Putting His Faith In God Rather Than Man

David had protected Keilah even though his men were concerned that they might get caught between Saul” army and the Philistines.   Saul soon learned of his accomplishment and organized an expedition to capture him, in I Samuel 23:7-8.  “And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.”

David learned of Saul’s intentions, and was concerned that the people of Keilah might betray him to Saul.  He asked the Lord for what he should to in I Samuel 23:9-13.  “And David knew that Saul secretly practiced mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.  Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.  Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant.

And the LORD said, He will come down.

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?

And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.

Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.”

Saul had hoped to surround the city and trap David.  David only had about six hundred men by this time, and Saul was sure his much larger army could wipe them out if necessary.   Though they appreciated David’s rescuing them, the people of Keilah would feel they had no choice but to help Saul, so David left Keilah.  It is important to understand that people tend to place their immediate problems ahead of philosophy or friendship, and their betrayals should not be taken as a personal attack, even though they affect us personally.  Our faith needs to be in God rather than in the people. 

Realizing his plans had failed, Saul called off his expedition.  David went into hiding in the wilderness areas of Ziph, picking easily defended hideouts with multiple escape routes so he could not be easily trapped, repeatedly escaping Saul’s constant searches, according to I Samuel 23:14.  “And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.”

During this time, David and Jonathan met secretly, and Jonathan encouraged him, telling him that he knew one day David would be king and he would be his prime minister because of what God had said.  He warned that Saul was upset because he knew that was God’s plan, according to I Samuel 23:15-18.  “And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.  And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.  And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.  And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.”

Once again we see the difference between Saul and Jonathan.  Both of them knew what God’s plan was, and Jonathan accepted it, while Saul was determined to thwart it and get his own way.   Because he was selfish, the opposition only made Saul more determined.  Because Jonathan was focused on pleasing God rather than himself, he supported David, even against his own father.