusites at Jerusalem, the Philistines attacked in an attempt to prevent their becoming a threat, in II Samuel 5:17-18.  “But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.  The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.”

Knowing the Philistine army was bigger than Israel’s, David Asked Gods direction whether they could win in head to head conflict.  God directed him to confront them head on, and gave victory, in II Samuel 5:19-21.  “ And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?

And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.  And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.”

David acknowledged it was God who gave the victory, breaking out upon them like water unexpectedly washing out a dam and flooding the valley below.  The Philistines were determined to cow the Israelites, returning with a stronger force, determined not to be caught by surprise again.   When David asked how they should confront the stronger force, God advised to attack them from behind rather than letting the Philistines follow their plan, in II Samuel 5:22-25.  “And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.  And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.  And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.  And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.”

Since they had won before, the Philistines expected them to try the same thing again, and were not expecting to be attacked from behind.  God sent a sound of a powerful wind through the Mulberry trees, distracting and sowing fear among the Philistines and covering the sounds of Israel’s approach until it was too late.  Caught off guard, they were unable to regroup and were forced to retreat, losing thousands in the process.   The Israelites continued to chase and harass them all the way to the Philistine border.   It would take some time for the Philistines to reorganize and try again. 

Uniting The Kingdom

Just before his death, Abner had begun encouraging them to make David king instead of Ishbosheth.   With Abner dead, Ishbosheth’s murder left all Israel except the tribe of Judah without a leader, and the people decided to make David king over all Israel, in II Samuel 5:1-3.  “Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.  Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.  So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.”   

It was an easy decision, because they knew he had been chosen by God.  They knew he was experienced, having worked closely with Saul, both as his personal assistant and as one of the generals, and they had seen what kind of leader he was.  That he had repeatedly risked his life to help various groups made it clear he would put Israel’s good ahead of his own interests.  He would not have to work nearly as hard as someone else to gain their trust. 

When David killed Goliath, he was not yet old enough to serve in the army.  When Saul died he was thrty years old.  Finally, seven and a half years after Saul’s death, he was made king over all Israel, a position he would hold for another thirty three years, as II Samuel 5:4-5 tells us.  “David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.  In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.”

Hebron had been his capital, when he was just King over Judah.  In an effort to emphasize he was king of all Israel and not just of Judah, he decided to move the capital to Jerusalem, as it was a more central location and more easily accessible than either Hebron or Saul’s capitl at Gibeah.   At the time it was still inhabited by descendants of the Jebusites Judah had not driven out in Joshua’s day.  Five hundred years later, they refused to assimilate into Israel, and when David approached them about making their city capital, they told him he’d never set foot in the city until he killed every last person including the blind and the handicapped, convinced he would never be able to take the city. 

Their attitude offended David and he captured the city, promising to reward those who wiped killed those last defenders, in II Samuel 5:6-9.  “And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.  Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.  So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.”

The Jebusites called the city Jebus, but the Jews called it Jerusalem, because of the two main hills or mountains it was situated.  It was called the city of David because he had captured it and changed it into the Jewish capital.  The Zidonians,  later part of the Phoenician Empire were noted for building great ships and buildings.  David contracted with one of their kings, Hiram to build his palace in Jerusalem, according to II Samuel 5:10-11.  “And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.  And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.”

David realized it was God who had made him king, and that he had done so because of his love for Israel, and he settled down in Jerusalem, where his family continued to grow, as we see in II Samuel 5:12-16.  “And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.  And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.  And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,  And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.”

Circumventing The Law

Abner had risked his life and reputation to make Ishbosheth king.  When he was accused of trying to usurp the throne by having an affair with one of Saul’s concubines, he became very angry at Ishbosheth and vowed to Join David instead.  He went to his friends and followers, and encouraged them to join David as well.  After meeting with David, he assured him that he could get many more to change sides, in II Samuel 3:17-21.  “And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.  And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.  And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.”

When Abner came to David, Joab and David’s men were chasing a band of raiders and thieves.  Shortly after Abner left, they returned having captured the raiders and taken their booty.  When Joab heard that they had been there, he accused Abner of conspiring against David in an effort to overthrow him, in II Samuel 3:22-25.  “And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.  When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.

Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?  Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.”

During the very first battle between David’s men and Ishbosheth’s, Abner had unintentionally killed Joab’s younger brother Asahel, and Joab was not about to forgive him.  He hated Abner and wanted to kill him, so he sent messengers after Abner in David’s name.  Abner returned willing, and Joab asked to speak to him privately, then murdered him, in II Samuel 3:26-27.  “And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.  And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.”

