A Compromising Situation

Reflections on 1 Sam. 27:1-12

We often blame David’s troubles on Saul, but if Saul was the only problem David had in Israel, he probably never would have felt compelled to flee Israel and seek refuge among the archenemies of Israel, the Philistines.

FRIENDS LIKE THESE. David’s own kinsmen drove him into exile by constantly feeding Saul’s suspicions. When David spared Saul’s life in the cave, he said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? …. See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands” (1 Sam. 24:9-11 ESV). When David spared Saul’s life a second time, David again protested against those of his kinsmen who were slandering him to Saul, “Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the LORD who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the LORD, for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods’” (1 Sam. 26:19 ESV). With friends like these, David didn’t need any enemies. It is a sad day when God’s people drive out a brother by listening to and assisting those who falsely accuse that brother. Sadly, David felt that the only way he could escape Saul and his informers was to flee to Philistia.

DANGEROUS CONCESSIONS. Although we are not told, David apparently fled to Achish, king of Gath, without inquiring of Abiathar the priest or seeking the advice of Gad the prophet as he had done on previous occasions. By seeking refuge in Philistia, David put himself, his family, and his men in a compromising situation.

• David, his family, and his men left Israel and those who worshiped God.
• David, his men, and their families lived among people who worshiped idols and who would have a corrupting influence.
• David had to depend on an enemy of Israel for protection and pretend loyalty to them. David lived a lie.
• David had to pay tribute to an enemy of Israel.

ADVANTAGES. David was keenly aware of the dangers he faced and was, for the most part, able to neutralize them and even turn the situation to his advantage.

• David’s kinsmen ceased to give intelligence to Saul, so Saul abandoned his pursuit of David.
• David asked for and received a city, Ziklag, for himself, his soldiers, and their families. Although Ziklag had been in the hands of the Philistines, God had assigned the town first to Judah (Josh. 15:31), and later to Simeon (Josh. 19:5). The move to Ziklag helped neutralize the influence of Philistine culture and enabled them to continue their devotion to God. From this time on, Ziklag remained under the control of Israel.
• David and his men secured the southern border of Judah. He did this without raising Achish’s suspicions by telling him that he had attacked regions belonging to Judah when he really attacked the enemies of Judah who often wandered through those regions.
• David and his men made progress in blotting out the memory of the Amalekites as God intended (Deut. 25:17-19). God had rejected Saul as king because he had not completely destroyed them as he commanded (1 Sam. 15:1-3, 22-23).