1 Samuel 22
Today's Passage: 1 Samuel 22
There is a major difference between self-defense and self-preservation. It’s amazing what a person will do and to what extent they will push to protect their own kingdom. As we’ve slowly watched the decline of Saul over the last several chapters, the Bible paints more and more clearly the wickedness in his heart.
David has been on the run and finds himself lodging in the cave at Adullam. There he finds a bit of respite and refuge as well as fellowship with family that helps refresh his soul. God speaks through the prophet Gad and commands David to leave the shelter of the cave and go into Judah. Saul (providentially) finds out about this and is absolutely enraged at the conspiracy he finds between David and some of his own perceived allies (the priests).
In one command, Saul gives orders to kill the priests and, although met with resistance by his own guard, Saul utilizes the evil heart of Doeg the Edomite to put 85 of these men to death for their connection to David.
It reminds me of Herod’s plot to kill the baby boys in order to protect his own kingdom. I think of Pilate washing his hands of Jesus in order to keep his own innocence. It’s amazing how far down the morality ladder self-preservation will take us. Attempts to ‘protect at all costs’ the kingdoms that God has graciously entrusted to us typically end up poorly when we keep self on the throne.
Rather, David’s response to the news is the appropriate one: “do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping (v. 23).”
David’s trust was in God, not in himself. He didn’t put self-preservation at the top of the list because he knew it all belonged to God anyway. This is the mentality we must maintain so that we don’t allow wickedness to rule. Today, keep your hands open to the God who owns all things and trust His providence in your life.
We are much better off surrendering than we are self-preserving.
Written By: Drew Dukes
There is a major difference between self-defense and self-preservation. It’s amazing what a person will do and to what extent they will push to protect their own kingdom. As we’ve slowly watched the decline of Saul over the last several chapters, the Bible paints more and more clearly the wickedness in his heart.
David has been on the run and finds himself lodging in the cave at Adullam. There he finds a bit of respite and refuge as well as fellowship with family that helps refresh his soul. God speaks through the prophet Gad and commands David to leave the shelter of the cave and go into Judah. Saul (providentially) finds out about this and is absolutely enraged at the conspiracy he finds between David and some of his own perceived allies (the priests).
In one command, Saul gives orders to kill the priests and, although met with resistance by his own guard, Saul utilizes the evil heart of Doeg the Edomite to put 85 of these men to death for their connection to David.
It reminds me of Herod’s plot to kill the baby boys in order to protect his own kingdom. I think of Pilate washing his hands of Jesus in order to keep his own innocence. It’s amazing how far down the morality ladder self-preservation will take us. Attempts to ‘protect at all costs’ the kingdoms that God has graciously entrusted to us typically end up poorly when we keep self on the throne.
Rather, David’s response to the news is the appropriate one: “do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping (v. 23).”
David’s trust was in God, not in himself. He didn’t put self-preservation at the top of the list because he knew it all belonged to God anyway. This is the mentality we must maintain so that we don’t allow wickedness to rule. Today, keep your hands open to the God who owns all things and trust His providence in your life.
We are much better off surrendering than we are self-preserving.
Written By: Drew Dukes
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