‘The only way to escape…is to go to Philistia.’ 1 Samuel 27:1 CEV
The Bible says, ‘[David] thought to himself, “One of these days, Saul is going to kill me. The only way to escape from him is to go to Philistia”’ (v. 1 CEV). Now, in times past, David had ‘enquired of the Lord’ (see 23:2, 4 NIVUK). He also sought advice from experienced, proven counsellors. But this time, he was guided by his fears and ended up defecting to enemy territory. And it gave him a temporary sense of relief. Looking to the wrong source can do that – but it doesn’t last. Solomon said: ‘You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead. Sorrow may hide behind laughter, and happiness may end in sorrow. You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad…be smart and know where you are headed’ (Proverbs 14:12-15 CEV).
Eventually, the Philistines rejected David because they couldn’t trust him. They said, ‘Send David back to the town you gave him. We won’t have him going into the battle with us. He could turn and fight against us!’ (1 Samuel 29:4 CEV). Be careful when you’re in a spiritual slump, because the decisions you make can have long-lasting ramifications. Rejected by the Philistines, with no country and no family to come home to, here is what we learn from David:
1) Instead of listening to your fears, listen to God. Standing among the ruins of his life, ‘David found strength in the Lord’ (1 Samuel 30:6 NIV), and you will, too.
2) Seek wise counsellors. It’s the last thing you will feel like doing because misery loves company, but ‘the more wise counsel you follow, the better’ (Proverbs 11:14 MSG).
12 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their steps.
4 But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men?
6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but victory is won through many advisers.