Under Old Testament Law, if a person accidentally killed someone, he could flee to one of the cities of refuge for protection, and as long as he was within the city he was protected.  If he was outside the city, the dead person’s relatives had the right to kill him, and Hebron was one of the cities of refuge.  Since Joab killed him outside the city, there was nothing David could legally do, though he was very upset by the murder except pray that God would curse him for his distorting the law, in II Samuel 3:28-30.  “And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.  So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.”

At the funeral, David pointed out that Abner knew Joab had the right to kill him if he was outside the city, and had willingly gone with him.  While he could do nothing legally, David wanted it very clear he did not approve of what Joab had done, in II Samuel 3:31-37.  “And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.  And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.  And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?  Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.  And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.  For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.”

Though he was the most powerful man in Israel, David suddenly realized just how limited his power was, as he states in II Samuel 3:38-39.  “And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?  And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.”  Even with all his power, he was unable to punish a Joab and his brother for a deliberate murder because of the way they had manipulated the law. 

It is impossible to make perfect laws that cannot be distorted and misused to take advantage of others.  As a result, even the best governments and leaders sometimes find their hands tied.  Unfortunately, many lawyers today devote their efforts to finding ways to circumvent the laws, enabling criminals to get by with their crimes.   That they cannot be punished does not make the actions okay, 

Driving Away His Constituents

Competition between David’s and Ishbosheth’s armies stirred up the rivalry, leading to a fight.  Once it started things quickly escalated into an all out war, which dragged on for five years, as described in II Samuel 3:1.  “Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.”   

During this period, David’s capital was in Hebron, where six of his sons were born, as II Samuel 3:2-5 tells us,  “And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.”

Abner was Ishbosheth’s biggest supporter, but despite his best efforts people began to turn and follow David.    Like Saul, Ishbosheth was jealous of his position, and after a time, he accused Abner of having an affair with one of his father’s mistresses, implying he was trying to usurp the throne for himself, as II Samuel 3:6-7 tells us.  “And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.  And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?”

Abner had risked his life and reputation in an effort to establish Ishbosheth as king simply because he was Saul’s son, and being accused of treason really angered him.   Like most of the people, he knew that God had designated David to be the king, and told Ishbosheth he would do everything in his power to make David king, as II Samuel 3:8-11 describes.  “Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do show kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?  So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.  And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.”

Even our most loyal friends and supporters can be driven away by complaining and blaming them for things that they didn’t do, and may turn completely against us.  Proverbs 18:19 warns, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.”  Once they have been offended it will take more than simply saying I’m sorry to regain their friendship and trust.  God will use Ishbosheth’s jealousy to strengthen David.

Ishbosheth knew Abner was the main reason people still supported him, and was afraid to say anything for fear the people would turn against him.  Abner contacted David, promising to swing the people to his side if they could work out an agreement.  Saul’s daughter Michal had been David’s first wife and his first love.  When He had been forced to flee for his life, Saul had forced her to marry another man in an effort to gain political power and to humiliate David.  David said he would work out a deal with Abner, if he would help him get Michal back, as II Samuel 3:12-13 describes.  “And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.

And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.”

With Abner supporting David, Ishbosheth was afraid to refuse when David sent messengers asking for Michal to be returned, as we see in II Samuel 3:14-16.  “And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.  And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.  And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim.

Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.”

Note that throughout history, political leaders have used marriage as a tool to strengthen their power, ignoring what God has said about it, and about its effect on people’s emotions.  Genesis 2:24 tells us, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”  They become emotionally a single unit, and psychologists tell us losing a mate is emotionally as damaging as losing a limb.  As a result, in Matthew 19:5-6, Jesus quoted this statement, saying, “…For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?  Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

 God has never given either political or religious leaders authority over marriage.  In giving Michal to another man, Saul exceeded his authority.  However, once she had been another man’s wife, she could not then go back to David freely, according to Deuteronomy 24:4.  “Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD…”   She was Phaltiel’s wife at this point and they had no right to take her away from him, despite what David might feel.   

Rivalry Leads To War

About two years after David was named king of Judah and Abner made Ishbosheth king of Israel, their armies met in an area which was neutral territory, near the pool of Gibeon, as described in II Samuel 2:12-13.  “And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.  And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.”

