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CHAPTER 29 (ESV)
1 Now the Philistines had gathered all their forces at Aphek. And the Israelites were encamped by the spring that is in Jezreel. 2 As the lords of the Philistines were passing on by hundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were passing on in the rear with Achish, 3 the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years, and since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.” 4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him. And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? 5 Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances,
‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands’?”
6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you. 7 So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.”
REFLECTION:
- David was in a dilemma. The Philistines were preparing for a major assault against the Israelites, and Achish wanted to bring David along. If Achish discovered David’s true identity – Israel’s king, he would kill David. If David fought for Achish, he would repudiate his true identity. Once again, God rescued him. The other Philistine rulers refused to allow David serve with Achish. So David was sent home and his life and integrity were both saved.
- In my life, have I ever been caught in the middle of a course of action? What did I do? How does my Christian faith affect my decision now if faced with similar situation again?
PRAYER:
Use this song GOD WILL MAKE A WAY by Don Moen as a prayer:
God will make a way where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me
He will be my guide hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness He’ll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade but His Word will still remain
He will do something new today
HYMN:
“God Will Make A Way” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsMAXhc0QTs
