2770 AM (990 BCE) – FLEE FOR THE HILLS … AGAIN
David managed to get away cleanly, but spies were everywhere. He had to stay on the move, and David was moving very quickly and very quietly. He found himself on his way to stop by the priest in Nob, known as Ahimelech.
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“David! What an honor!” Ahimelech said. “But where are your men? It seems odd that you are alone. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, dear Ahimelech, I am on a secret mission … a king’s mission. I have to, uh, move quickly, and that is easier to do alone. But, uh, I will be meeting my men soon, and I did not have time to grab provisions, so I came here to ask if you would give me, erm, us some of the loaves of the bread of the presence?”
Ahimelech scowled. “Well, this is very irregular. It is not regular bread for regular use.”
“Well, um,” David suggested, “we are on a special mission of survival, and our lives literally depend on getting this bread.”
“Oh, I see,” the priest said, “well, the preservation of life certainly justifies bending the rules a bit. I believe Adonai would permit you to get this bread, assuming you and your men have not been with any women.”
David spoke up with extreme conviction. “Certainly not. I do not allow my men to carouse when we are on a mission. My men are ceremonially clean,” David said with utmost sincerity.
Ahimelech smiled. “Very well, my son. I just put out the new loaves, and you may have all the old. Is there anything else you need?”
“It’s the darnedest thing,” David started with a sly smile. “I left in such a hurry, I left my weapon in the armory. I know it is unlikely, but would you happen to have anything handy?”
“Well, well,” Ahimelech said with just as sly a smile, “it’s the darnedest thing. We have been storing Goliath’s sword all these years. I am no armorer, and I am not sure of its condition, but I believe you were the last to use it. As far as I am concerned, it belongs to you. Let me go and get that and the bread ready for you. Just wait here for a moment. I will be right back.”
“I appreciate that,” David responded respectfully.
As the priest was departing, he looked up and spoke to someone else, just out of David’s sight, “Oh, yes, Doeg, I will be right with you.”
On hearing the name Doeg, David’s heart sank. Doeg the Edomite was a loyal subject of Saul. Radical would not be too strong a word to describe Doeg’s nature—maybe even zealous. David knew that Doeg would tell one of Saul’s officials as soon as he had a chance. All David could do was put as much distance as he could between him and the priest.
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David found himself heading southwest toward the Philistine region known as Gath. As he approached some of the fortifications, he came across a servant of Achish, who happened to be traveling in the same direction.
“Greetings, traveler!” the servant of Achish said as they walked. “I am Ekron, the servant of Achish. And you are?”
“On my way to see King Achish,” David said in the language of the Philistines, without looking up.
“Oh, sorry. You quite misunderstand me. I want to know your name. You speak with a Hebrew accent. Obviously, you are a foreigner. What do you want with the king?”
“I heard he has mercenary work,” David said, annoyed that he could not better hide his Hebrew accent.
“Perhaps he does, depending, of course, on who you might be,” the servant pressed.
“My friends call me David,” he said, finally relenting.
“David? Not the David? The David anointed over Israel? The one all the ladies danced about, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, but David his tens of thousands’? What are you doing all the way out here? Alone?”
David did not like how he said the word “alone.” David continued to keep his head down, looking forward as he talked. “Like I said, I am looking for some mercenary work. It’s what I am good at.”
“Huh, very well. I will take you to see Achish.”
They continued to walk what seemed like days but was less than an hour. David did not feel right about his vulnerability and the situation in general. He could feel eyes watching them. Finally, they arrived at the main gate, and Ekron motioned for David to wait. He went up to the main gates and rang a huge square bell that had a long, sustained tone. Then Ekron stepped back a few paces and looked straight up, but David kept his head down.
From high above, David heard a voice. “Ekron, is that you?”
“It is,” he replied.
“And who is that with you?” the voice inquired.
“It is David, the King of the Jews,” Ekron spoke.
“Really?” the voice inquired again. “So why is he writing his name in urine on my gates?”
Ekron looked at David in utter astonishment. Sure enough, David had walked up to the gate unnoticed, pulled aside his robe and started “writing” on the gates. Whether it was his actual name was not the point. The voice from above called down again, and Ekron looked up to hear, “Oh, Ekron, do I not have enough crazy people around me? Must you bring more? Away with you now and take your ‘David’ with you.”
Ekron was about to argue, but as he looked around, he saw that David was already walking away. Ekron was dumbfounded. He just stood there, his head bobbing between looking at the top of the gates where the voice had been and watching David walk calmly back out into the wilderness.
