Scene 1: David on the Run
At the end of I Samuel 21, David cunningly found a way to escape Achish, king of Gath. He came to the cave of Adullam, where those loyal to him that were in need sought him out. The number was about 400 men. Ultimately, David leaves the cave when he goes to Moab and asks the king there to care for his parents, which he does. David moves again when the prophet Gad encourages him to flee to Judah.
Scene 2: Jealous King Saul
Saul is surrounded by his subjects and he is frustrated that their loyalty has not met his standards. He expects them to tell him of David’s whereabouts, to actively seek to subvert David as Saul perpetually does. We recall Doeg the Edomite from I Samuel 21, who had seen David with Ahimelech and had witnessed David receiving bread and Goliath’s sword from Ahimelech. At this, Saul sends for Ahimelech and his sons.
When Ahimelech arrives, Saul challenges him, asking why he did not tell Saul of David’s activities. Ahimelech, speaking truth from a place of righteousness, says, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, who goes at your bidding, and is honorable in your house? Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king impute anything to his servant, or to any in the house of my father. For your servant knew nothing of all this, little or much.”
We will remember that David attempted to save Ahimelech from king Saul’s blame when he lied to him in I Samuel 21, saying that he was on a special mission for king Saul. But Saul is not buying it. Perhaps he would, had Ahimelech not praised David’s faithfulness, loyalty, and honor. Saul’s pride and his warped ethical senses will not allow Ahimelech to praise David in his presence. So Saul then directs the guards to kill Ahimelech and his sons due to his supposed insolence. When the guards will not do it, Saul directs Doeg and his men to do so, and they do. Eighty-five priests and many more in Nob, the city of priests, including men, women, children and infants, and livestock all die.
Scene 3: David the Protector
One of Ahimelech’s sons named Abiathar escaped the carnage and was able to find David. When David hears of all that has happened, he says to Abiathar, “I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have caused the death of all the persons of your father’s house. Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you shall be safe.”
We are in the midst of David’s story in this chapter, and there is much to learn from his example.
- David inspires confidence. Many people seek him because they believe that he can offer them help, even though they do not offer to help him.
- Do I inspire others to have confidence in me?
- David inspires loyalty. Ahimelech took up for David even though it might cost him his life, and it did. David’s loyalty to God cause him to inspire others to be loyal to him.
- It really is all about seeking and serving God. When we set a good example, others see it. Not because of anything we created, but because of who we are following. Am I setting a good example?
- David protects. When Abiathar came to David with the terrible report of what Saul had done, David promised him safety. David made himself accountable not only for himself, but also for others.
- One of the charges we have from God in this life is to care for one another. Am I protecting and caring for others as I have the opportunity?
David provides so many godly examples for us to follow. Remember that he is only that way because he is loyal to God and is following Him. If we emulate this, just as we are encouraged to in Jesus Christ, we can also inspire confidence, loyalty, and trust.
Monday Night Bible Study 