Day 57 – 1 Samuel 23:9-12
Scripture Review
1 Samuel 23:9-12
"And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod."
(1 Samuel 23:9)
David understands what Saul is doing. Saul is working evil with hidden intent. The ephod was part of the priestly ministry before the LORD and connected with seeking God's judgment and guidance. David answers Saul's secret plot by seeking holy counsel.
"Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake."
(1 Samuel 23:10)
Here David prays with reverence, "O LORD God of Israel." He comes to God as servant, not as a man demanding answers. David's concern is not only for himself. He says Saul comes "to destroy the city for my sake." David understands that his presence may bring trouble on the people of Keilah. That is a shepherd's heart. He is not only thinking, "Will I survive?" but also, "Will others suffer because of me?"
"Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down."
(1 Samuel 23:11)
The phrase "deliver me up" means hand me over, surrender me, or give me into another man's power. David wants the truth, even if it hurts. And the LORD answers: "He will come down."
"Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up."
(1 Samuel 23:12)
David asks again, this time narrowing the question. He now asks directly about the people he just saved. And the LORD answers, "They will deliver thee up." The men David rescued will not stand by him when Saul comes. Gratitude in men is always uncertain, but truth in God is not.
Saul sees a walled city and says, "God hath delivered him into mine hand." David sees the same danger and says, "Bring hither the ephod." It is really interesting to see how God required diligence from David in order for him to get his prayer answered. Like I have said before, being diligent in prayer does not show a lack of faith, but a desire for clear and complete understanding.