And then David was gone.
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David escaped to the cave of Adullam. He sent word to his family that he was there. His parents and brothers all came down, for their lives were in danger too, along with everyone in Jesse’s household. Also, many other men came as well, as word went out. There were also those who were discontented with Saul’s volatility, who simply knew of David’s anointing and were loyal to him, or who were simply in debt and wanted a new start.
All told, there were over four hundred men gathered, and they made David commander over them, swearing loyalty. Many of these would soon become David’s most loyal fighting men.
David knew such a gathering could not be hidden from Saul for long. He took a contingent of men, along with his family, and traveled to the city of Mizpah in Moab. There, he pleaded his case with the King of Moab. David explained his situation with King Saul, how Adonai had anointed David, that Adonai had left King Saul in power, and that he frankly did not know how to protect his family—and that, when he did become king, this kindness would not be overlooked.
The King of Moab agreed. David left his immediate family with the King and headed to the stronghold to meet up with the rest of his men. But no sooner had David arrived than Gad the prophet approached David and told him to leave for Judah. With a huff and a sigh, tired of the constant travel, David acquiesced and headed to the forests of Hereth in Judah.
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David and his men camped deep in the forest. They kept watch, and they tried to keep a low profile. Still, on the third night, two sentries heard someone approaching through the thick brush. Whoever was there did not try to hide their approach. When confronted, the man identified himself as Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech the priest, who had given David the sword of Goliath—and he had grave news. No, he had not been followed. Yes, it was Adonai who showed him the way. Yes, the last time he saw Saul, he was in Nob.
“Nob?” David said. “That can’t be good. Let me guess, something to do with Doeg the Edomite?”
“Yes,” Abiathar confirmed. “He told Saul all about your interaction with my father. He accused my father of helping you. He almost seemed like he was enjoying it. But I was there; I heard everything. My father was very reluctant to help you, and then when he did, it was only because you said you were on a mission for the king. But Doeg seemed to have forgotten that little detail.”
“So,” David started, “Saul had your father harmed … likely put to death?”
“No,” Abiathar said briskly.
“No?” David said with utter astonishment.
“No,” Abiathar reiterated, “he had the whole household—my whole family—murdered. I alone escaped to tell you.”
David stood and walked to the edge of the camp, just looking out into the darkness. He stood staring out for what seemed like forever.
Finally, David turned around. “I knew when I saw Doeg that he would do something like this. Abiathar, I take full responsibility for every life in your father’s household. Stay with me. I will protect you. You will be safe with me.”
“Very well,” Abiathar responded. “I took my father’s ephod with me when I fled. If you will permit me, I will be a priest for your men.”
“I … I would be honored. Really, Abiathar, nothing would please me more,” David affirmed.
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The next day word came to David that the Philistines were besieging the community of Keilah, where the grain is threshed. That was akin to striking at the heart of Israel’s food supply. David summoned Abiathar.
As Abiathar approached, David smiled. “Abiathar! Would you ask Adonai if we should go up to rescue the harvest in Keilah? Will Adonai deliver the Philistines into our hands?”
Abiathar closed his eyes for just a moment and looked straight at David. “Yes, Adonai will most certainly deliver the Philistines into your hands. He says you must save Keilah.”
Some of David’s men already felt very vulnerable in the forests of Judah, but to go on the plains near Keilah, fighting the Philistines, Saul would certainly have plenty of time to catch up to them. Was David certain?
David turned back to their priest and inquired, “Abiathar, please, I mean no disrespect. Would you consider asking Adonai once more? For the sake of my men’s courage and resolve?”
“Of course, my king,” Abiathar said. “Adonai says you must go down to Keilah now.”
“Very well,” David said, “those who are afraid, stay here, pack up the camp, and meet us in Keilah. The rest of you, grab provisions and your weapons, and follow me.”
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David and his valiant fighting men went down to Keilah, and Adonai did indeed hand the Philistines over to David. It was a vicious slaughter, and David hoped the Philistines would think twice before trying to attack Israel’s infrastructure.
The inhabitants celebrated David’s victory, and they invited David and his men to stay in the safety of the city walls. But word came to David that Saul was on his way, so David had Abiathar bring the ephod. Abiathar held up the ephod, and David laid his hands on it. Then David prayed out loud to Adonai, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me over to Saul if we stay?”
The word of Adonai came to Abiathar, and he said, “Yes, they will hand you over.”
