1 Samuel 29 Devotional

Kept from the Wrong Battle

David has marched himself into an impossible position. He is in the rear of the Philistine army with Achish, heading for battle against Israel (29:2). What David meant to do there, the text does not say. But his own choices have led him to the edge of fighting against his people and the LORD's anointed king.

Then the Philistine commanders object. They do not trust him, remembering the song about David's tens of thousands, and they insist he be sent home (29:4-5). Achish praises David's loyalty but sends him back anyway (29:6-7). God is not described as acting in this chapter, but the outcome is unmistakable. David is kept out of the battle in which Saul will fall, by the suspicion of pagan commanders. Proverbs says that a person plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9). God can steer events through people who have no idea they are serving him. Sometimes his rescue looks like a door slammed shut.

To think about: Is there a closed door in your life that you could begin to see as God's protection rather than his neglect?