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April 21st
Our Bible reading today is in 2 Samuel chapters 1,2,3,4.
We ended our 1 Samuel reading with David and his small army fighting the Philistines at Ziklag, and Saul and his army engaged in a larger battle with the Philistines at Gilboa.
David and his men had been betrayed by the Philistines. There was a truce made between David and the Philistine king, Achish.
But Achish’s army didn't abide by the truce. Instead, while David and his men were doing a job for Achish, Philistine soldiers burned their town of Ziklag and stole their wives and children.
When David and his men returned home, their hearts melted with grief. Anger and hatred toward David rose among the men. They spoke of killing David for bringing them and their families into Gath in the first place.
They all, including David, feared the death of their loved ones. To say the obvious, they were all “down” emotionally and spiritually. The Bible “record” says that David led his men to retrieve their families and strike down the raiders.
Question. What turned the tide back toward David? One minute the army was looking to execute David. The next, they're following David into battle...at the risk of their own lives and perhaps their families’.
The Bible says...a distraught and discouraged David “strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”
HOW? Maybe Deuteronomy 31:6...(one of the last verses my 13-year-old Grandson, Warren, noted in his spiritual journal before his death six years ago)...that word may have been a Torah selection that David had meditated upon as a child...and perhaps now the Spirit brought to his remembrance. “Be strong and courageous...do not be in dread of your enemies. For the Lord your God goes with you...and He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut 31:6
Perhaps God had that word for David’s heart...just like He did for our Warren...and just like He did for his family.
So David was strengthened. And his men were too.
Lord, when we are discouraged, remind us to strengthen ourselves “in You” and “Your promises”.
We begin our reading today with David and his men reunited with their wives and children who had been stolen by the Philistines.
In the midst of their celebrating...bad news came. Saul and Jonathan were dead. Killed in action. Now, remember this is the same Saul who had been chasing David for ten years...chasing him to kill him.
Two things strike me in this story.
Jonathon died in battle fighting alongside his dad.
Now Jonathan was best friends with David. Jonathan did not agree with his dad’s hatred for David. But Saul was his father...to love and respect and serve...even unto death.
One more thing...When David heard the news he dropped to his hands and knees and began to sob. In those tears he praised Saul...he praised the one who hated him.
Reminds me of the heart of my Savior...”Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Enjoy the rest of the story...
Have a great day
