1 Samuel 27
Today's Passage: 1 Samuel 27
In this chapter we see David do something that up to this point he had rarely done: doubt God’s promises to him. In 1 Samuel 26:25, right before this chapter starts, it says, “Then Saul said to David, ‘Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.’ So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.”
David contrasts Saul’s own opinion! David in verse one of chapter 27 believes Saul will ultimately kill him. Despair and anxiety fall upon him, which explains what he does next. In 1 Samuel 22:5, it says, “Then the prophet Gad said to David, ‘Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.’ So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.”
The forest of Hereth was in Judah. God wanted David to be in Judah, but he left because of his fear. Instead of turning to God, he turns to the enemies of the Israelites, the idol-worshiping Philistines! In this he also leads his 600 men into an ungodly nation, away from the land of promise. He remains here for ~16 months, until Saul is killed in battle. David then goes to Hebron (2 Samuel 1:1, 2:1-2).
David blames Saul for this move, but if Saul had ordered David to go to the land of the Philistines, he never would have bowed to it. It was David’s own discouragement and despair that led him to believe nothing good for him was left in Israel. It was his own feelings that were larger enemies than Saul was. David had been through a lot at this point, but God had also proven to be faithful!
How have you let your own discouragement lead you to disobey the Lord? When have you doubted God had good things for you still? Pray and ask the Lord to guide you and that you would obey and trust in Him!
Written By: Kaitlin White
In this chapter we see David do something that up to this point he had rarely done: doubt God’s promises to him. In 1 Samuel 26:25, right before this chapter starts, it says, “Then Saul said to David, ‘Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.’ So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.”
David contrasts Saul’s own opinion! David in verse one of chapter 27 believes Saul will ultimately kill him. Despair and anxiety fall upon him, which explains what he does next. In 1 Samuel 22:5, it says, “Then the prophet Gad said to David, ‘Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.’ So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.”
The forest of Hereth was in Judah. God wanted David to be in Judah, but he left because of his fear. Instead of turning to God, he turns to the enemies of the Israelites, the idol-worshiping Philistines! In this he also leads his 600 men into an ungodly nation, away from the land of promise. He remains here for ~16 months, until Saul is killed in battle. David then goes to Hebron (2 Samuel 1:1, 2:1-2).
David blames Saul for this move, but if Saul had ordered David to go to the land of the Philistines, he never would have bowed to it. It was David’s own discouragement and despair that led him to believe nothing good for him was left in Israel. It was his own feelings that were larger enemies than Saul was. David had been through a lot at this point, but God had also proven to be faithful!
How have you let your own discouragement lead you to disobey the Lord? When have you doubted God had good things for you still? Pray and ask the Lord to guide you and that you would obey and trust in Him!
Written By: Kaitlin White
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