Home Antioch Church LTB University Links Page 
Bible Issues
Bible Knowledge
Children's Page
Cults and False DoctrineCreation Science
Daily Portions
Devotional
History
Ladies
Online Bible
Questions and Answers
Sermons
Sunday School
Thoughts & Meditations
Top Articles
Contact Us

 

 

 

    

The Wilderness Wanderings of David

1Samuel 23:1-29

 

INTRODUCTION: This is a most difficult time for David. He is constantly in fear for his life. Yet, he survives by continually seeking God’s will (v.2, 4, 9-12) and by trusting in the providential working of God (v.27-28). We must learn to do the same.

 

  1. DAVID RESCUES THE MEN OF KEILAH (23:1-5)

    1. The Crisis in Keilah (23:1)

      1. Keilah: a city of Judah about 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem
      2. Under attack by the Philistines
      3. Losing the fruit of their labor: the threshing floors

    2. The Decision to Fight (23:2-4)

      1. David seeks God’s direction (v.2)
      2. David faces the fear of his own men (v.3)
      3. David seeks God’s confirmation (v.4)
        1. The Lord tells him to go
        2. The Lord promises deliverance
      4. NOTE: One of the keys to David’s survival was his faithfulness in seeking God’s guidance (v.9-12; 30:7-8)

    3. The Victory Over the Philistines (23:5)

      1. David and his men smote the Philistines
      2. They spoiled the Philistines of their cattle
      3. They saved the inhabitants of Keilah

  2. DAVID ESCAPES FROM KEILAH (23:6-13)

    1. Saul Comes Against David (23:6-8)

      1. The ephod of Abiathar (v.6)
        1. Brought by Abiathar when he fled from Saul to David (22:20-23)
        2. Ephod: a priestly garment that fit around the shoulders. The high priest had a special one. (Exodus 28:6-8)
          1. The two shoulders had two stones with the names of the tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:9-12)
          2. The breastplate of judgment was attached to the ephod (Exodus 28:13-15)
          3. The breastplate has a pouch within which was placed the Urim and the Thummin (Exodus 28:16, 28-30)
          4. The Urim and Thummin were used to give guidance from the Lord (Numbers 27:21; 1Samuel 28:6; Ezra 2:63). Although the Urim and Thummin and the way they were used is never described, they are probably the way in which the Israelites often enquired of God (Judges 20:27; 1Samuel 10:22; 2Samuel 2:1; 5:19, 23; 21:1).
      2. The plans of Saul (v.7-8)
        1. "God hath delivered him into mine hand" – how quick we are to put God’s stamp of approval on those things which we most desire!
        2. David is shut up within city walls (v.7); those city walls would be a tempting source of comfort to David, but God chose to protect him in the wilderness
        3. Saul gathers an army to besiege David (v.8)

    2. David Enquires of the Lord (23:9-12)

      1. He sends for the ephod (v.9); his heart is to know God’s will (Psalm 40:8; 143:10)
      2. The Lord confirms the coming of Saul (v.10-11)
      3. The Lord reveals the treachery of Keilah (v.12) – David delivered them but they would turn David over to Saul

    3. David Escapes With His Men (23:13)

      1. David’s men now number about 600 (see 22:2)
      2. They depart from Keilah
      3. Saul goes back home

  3. DAVID HIDES IN THE WILDERNESS (23:14-18)

    1. In the Wilderness of Ziph (23:14-15)

      1. Ziph was a town about 4 miles southeast of Hebron. The wilderness of Ziph would be the area surrounding Ziph.
      2. They stayed in the strong holds in a mountain in the area (v.14)
      3. Saul continually sought David (v.14-15(
        1. Every day (v.14)
        2. To seek his life (v.15)
      4. "but God delivered him not" (v.14); God was still watching over David

    2. In a Meeting With Jonathan (23:16-18)

      1. The encouragement of Jonathan (v.16)
        1. He went to David
        2. He strengthened his hand in God
        3. NOTE: This is the way to help people when they are troubled: 1) Go and just be with them; 2) strengthen them in the Lord
      2. The confidence of Jonathan (v.17)
        1. Fear not
        2. Saul will not find you
        3. You will be king
        4. I will be next to you; in this, Jonathan was wrong, but it shows his willingness to submit to David’s rightful rule
      3. The covenant of Jonathan (v.18; 20:8)

  4. DAVID ESCAPES CERTAIN DEATH (23:19-29)

    1. The Offer of the Ziphites (23:19-20)

      1. They reveal David’s location (v.19)
      2. They offer to deliver him to Saul (v.20)
      3. Psalm 54 was written on the occasion of this betrayal – see the title

    2. The Instructions of Saul (23:21-23)

      1. He blesses them for their compassion (v.21)
      2. He warns them of David’s subtlety (v.22); as if it were David’s cunning and not God’s protection that had delivered David.
      3. He promises to come and find David (v.23)

    3. The Surrounding of David (23:24-26)

      1. Saul comes to Ziph (v.24)
      2. David is in Maon (v.24)
      3. Saul pursues to Maon (v.25)
      4. Saul traps David between two portions of his army (v.26)

    4. The Deliverance of David (23:27-29)

      1. The Philistines invade the land (v.27-28)
        1. Saul receives word of their attack (v.27)
        2. Saul calls off pursuing David (v.28)
      2. David moves to the strongholds of Engedi (v.29)

 

 

 

 

  Send Page To a Friend

 The Fundamental Top 500 Missionary500.com

Copyright © 2002 Antioch Baptist Church Knoxville, Tennessee