The Wilderness Wanderings of David

INTRODUCTION: This is a difficult time for David. He is constantly in fear for his life. Yet, he survives by continually seeking God’s will (1 Samuel 23:2, 4, 9-12) and by trusting in the providence of God (1 Samuel 23:27-28). We must learn to do the same.

1. DAVID RESCUES THE MEN OF KEILAH (1 Samuel 23:1-5)
1. The Crisis in Keilah (1 Samuel 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 (1 Samuel 23:2-4)
1. David seeks Gods direction (1 Samuel 23:2).
2. David faces the fear of his own men (1 Samuel 23:3).
3. David seeks Gods confirmation (1 Samuel 23:4).
1. The Lord tells him to go.
2. The Lord promises deliverance.
4. NOTE: One of the keys to Davids survival was his faithfulness in seeking Gods guidance (1 Samuel 23:9-12; 1 Samuel 30:7-8).
3. The Victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:5)
1. David and his men smite the Philistines.
2. They spoil the Philistines of their cattle.
3. They save the inhabitants of Keilah.
2. DAVID ESCAPES FROM KEILAH (1 Samuel 23:6-13)
1. Saul Comes against David (1 Samuel 23:6-8).
1. The ephod of Abiathar (1 Samuel 23:6)
1. Brought by Abiathar when he fled from Saul to David (1 Samuel 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 had 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; 1 Samuel 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; 1 Samuel 10:22; 2 Samuel 2:1; 2 Samuel 5:19, 23; 2 Samuel 21:1).
2. The plans of Saul (1 Samuel 23:7-8)
1. God hath delivered him into mine hand how quick we are to put Gods stamp of approval on those things which we most desire!
2. David is shut up within city walls (1 Samuel 23:7); 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 (1 Samuel 23:8).
2. David Enquires of the Lord (1 Samuel 23:9-12).
1. He sends for the ephod (1 Samuel 23:9); his heart is to know Gods will (Psalm 40:8; Psalm 143:10).
2. The Lord confirms the coming of Saul (1 Samuel 23:10-11).
3. The Lord reveals the treachery of Keilah (1 Samuel 23:12) David delivered them, but they would turn David over to Saul.
3. David Escapes with His Men (1 Samuel 23:13).
1. Davids men now number about 600 (see 1 Samuel 22:2).
2. They depart from Keilah.
3. Saul goes back home.
3. DAVID HIDES IN THE WILDERNESS (1 Samuel 23:14-18)
1. In the Wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 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 stay in the strongholds in a mountain in the area (1 Samuel 23:14).
3. Saul continually seeks David (1 Samuel 23:14-15).
1. Every day (1 Samuel 23:14)
2. To seek his life (1 Samuel 23:15)
4. But God delivered him not (1 Samuel 23:14); God is still watching over David.
2. In a Meeting with Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:16-18)
1. The encouragement of Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:16)
1. He goes to David.
2. He strengthens 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 (1 Samuel 23:17)
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 Davids rightful rule.
3. The covenant of Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:18; 1 Samuel 20:8)
4. DAVID ESCAPES CERTAIN DEATH (1 Samuel 23:19-29)
1. The Offer of the Ziphites (1 Samuel 23:19-20)
1. They reveal Davids location (1 Samuel 23:19).
2. They offer to deliver him to Saul (1 Samuel 23:20).
3. Psalm 54 was written on the occasion of this betrayal see the title.
2. The Instructions of Saul (1 Samuel 23:21-23)
1. He blesses them for their compassion (1 Samuel 23:21).
2. He warns them of Davids subtlety (1 Samuel 23:22); as if it were Davids cunning and not Gods protection that has delivered David.
3. He promises to come and find David (1 Samuel 23:23).
3. The Surrounding of David (1 Samuel 23:24-26)
1. Saul comes to Ziph (1 Samuel 23:24).
2. David is in Maon (1 Samuel 23:24).
3. Saul pursues to Maon (1 Samuel 23:25).
4. Saul traps David between two portions of his army (1 Samuel 23:26).
4. The Deliverance of David (1 Samuel 23:27-29)
1. The Philistines invade the land (1 Samuel 23:27-28).
1. Saul receives word of their attack (1 Samuel 23:27).
2. Saul calls off pursuing David (1 Samuel 23:28).
2. David moves to the strongholds of En-gedi (1 Samuel 23:29).

CONCLUSION: Everywhere David goes people are turning on him. He cannot trust anyone but God. Through it all, David continues to be a man after God’s heart.