While there had been no fighting, there was a definite rivalry between the two armies.  Ishbosheth’s general suggested a friendly competition between teams from each army, in II Samuel 2:14-16.  “And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us.

And Joab said, Let them arise.

Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.  And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon.”

The mock battle ended in a tie with no survivors on either side.  Like a bunch of competitive sports fans unwilling to accept the final score, both armies got into a huge fight.  As II Samuel 2:17 tells us, David’s men won that fight.  “And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.”

Three of David’s cousins who had been with him in other battles were there when Ishbosheth’s army was forced to flee.  Seeing Abner, Ishbosheth’s general and strongest supporter fleeing, the youngest, Asahel, decided to kill him, hoping to end the end the conflict, as we see in II Samuel 2:18-19.  “And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.  And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.”

His weapons interfered with his running and Asahel threw them away so he could be sure of catching Abner.  Still fully armed, Abner knew that any fight between them would be entirely one sided and would be little better than murder.  He warned Asahel to get some weapons if he wanted to fight him.  In II Samuel 2:20-23.  “Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel?

And he answered, I am.

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.  And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?  Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.”

By law, the Jews had a flat paddle for digging on the end of their spear.  Not wanting to murder Asahel, Abner just stopped and allowed Asahel to run into the paddle, hoping it would bruise him up or break a few ribs and convince him to stop.  Running at full speed, Asahel was unable to stop and hit it so hard he drove the paddle clear through his body, killing him almost instantly.   Those who saw what happened were stunned and stopped, but others continued to chase Abner and his army until sundown, as II Samuel 2:24 tells us.  “Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.”

Reassembling his troops after sundown, Abner shouted to Joab warning him that continuing to try to wipe each other out might well result in permanent enmity between the two parts of Israel.  Joab agreed, and withdrew his troops, in II Samuel 2:25-29.  “And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.  Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.  So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.  And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.”

When they finally settled the score, David had nineteen men besides Asahel,  Of those, twelve had been killed in the mock battle, and only seven in the battle.  Asahel had died after the battle as a result of his own pride and stubbornness.  It was a decisive victory for David’s army, aw we see in II Samuel 2:30-31.  “And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.  But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.  

Taking The Next Step

David was from the tribe of Judah, and for years, he had hid out in the back country.  After Saul’s death, David prayed, asking whether God wanted him to go back Judah at that particular time.  It is important to understand David knew he had been called to be the next king, but had been prevented from taking office for several years.  He was in effect asking what the next step should be, in II Samuel 2:1-4a.  “And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?

And the LORD said unto him, Go up.

And David said, Whither shall I go up? nd he said, Unto Hebron.  So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.  And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.  And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.” 

The tribe of Judah elected David as their new king.  David held no grudges against Saul or his family, mourning their deaths.  When he learned that the men of Jabeshgilead been upset that the Philistines desecrated Saul’s body and had recovered it, he expressed his appreciation and encouraged them, in II Samuel 2:4b-7.  “And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.  And now the LORD show kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.  Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.”

Though they knew David had been chosen to be the next king, there were those who clung to the heir of the previous administration, insisting David was no their king.   They were led by a powerful member of the previous administration, Saul’s Secretary of Defense, Abner, as II Samuel 2:8-10 describes.  “But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.  Ishbosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.”

For the first two years, very little happened, with David king over Judah, and Ishbosheth king over the rest of Israel.  It would be another seven and a half years before David was able be king of the entire nation of Israel, according to II Samuel 2:11.  “And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.”

God gives each person the ability and freedom to make their own decisions, and some of them will not choose to follow God’s plan.  The fact that they have a different idea does not necessarily mean this is not God’s plan.  In fact, there were more supporting Ishbosheth than supported David, even though God had chosen David.  Instead of basing our idea of what God wants on other people’s choices, we need to learn to let the Holy Spirit guide us.  Even when we are following God’s agenda, it may take time everything to fall into place and for people to get on board.  We need to learn to take things a step at a time, as God enables us. 

David Learns Of Saul’s Death

While David and his men were Pursuing and defeating the Amalekite raiders, The Philistines engaged Israel in battle, soundly defeating them.  As Samuel had warned, All Saul’s sons were killed and himself wounded, according to I Samuel 31:1-3.  “Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.  And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul's sons.  And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.”

Fearing he would be tortured, Saul asked his armor bearer to kill him, and when he refused, committed suicide, according to I Samuel 31:4-6.  “Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.  And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.  So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.”

