1 Samuel 27-31
In Chapter 27, for the second time, David takes refuge in Philistia. The first time (in 1 Samuel 21:10-14) he pretended to be insane. Here in 1 Samuel 27, he pretends to be loyal to the Philistine leader. He doesn’t leave Philistia, until tension brings Israel and Philistia to the brink of war. The Philistine leaders don’t want a Jew in their midst while at war with Jews, so they ask David to go (1 Samuel 29). After leaving Philistia, David and his men fight and destroy the Amalekites, who had attacked and destroyed a Judean town, Ziklag.
While David is occupied there, Saul is so fearful of war with Philistia that he consults with a witch in Endor (1 Samuel 28), who “brings up” Samuel to speak to Saul. Samuel is as forthright with Saul in death as he was in life, and the encounter only heightens his fears. When war erupts (1 Samuel 31), Saul is mortally wounded and commands his armor-bearer to finish the job. When his servant refuses, Saul falls on his own sword and dies; a tragic end to the life of Israel’s first king.
How did Saul, the man with so much going for him, end up jealous, paranoid, murderous, and suicidal? It all began with his impatience and partial obedience back in 1 Samuel 13. Remember, it’s the little foxes that spoil the grapes (Song of Solomon 2:15).
Until tomorrow, when we begin Second Samuel,
Pastor Gary
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