So, once again, David packed up his men and fled into the wilderness, moving from one stronghold to another along the plains of Ziph. But the hand of Adonai covered David on the plains, and Saul could not find him. However, when David was in Horesh, Jonathan came to David with a word of encouragement.
“David,” Jonathan said.
David looked up and saw Jonathan. David ran to Jonathan and kissed him. “My friend! How did you find us?”
“Adonai led me,” Jonathan said, “and he will continue to lead you and protect you. You will be king, and I hope that I can be your second. Saul knows this, which is why he has given himself over to chasing you instead of managing his own kingdom.”
“Well,” David said, “may it be just as you say. But we can’t stay here any longer. When you leave, we shall leave as well. May Adonai go with you and protect you—yes, especially from your father.”
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When Jonathan departed to head back to Judah, David and his men went to the wilderness of Maon in the Arabah, just south of Jeshimon.
As Saul neared, David was informed, and they left the stronghold in favor of the mobility of the wilderness. David’s scouts allowed David to continually maneuver away from Saul’s men, keeping the mountain between them. David’s scouts watched Saul’s army retreat suddenly and learned that the Philistines were attacking Judah in Saul’s absence.
With Saul having left, David and his men fled to the strongholds of En-gedi. They were able to rest while Saul’s army engaged the Philistines. But as soon as Saul had repelled the Philistines, word came to David that Saul was coming with a massive army—over three thousand chosen men from all throughout Israel.
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It just so happened, as Saul’s army was drawing near, that there came a time when the army stopped to relieve itself in preparation for battle. King Saul came into a cave where David’s men happened to be hiding, deeper inside the cave. David’s men encouraged David to slay Saul, but David refused. Instead, he cut an edge of Saul’s robe, for he would not dare harm one of Adonai’s anointed.
Thus, David allowed Saul to leave and rejoin his army. David also left. He shouted to Saul, “My lord the king!” as he bowed low.
King Saul looked back in astonishment, unable to comprehend where David had come from.
David continued, “Why do you listen to the words of the worthless men who tell you that I am trying to harm you? This very day, when you were relieving yourself in this cave, my men and I were just a stone’s throw away from you. See? Here is a piece of your robe!”
Saul looked at David’s hand and then glanced around his robe. Sure enough, a tassel had been removed.
“If I had wanted to harm you, I could have done it then and there. But I didn’t, because I don’t. What else can I say? I will not raise my hand against Adonai’s anointed, and neither should you. May Adonai judge between you and me.”
As David spoke, the fire left Saul’s eyes.
After David spoke, Saul asked, “Is this your voice, my son David?” Then Saul began to weep. “You are more righteous than I! You have always been so kind to me, and I have been malicious to you! Who lets his mortal enemy go free when he could strike him down and get away? And you have! Now swear to me that you will not eliminate my name from my father’s household.”
David spoke, “I swear, O great king, that whenever Adonai installs me as king, I will show kindness to your family. As Adonai is a witness between you and me, they will be treated like my own sons and daughters.”
With that, Saul retreated, and David’s company went back to the stronghold.
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As time passed, and David was just starting to think that all was beginning to go well, word came that Samuel had died, old and full of years. All Israel mourned the death of the last judge and pondered what it could mean.
The great seer was no more.
David left for the wilderness of Paran because he decided to put some distance between himself and Saul. He followed the coast up to Carmel. After the journey, David and his men found themselves hungry and thirsty. They ran into some herdsmen and inquired if they might meet with their master to seek some supplies. One of the men said that he would take them up to see their master, Nabal, so David sent ten of his young men to go up.
“Now,” David instructed, “when you go up, tell their master, Nabal, that we did not molest his flock nor steal from their storehouses, but are asking for charity in humility.”
p>When the men came back, not only were they empty-handed, but they said that Nabal claimed to have never heard the name of David. Nabal insulted him, calling him just another disloyal breakaway from the current monarchy of King Saul.David was not amused.
He strapped on his sword and took a contingent of men with him. He only made it halfway to where they knew Nabal was shearing his animals and having an extravagant banquet when they ran into Abigail, Nabal’s wife. With her, she had brought bread and wine for everyone, along with fig cakes and, of course, much water.
“What is this?” David inquired of Abigail.
Abigail dismounted her donkey and fell to the ground. “Please, listen to me, and give me a chance to explain. My husband is a worthless man. Adonai has blessed him and our household, but extreme ignorance and impulsive anger plague him. Please, take these animals and the provisions, and feed your men. Allow Adonai to restrain your hand, and do not shed blood this day. Forgive Nabal’s offense and allow Adonai to deal with him. For your name is well known in Israel, and Nabal is without excuse. So, please show your servant mercy and loving-kindness, as I know your heart prompts you to.”
