For the next few chapters, until the conclusion of the book, David is fleeing from Saul. We begin with David seeking sanctuary in a sanctuary. Good place to go, but not for bread and weapons. However, he found both there. Edomites are descended from Esau and are judged by God in Obadiah. We see their beginnings in Genesis 26.34-35 and Genesis 36. Esau rebels against his parents and pursues Canaanite women for wives. From this, an enemy of the Israelites springs. Saul has an Edomite as one of his leading shepherds. His name was Doeg. He tells Saul that David was protected and fed by the priests in Nob. In chapter 22 Saul orders the execution of the priest Ahimelech’s family because he helped David. The only person willing to carry out the order was Doeg. We will see David’s response to this later in 1 Samuel and in Psalm 52.
David goes to Gath with a sword of Goliath who was from . . . that’s right, Gath. When David goes to the city, the people recognize him as the soon-to-be-king. He fakes insanity and is let go.
In chapter 22 David is running from Saul toward the desolate cave of Adullum where the outcasts of Israel join his army. He takes care of his family by sending them to the Moabites. Refer to Ruth for background on the Moabites. This chapter shows the insane paranoia of Saul when he slaughters the descendants of Ahimelech for giving David bread (1 Samuel 21). Ahimelech gives Saul the background of David’s commitment to Saul. Saul still rejects David and kills Ahimelech’s family by the hand of Doeg. One, as always, escapes. His name is Abiathar. He proved faithful to David until David died. He was his high priest (Abiathar was the fourth generation from Eli).
Chapter 23 provides accounts of the relentless pursuit of Saul to kill David and David’s elude him. David stays in the wilderness of En-gedi during these days (cf. En-gedi and another En-gedi). As a bit of relief, David is introduced to Abiathar and Jonathan pledges his loyalty to David. It is strange that Saul could not find David but Jonathan could. When David wants to be found, he is; when he doesn’t want to be found, he isn’t. Does this sound like God?
Saul’s relentless pursuit continues in chapter 24. This time David could have killed Saul. Instead, David shows his loyalty to Saul because of his loyalty to God. Saul was relieving himself. The Hebrew states: “he covered his feet.” In other words, he was “dumping a load.” Saul relents from his relentless pursuit for a while. He will continue it in chapter 26. Here, however, Saul acknowledges that David will be king.
There are times we need to hide from those who pursue us, there are times we need to confront those who pursue us, and the time is always that we remain loyal to God’s Word and call in our life. Despite the circumstances, we need to remain true to His calling and purpose for us. How are you doing?