“Rescue Me!”

 “Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel.” (1 Samuel 29:1)

BACKGROUND

Saul, King of Israel and the Philistines are now forming for battle. Military formations at that time began with the main body of the army coming first and the King holding the rear position.

As the Princes of the Philistines arrived they were concerned about Hebrew’s being among the King’s bodyguard. We know that David was an important addition to Achish’s kingdom. The fact that David has been running for over 7 years has now left him stuck between Saul and Achish.

David had lied to Achish about his intentions. Although David had killed the inhabitants of Jewish towns, these inhabitants were not friends of Israel. By killing all of the residents, there was no one left to appeal to the Philistines.

With David throughout this ordeal, God was still with him, and had a plan for David’s future. This is God telling us that even through our own ordeals he is still with us.

Go Home David

The Philistine Princes were incensed that their King Achish had allowed David to live in their land, and now, serve as the Kings Bodyguard, Achish had to send David away from the battlefield back to his home in Ziklag.

David and his men rose early in the morning bound toward Ziklag.

David Arrives At Ziklag

When David and his 600 man army had left Ziklag they left their families behind with no guard. Since Ziklag is about 75 miles behind the lines, David possibly felt that it was a safe bet. When David returns a different image is before him.

Ziklag is devastated. The town is burned and the families have been kidnapped. No one was killed, but the Amalekites had burned the town and taken the families away. The Amalekites are the same people God had told Saul to kill them all, now they are invading the land that had been Judah’s.

God Provides a Rescue

Although David was still looking toward God, he has made decisions that are pushing him further from God. Leaving his own people behind to face the Philistines, and seeking comfort in the land of the Philistines, David’s lack of faith has put him in a dangerous situation.

God took David out of the service of the Philistines by having them banish David from fighting in the upcoming battle. It was a rescue. God will provide much more.

Stay Tuned….