David peered at Abigail and then at the long line of mules behind her. With a quick nod from David, Abigail stood and remounted. She rode down with David and his men, and they all shared in the provisions with the whole assembly.
The anger passed from David, and he spoke to Abigail, “Blessed is Adonai! He sent you to us this day and kept us from bloodshed. Had you not come, I would have been guilty of taking vengeance when vengeance belongs to Adonai alone.”
Abigail smiled. “Stay here, and I will go to my husband. I will tell him what happened, and I will make him apologize to you. It may take a few days, but he will apologize. I assure you.”
David agreed, and Abigail went back home.
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When Abigail arrived, Nabal was feasting in his house like a king might, and he was drunk. She decided to wait until the morning to talk to Nabal about the trouble he was in. First thing in the morning, Abigail confronted Nabal.
She explained to Nabal how close David had come to murdering his household. And what was really bad—what she was really tired of—was how many times she had intervened for him in the past.
Abigail insisted strongly that Nabal apologize.
Nabal grew very angry with Abigail, then put his hand to his head and fell back onto his bed. It was a stroke, and for ten days he lay paralyzed. Abigail tried to care for him, but he died.
Abigail sent messengers to David and his men to send word that Nabal had died and how. David was astonished and gave Adonai credit for keeping David’s hands clean, for “Adonai has returned the evil that Nabal has done on his own head.”
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David sent word back to Abigail and requested that she marry him.
Abigail bowed low before David’s servants and responded simply by saying, “I am but a lowly servant who can wash the feet of David’s servants.”
As they prepared to leave, she took five of her own female attendants and returned with the messenger to David, and they were wed.
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Word came to David that his wife Michal had been given to Palti, the son of Laish, from Gallim. While David was certainly happy with Abigail and his other recent wife, Ahinoam of Jezreel, Saul had no right to give Michal away, especially since David could not see her because of Saul’s constant harassment and murderous attempts.
David packed up his camp, and they headed back to Judah and settled in Hachilah, near Gallim, for a time, while David tried to figure out what to do about Michal. However, word came that Saul had another army of three thousand men assembled and was heading their way.
David wondered if the story about Michal was nothing more than a clever ruse to lure David back to Judah. So, David sent spies to find out exactly where Saul’s army was. Then David took a handful of valiant men and secretly sneaked into Saul’s camp by night. Once again, some of his men suggested that he end this nightmare and kill Saul, but David was resolute. He would not touch Adonai’s anointed. But they did take the king’s water jug and his spear. Then, at first light, they went to a distant hill and shouted down to Abner, a commander in Saul’s army.
Abner wondered who was shouting so early in the morning, and behold, the camp began to stir. Even Saul stirred and joined his commanders outside. David continued to shout, and Saul recognized David’s voice, “David? Is that your voice, my son?”
David spoke harshly, “Why are you pursuing me again? What have I done to you? What evil am I guilty of? Listen to my words: if people are inciting you against me, let them be cursed! For they lead you astray, and they drive me out of the land, hoping that I would worship other gods so that Adonai would curse my name. Do not be a part of this! It will not end well for you or them. Look, here is your spear and your water jug. I could have ended your life, but I dare not raise a hand against Adonai’s anointed.”
Once again, the heart of Saul melted. “I am a blight in the sight of Adonai! You do not deserve this! I am a fool, and I have been led astray! I will not harm you; go in peace.”
“Send a young man over to retrieve your things, O great king,” David said.
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After Saul had left, David knew in his heart that one day Saul would be successful, corner him, and kill him. So he did something very radical: he went to the Philistines to seek refuge. By now, David’s fighting men numbered six hundred. Thus, David ingratiated himself with Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath, and he and his men settled in Gath.
When Saul heard that David was in Gath, he no longer pursued him.
Now Achish valued David as a deserter from Israel, even though David was always loyal to Israel. But David did not want to be in such proximity to the king, so he asked for some land, and the king gave him the town of Ziklag. David and his men settled there, and they were hired as mercenaries for King Achish against Judah.
However, instead of attacking Judah, David would go and attack the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, and then lie to the king and say he was in the Negev of Judah. He would not leave a single soul alive, bringing back the livestock and wealth and making himself and his men wealthy, as well as paying tribute to the king. The king believed David and was sure that David could never return to Judah and would never be king.
Used with permission by the author. Find the author’s complete works online: Complete Works of Mack Samuels
