1 Sam 23 — David Saves the City of Keilah and Runs from Saul
1 Sam 24 — David Spares Saul’s Life
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Upon hearing news of Philistines fighting in a nearby town, David asks God if he should intervene…twice. “The Lord answered him, ‘Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand'” (1 Sam 23:4). Saul heard news of David’s victory and plotted to go there and destroy the town on account of his victory. David is truly concerned, he remembers the priests at Nob and doesn’t want to have the same thing happen here (since the sole survivor, Abiathar is with David). Again David asks God and is told that Saul will indeed attack him there, so David and his band of 600 men escape. “When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there” (1 Sam 23:13). Thus, these people were saved.
Jonathan finds David and encourages him, making another covenant before the Lord, assuring him he will be safe (1 Sam 23:15-18). Psalm 54 includes the title, “When the Ziphites had gone to Saul…” and here David affirms his faith in the Lord, “I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good, you have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes” (Psalm 54:6-7). The Ziphites meant to gain favor with Saul, but a messenger diverts Saul just as he was about to pounce on David and his small band was saved (1 Sam 23:27).
Chapter 24 reveals David’s heart for doing God’s will above his own. Though Saul is completely vulnerable, David does not lift a hand against him. David calls out to Saul (presumably at a safe distance), and Saul concedes, “You are more righteous than I…May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today” (1 Sam 24:16-20). It seems like this should be the end of Saul searching for David, but it’s not over yet! David is cautious and retreats with his men to a stronghold (1 Sam 24:22).
David demonstrates outrageous patience and complete trust in the Lord in this section. Theoretically his running and hiding could be over by simply killing Saul, but David waits for the Lord and because of this he will later have the respect of the people of Israel. Lord give me patience and help me to trust you completely, even as battles seem to rage against me, quiet the voices that entice me to act contrary to your will. All praise and glory belong to you in all things.