Learning that Saul and his sons were dead and his army routed, the people went into hiding, leaving the cities unprotected.  The Philistines occupied them that first night, and discovered Saul and his son’s bodies the next morning, according to I Samuel 31:7-10.  “And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.  And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa.  And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.  And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.”

The Philistines desecrated the bodies, cutting off Saul’s head and sending it and his armor to the various cities to prove he was dead.  They hung the bodies on the wall of Bethshan to commemorate their victory.  The people of Jabeshgilead remembered how Saul had come to their rescue, and were upset that he was being degraded and took the bodies, burning them and burying the ashes, according to I Samuel 31:11-13.  “And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.  And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.”

The conflict between Saul and David was widely known, and three days after Saul was killed, in an effort to curry favor, an Amalekite came to David claiming to have been the one who killed Saul, in II Samuel 1:1-10.  “Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou?

And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me.

And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.  And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.  And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.  He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.  So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.”

Though Saul had repeatedly tried to kill him, David did not harbor a grudge against him, and was upset at his death, as II Samuel 1:11-16 tells us.  “Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou?

And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?  And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.  And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.”

Saul’s armor bearer had believed Saul was already dead, but this man said he was not, and that he was only easing his suffering by killing him.  Many today are calling for euthanasia to end suffering for those with incurable diseases.  As David pointed out, Saul was God’s anointed and no one had the right to kill him.  He had the man executed for murder,   As Genesis 9:6 commands, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”  God has not authorized us to decide who lives and who dies. 

Returning Things To Their Owners

David and his men had returned to Ziklag after several days of maneuvers with the Philistine army, only to find out the city had been ransacked and all their property and families taken.  After pursuing the raiders for a distance, about a third of the people were unable to maintain the pace and were left behind to tke care of the others stuff, lightening their burdens.  After defeating the raiders, David returned with all the stolen property and the families they had rescued.  Some of David’s followers were greedy, and wanted to keep all the property for themselves, rather than returning it to those from whom it had been stolen, as we see in I Samuel 30:21-22, claiming they didn’t deserve it since they hadn’t helped recover it.    

“And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them.  Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.”

David pointed out that had they not stayed to take care of the stuff, they would have been hindered from catching the raiders, and the property rightly belonged to them.  It was God who had enabled them to catch and defeat the Amalekites, and it would be wrong to take advantage of the others in such a fashion, in I Samuel 30:23-25.  “Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.  For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.  And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.”  After he became king, David made it a law that those who stayed behind to protect the hoefront should receive the same appreciation and rewards as those who went to war.   One of the reasons Ziklag had been taken was because there had been no one left behind to protect it.  The protectors at home were just as important as those who went into the battle. 

The Amalekites had raided far into Israel, stealing large numbers of livestock.  After the battle, David claimed the livestock.  When they got back to Ziklag, he divided it up and sent it to the various communities who had helped hi escape from Saul, according to I Samuel 30:26-31.  “And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD; To them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in south Ramoth, and to them which were in Jattir, And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa, And to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of the Kenites, And to them which were in Hormah, and to them which were in Chorashan, and to them which were in Athach, And to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt.” 

At least part of the livestock had probably been stolen from them, and by returning it he could show his appreciation for their help over the years.  With no way to identify who the individual owners were, it was the most logical way of dividing the herds up.   Unlike many leaders in history, David did not look on hi victories as a way to enrich himself and his followers.   

Blessed and Protected

Achish had wanted David to help the Philistines fight Israel, and David had felt forced to take part.  After a day of discussion, fearing his loyalty might still lie with Israel, the other Philistine kings had refused, preventing him being forced to commit treason. The next morning David and his men started back to Ziklg, arriving the third day.  While they were away, Amalekite raiders had attacked the city, according to I Samuel 30:1-5.  “And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.  So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.  Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.  And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.”

Descendants of an illegitimate grandson of Easu, the Amalekites was a warlike nomadic people who ranged throughout northern Arabia, southern Jordan, and the Sinai Peninsula.  In I Samuel 15, Saul had attacked the Amalekites, destroying their villages along a line from the Shur Desert east of the Gulf of Sues to Havilah, near the Persian Gulf, and capturing their king, but having little effect on most of the groups of nomads.  It was one of these groups that attacked Ziklag. 

His men blamed David for taking them to help the Philistines and not being there to protect their families.   David asked for guidance whether they could catch the Amalekites, and God directed him to follow, in  I Samuel 30:6-8.  “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.  And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them?

