Life as a Fugitive -David part 5

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David has escaped death from King Saul, with the help of his young Wife, Michal. He has to leave everything behind, but he is alive! David first takes refuge with the prophet Samuel in Ramah.(1 Sam. 19:18) When this place is no longer safe he goes on the run, until he again meets up with his good friend Jonathan. David asks his friend, "What have I done? What is my error, and what sin have I committed before your father, for he is seeking for my soul?" But Jonathan still cannot believe the man who raised him, who taught him to love his God and to be a good person would really want to kill David. Jonathan answers David with these words, "It is unthinkable! You will not die. Look! My father will not do a big thing or a little thing and not disclose it to my ear; and for what reason should my father conceal this matter from me? This does not happen." But David reasons with Jonathan, "Your father must surely know that I have found favor in your eyes, and so would say, 'Do not let Jonathan know this for fear he may feel hurt.' But, in fact, as Jehovah is living, there is just about a step between me and death!"(1 Sam 20:1-3)

Jonathan still wants David to return to the King's household, but considers David's feelings saying, " Jehovah the God of Israel be a witness that I shall sound out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, and if he is well-disposed toward David, shall I not then send to you and certainly disclose it to your ear? Jonathan then in evidence of his loyalty to David, makes a covenant with David. (1Sam 20:12-17)

Jonathan again tries to be peacemaker between David and Saul. However, Saul, out of his mind with anger says to Jonathan, "For all the days that the son of Jesse is alive on the ground, you and your kingship will not be firmly established. So now send and fetch him to me, for he is destined for death." When Jonathan asks his father why? Saul actually throws a spear at his own son! "...and Jonathan came to know that it had been determined upon by his father to put David to death."(1 Sam 20:24-34) Jonathan remains faithful to Jehovah's kingdom arrangement and loyal to David, willingly submitting to Jehovah's choice of king.

According to arrangement, Jonathan and David meet in a field where the kings' son had gone to practice archery. The two friends renewed their bond of affection and weeping for one another they sadly went their own way. (1 Sam 20:35-42)

David on his way to the border of Israel, stops in Nob, where Jehovah's tabernacle, the center of pure worship, is situated. David sought food and water for himself and the young men that were following him. The high priest gave them food and also the sword that David had taken from the dead Goliath. (1Sam 21:1-9)

From Nob David fled 25 miles into Philistine territory into the city of Gath. (Goliath's hometown) David may have reasoned this was the last place Saul would look for him. Soon though the Philistines recognized him and brought him to Achish the king of Gath. Afraid, David sought refuge in prayer to God, as is evident in Psalms 56:8 (notice the superscription). David thought out a strategy, acting as if he were insane. King Achish, rebuked his servants for bringing this "crazy" man into his house. Jehovah, clearly blessed David's strategy and David was driven away from the city. (1Sam 21: 10-15)

When reunited with his men, he shared with them how Jehovah again delivered him. David and his men found safety in the cave of Adullam in a mountainous region of Israel, about ten miles east of Gath, his family also joins him there. But sadly, Michal is not among them, during David's absence, her father Saul has given her to another man. At this time David composed the Psalm 34 where he praises God for delivering him and invites his supporters to join him in exulting Jehovah as the Great Rescuer of His people. (1 Sam 22:1,2)




Psalm 57 or 142, perhaps both may commemorate his stay in this cave. David continues on the move-- from there to Mizpeh in Moab and then back to the forest of Hereth in Judah (1 Sam 22:3-23) All this time David continually prays to Jehovah for guidance in the decisions he makes never leaning on his own understanding of his situation, but looking for God's viewpoint on matters. As you read, 1 Sam 23: 1-6, you will see that David never acts presumptously, but always leans on Jehovah. When David learns that Saul is planning an attack, he and his men, depart for the wilderness of Ziph. Saul is right behind him determined to do away with David.

While David is in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh, Jonathan is able to visit him and strengthen David with encouraging words, "Do not be afraid; for the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you yourself will be king over Israel, and I myself shall become second to you; and Saul my father also has knowledge to that effect. " How do you feel about Jonathan in this situation? He knows that David has been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel and yet he has not an ounce of jealously in him, in accord with Jehovah's will Jonathan is content to be second to David, his younger friend. They renewed their covenant before Jehovah and parted. This was the last time David was to see his friend. (1Sam 23:16-18)

When Saul was just about to seize David, word came of a Philistine raid, so for a period of time Saul abandoned the chase. This allowed David to escape to En-gedi. (1Sam 23:19-29) Due to this experience and others like it, Beautiful Psalms composed by David praised Jehovah for providing miraculous deliverance. (Psalm chapters 18, 59, 63, 70)