1 Samuel 29 – 30:10
Because David’s apparent successes were in the shadow of his rejection of God’s word from Gad (1 Samuel 22:5), he couldn’t see God in his rejection to join the Philistine army against Israel. What David saw as a rejection, resulted in a raid on both Ziklag and on the Southern part of Judah (his own family, friends and part of his nation). This ruin caused deep pain to David and his men for all they had gained was lost. David was rejected by the Philistines, but now his own men: “Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him,…………. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” (6a, c). David requested the ephod from Abiathar and “…inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?’…” (8a, b) David presumed nothing, but now received instruction and assurance of success from the Lord. He had switched from relying upon his own reasoning to trusting in God’s Word! What appeared as rejection and ruin, resulted in a restoration from a life of deceit to humble dependency upon God.