And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.”

Assured they would recover everything, David and his men pursued the Amalekites, but after several days of travel and the emotional shock of losing their families, a third of his forces soon reached their limits and were unable to maintain the pace.  They were left at the brook Besor to guard the stuff while the others continued their pursuit, in I Samuel 30:9-10.  “So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed.  But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.”

Finding an Egyptian man who was about to die, David and his men stopped to help him, and learned that he had been a slave to one of the Amalekites who had raided far into Jewish territory, including Ziklag.   Because he was sick and couldn’t keep up, the Amalekites had left him without food or water, as I Samuel 30:11-14 describes.  “And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water; And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.  And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou?

And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days ago I fell sick.  We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.

Angry at being left to die, and knowing where they were headed, the Egyptian readily agreed to guide David and his men, as long as they promised not to kill him or turn him back over to the Amalekites.   That night the Amalekites stopped early to celebrate their victories.  With the Egyptian man to guide them, David and his men caught them by surprise just after sundown.  The resulting battle lasted throughout the night and until sundown the following day.  Only about four hundred of the Amalekites were able to escape, according to I Samuel 30:15-20.  “And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company?

And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.

And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.  And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.  And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.  And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.  And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David's spoil.

Not only did the Philistine’s refusal to allow David to fight prevent him from committing treason against Israel, it enabled him to recover his men’s families and strike another blow against the Amalekites when they were not prepared.  A few days later, they would not have had the Egyptian to guide them and would have found it much harder to surprise the Amalekites. 

David Protected From Betraying Israel

Achish, king of the Philistines in Gath, had told David war was coming and he wanted David and his men to serve as his personal forces.  The two armies assembled, and the philistines held a review before entering the fight, as I Samuel 29:1-2 tells us.  “Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel.  And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.”  Achish and his army brought up the rear, accompanied by David and his men.

The other kings of the Philistines were concerned when they saw David and his men, as they were Israelites.  They were concerned that their loyalties might lie with Israel rather than the Philistines, and they would attack from within, as I Samuel 29:3-5 explains.  “Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here?

And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell unto me unto this day?

And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?  Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?”

The Philistines remembered the role David had played in other battles, and how much he had been admired by the Israelites.  If he turned on them, he could well change the course of the battle, and they didn’t want to take the chance, despite Achish’s reassurances.   Achish believed David had turned against Israel because of Saul’s persecution, knowing he had made numerous raids into Israel, and not realizing they had been against enemy villages inside Israel’s boundaries.  The other kings insisted David be sent back, and Achish was forced to comply, as I Samuel 29:6-11 tells us.  “Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not.  Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.

And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?

And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle.  Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart.  So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.”

Had David accompanied the Philistines, it would have made him an enemy of the Israelites, but if he refused to go, it would have caused Achish to doubt him.   God used the Philistine’s suspicion to prevent his having to fight Israel without offending Achish.    

Panicked Over Not Getting His Way

For forty years, Saul had made a show of trusting and serving God, while depending on his own abilities to motivate the people and gain God’s favor.  With Samuel dead and having killed the priests, and having driven David away, Saul suddenly realized he was on his own.  Terrified, he disobeyed God again, using Satanic practices to get Samuel’s guidance and blessing.  Samuel reminded him that he was in that situation as a result of his own actions, and that he would have to suffer the consequences, in I Samuel 28:15-19.  “And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?

And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?  And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.  Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”

God made no allowance for the times he had been under the demonic spirit’s control or to use the modern term, was insane.  While not exactly the same thing, person’s attitude and spirit are very closely related, and cannot take control of a person unless he allows it.  Saul had steadily allowed a wicked attitude to control his mind until he had reached a point where he went temporarily insane when opposed, and had he continued, would probably have eventually gone completely insane, but it was a result of his choices.  As a result of his choices, Saul, and his sons would all be killed. 

Like many selfish and controlling people, Saul panicked when his efforts to manipulate others failed, leaving him with no options.   He went into an absolute funk when he heard what God said, refusing to eat or do anything, as I Samuel 28:20-23a tells us.  “Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.  Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.

But he refused, and said, I will not eat.” 

Finally his servants and the woman convinced him that he was being childish giving in to his fear that way, and that not eating would only make him feel worse, in I Samuel 28:23b-24.  “But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.  And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof: And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.”  After eating, he felt enough better to go home and try to make plans.