PROVIDENCE
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Opening Prayer
Father, please use your Word to keep me on the path you have prepared for me—one that serves you and brings you glory.
Read 1 SAMUEL 29
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1 Samuel
1 Samuel 29
1 The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel.
2 As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish.
3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.”
4 But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men?
5 Isn’t this the David they sang about in their dances: “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”
6 So Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you.
7 Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.”
8 “But what have I done?” asked David. “What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”
9 Achish answered, “I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go up with us into battle.’
10 Now get up early, along with your master’s servants who have come with you, and leave in the morning as soon as it is light.”
11 So David and his men got up early in the morning to go back to the land of the Philistines, and the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
Reflect
God’s providence is best seen with hindsight.Providence is the belief that God guides our lives, whether we are aware of it or not, weaving whatever happens to us into his overall good purpose for us. This truth has given comfort to God’s people throughout the generations, and here we see providence at work in the life of David.
As the Philistines prepare to do battle with Israel once again, David faces a dilemma. Can he fight against his own people? If he does not join Achish’s men, his cover will be blown, and he may well perish, yet he cannot betray his people. What should he do?
Happily for David, God’s hand is upon his life. When the Philistine commanders see that David and his men are with them, they fear the Hebrews will turn against them in the battle and so refuse to let them join their army. Achish is convinced of David’s loyalty but reluctantly agrees to send them back to their base in Ziklag. Thus, the dilemma is solved for David by God’s intervention. He will not have to fight against his own people. What a relief that must have been.
Apply
As you look back over your life, can you see examples of how God orchestrated events for your good? Let this remind you that you can trust him in your present challenges too.
Closing prayer
Thank you, Lord God, for watching over me and for the countless ways you have provided for me, even when I was not mindful of you or aware of your presence. As you guide my steps, help me to be in the center of your will in all I do.
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