1 Sam 21 — David and Ahimelech, David Flees to Gath
1 Sam 22:1-5 — David in the Cave of Adullam
1 Sam 22:6-23 — Saul Kills the Priests at Nob
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In these few pages, there are many references to stories behind the story. It’s really interesting to see how Scripture seamlessly weaves together the story of David’s run from Saul. From seeking refuge in the house of God (priest at Nob), to Gath (Goliath’s home) to Moab (ancestor’s land–see Ruth) then to the land Judah, we are given details that might be summarized as David travelled “far and wide.”
“David went to Nob, to Ahimelek the priest” (1 Sam 21:1), perhaps because he believes he would be safe there, not to mention get some food for his journey. David provides the priest with a cover story, a lie, to explain his presence, gets some bread and food and leaves in haste with the sword of Goliath as a weapon and for some reason, ends up in Goliath’s home country of Gath.
He can’t really hide in Gath, they recognize David there “so he pretended to be insane in their presence” (1 Sam 21:13) in order to be released. I found references to a few psalms written during this time: Psalm 56, “When the Philistines seized David in Gath” and Psalm 34, “When David pretended to be insane” show David’s reliance on God, even in this time of great trial.
From Gath to safety in the land of Moab, David gains some support from others “who were in distress” and he ended up leading a force of about 400 men (1 Sam 22:2). David’s great grandmother was Ruth, a Moabite, (read Ruth for the beautiful short story!), so he’s looking for comfort there.
Yet it seems that stealth isn’t really possible in these days. Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David was with Ahimelek at Nob and Saul, once again, becomes enraged. The priest fully believed David and innocently tells Saul David was there and what he did. Doeg ends up killing 85 priests at Saul’s command since “the king’s officials were unwilling to raise a hand to strike the priests of the Lord” (1 Sam 22:17). David laments his deception and confesses to the lone survivor of the bloodshed, “I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family” (1 Sam 22:22). Deception comes at a high price and surely David mourns the mistake.
The psalms written during these times provide great insight into David’s heart. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8). Even in these great trials, God is there to comfort us all. My friends in Montgomery are going through some great trials this week, I pray for their comfort. We all have our own personal battles and know of dear friends who struggle, who run and hide, perhaps deceive and lie. Through it all the God of the universe is there, steady and constant, always ready to hold his people close. His hands are open wide to comfort. May we trust God’s wisdom above our own, even when we run and hide.