(1) Family went down to David and people gathered around him
David was a real leader. People went to him even when he lived in the cave.
(2) God talked to David through the prophet
When David did not know what God would do to him v.3, the prophet came and talked to him v.5a. David followed right the way even though it might be dangerous to leave the stronghold v.5b.
(3) Saul's relationship with his followers was based on his authority and mutual benefit
a. Saul was portrayed as the elevated king.
v.6b Now Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree at an elevated location with his spear in hand and all his servants stationed around him.
b. Saul reminded them of their benefit when he was their king
v.7b “Listen up, you Benjaminites! Is Jesse’s son giving fields and vineyards to all of you? Or is he making all of you commanders and officers?
c. Even he provided them with those benefits Saul complained to his followers that no one helped him
c. Even he provided them with those benefits Saul complained to his followers that no one helped him
v.8 For all of you have conspired against me! No one informs me when my own son makes an agreement with this son of Jesse! Not one of you feels sorry for me or informs me that my own son has commissioned my own servant to hide in ambush against me, as is the case today!”
Reflections: Who is a good leader? It will be shown naturally by the followers. The "elevated position," or the reminder of how much benefits people will get do not help one to be a good leader.
What makes a good leader? David wanted to know the will of God and when he received the message from the prophet he obeyed right the way. Sometimes when we have difficulties in our position as a leader, we may want to quit or blame others. This passage reminds me that obedience to God is the key. Seek God's will and obey His will when He shows you.
(3) Saul saw David as a threat to his throne
a. Twice Saul mentioned that David hid in ambush against him 謀害我v.8b and 13b. David had never meant to kill Saul or took his throne (we will read this later on in the book of 1 Samuel), but Saul interpreted that and David's escape was a hiding in ambush.
b. Because of his throne Saul was dare to kill 85 priests and wipe out the whole town where the priests lived v.11-19. However, his servants did not agree with him.
v.17b But the king’s servants refused to harm the priests of the LORD
Maybe, they did not agree with the order that those who sided with David deserved to die. Second, the priests were the servants of God. To kill the priests would be against the LORD.
Reflection: Do we love power like Saul? He was willing to do the extreme to protect his power. How about us? Do we struggle in our family just because we want the power? Are we willing to give up the power and submit? Watch out for the evil action of Saul and be careful if we thirst for power.
Audrey
2024
v.1-10
Bright Spots
1. Even when 400 men came to David, he needed someone to protect his parents and he admitted that he did not know what God was going to do with him v.3. As a fugitive who did not have enough supply for food he was speaking the truth. God heard him and sent his prophet to him v.5.
2. As a contrast, Saul found out the whereabouts of David v.6 and he had his servants stationed around him v.7, but he did not care what God was going to do with him. He manipulated the guilty feeling of his servants to achieve his goal v.8. Seemingly, he had some success in doing so when Doeg came forward with the information about David v.9-10.
3. Why did David ask that question when he had 400 men with him? Bc he knew that even though he was some kind of a leader, but he was anointed to be the kind of Judah. And for that, his life was in danger and his parents lives were also in danger. If he gave up that anointed position he did not have to be so lost. He knew God is the One who will take care of him, but just dont see that for now.
Reflections
Do I care about what God is going to do with me? Do I ask Him? Or do I just manipulate people around me to do my own things?
Do I know my position in front of God, but just lost for the present moment and dont know how to proceed towards the goal?
v.11-23
Bright Spots
1. Ahimelech objected to what Saul said about him helping David to conspired against Saul v.13 with 2 points:
a. David was never against Saul and it was well known among everyone.
v.14b “Who among all your servants is faithful like David? He is the king’s son-in-law, the leader of your bodyguard, and honored in your house
b. Ahimelech put a strong denial to Saul' accusation to him.
v.15 should not accuse=should not attribute, impute to (BDAG), jussive
2. Saul had no reason to defend his accusation, and therefore he said no word back to Ahimelech. He insisted that anyone who threatened his throne or help anyone to do so should be dead, no matter they were priests or not.
3. Note, the way he killed his enemies ( v.19 As for Nob, the city of the priests, Doeg struck down men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep—all with the sword) was exactly what God had asked him to do with the Amalekites, but he did not carry out the Lord's command. He only did it for his own "enemies."
Reflections
Saul loved himself to the highest extend. He was terrified to loss his throne and his life to the point that he did not care if he was reasonable, nor the person he killed were the priests of God.
Do I love myself like Saul? Do I get terrified when I felt my joy or powerful position was threatened?
He wiped off his innocent "enemies" but he did not wipe off God's enemies who really did wrong to Israel.
Do I hate what God hates? Or just care about my own "hatred"?
Questions
1. His family and v.2 All those who were in trouble or owed someone money or were discontented gathered around him
2. He went to the king of Moah and asked him to let his parents stay there with him v.3 until I know what God is going to do for me.
He sought protection for his parents when he himself was in danger. He might as well did not want them to dwell in the cave with him.
3. v.9-10 But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with the servants of Saul, replied, “I saw this son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. 10 He inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”
4. no, what he said was true and reasonable. David was never against Saul and it was well known among everyone. Therefore, Ahimelech put a strong denial to Saul' accusation to him.
5. According to Saul, the reason they died was because they sided with David and did not inform Saul v.17. Doeg killed them. David took the blame for their death. v.22.
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