“The entire Philistine army now mobilized at Aphek, and the Israelites camped at the spring in Jezreel. As the Philistine rulers were leading out their troops in groups of hundreds and thousands, David and his men marched at the rear with King Achish. But the Philistine commanders demanded, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish told them, “This is David, the servant of King Saul of Israel. He’s been with me for years, and I’ve never found a single fault in him from the day he arrived until today.” But the Philistine commanders were angry. “Send him back to the town you’ve given him!” they demanded. “He can’t go into the battle with us. What if he turns against us in battle and becomes our adversary? Is there any better way for him to reconcile himself with his master than by handing our heads over to him? Isn’t this the same David about whom the women of Israel sing in their dances, ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” So Achish finally summoned David and said to him, “I swear by the Lord that you have been a trustworthy ally. I think you should go with me into battle, for I’ve never found a single flaw in you from the day you arrived until today. But the other Philistine rulers won’t hear of it. Please don’t upset them, but go back quietly.” “What have I done to deserve this treatment?” David demanded. “What have you ever found in your servant, that I can’t go and fight the enemies of my Lord the king?” But Achish insisted, “As far as I’m concerned, you’re as perfect as an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders are afraid to have you with them in the battle. Now get up early in the morning, and leave with your men as soon as it gets light.” So David and his men headed back into the land of the Philistines, while the Philistine army went on to Jezreel.”
1 Samuel 29:1-11 NLT
David wasn’t a perfect man, as Saul did before him. David had moments of operating in fear rather than trust for the Lord. Here we see that David had done this for long enough to inherit property and have gained trust from the people that he once called his enemies. Here we see a certain irony. The low-hanging fruit of it is that he had found himself embroiled in a battle against his own people. Yet, the deeper connection is that these were Gods people. David wanted so badly to keep from killing God’s anointed king that he was willing to kill God’s anointed people. This highlights that David didn’t always see clearly and he didn’t always do the right thing. Sometimes, in this case for years at a time, he made decisions that made no sense for his worldview. And yet, just as with Saul, we see that God was faithful to offer him a way to keep his conscience clear. God always offers a way. We need to be discerning about our piety. We must ask ourselves if our behavior glorifies God in the larger sense and not just the myopic. Even so, God will always provide an out when we are trying our best to please him, even in our confusions.
David’s Flaws: David was not a perfect man and sometimes acted out of fear rather than trust in God.
Irony of David’s Situation: David, who had previously been anointed king, found himself fighting against God’s people, highlighting a disconnect between his actions and beliefs.
God’s Faithfulness: Despite David’s mistakes, God remained faithful and offered him a way to maintain a clear conscience.
JOSH McGARY.COM 