“Sneaking”

 “And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?” (1 Samuel 26:1)

David Knows!

David knows that Saul will continue to chase him with the intent of killing David. David decides to sneak down to where Saul is.

“Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.” (1 Samuel 26:6)

Sneaking is Hard!

I was lucky enough, depending on how you define lucky, to be chosen to go through a school taught by Israelis, American, and other foreign military instructors. The school was about how to sneak into a defended location. Some of the ideas was on how to get information and sometimes pick up an enemy for questioning.

It would take from 12 to 48 hours, or more depending on many variables. During that time there is no eating, or drinking. Evacuating human waste was avoided at all times. If you smell bad you might as well blow a whistle.

David on Target!

David and Abishai were right in the middle of Saul’s encampment. They are both within a whisper of Saul. Abishai is willing to kill Saul in the midst of Saul’s guards, but David disagrees.

“And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9)

David remembers the words of Abigail, and it stopped David’s anger. Instead of killing Saul, David had Abishai take Saul’s spear and water vessel.

It is the second time David shows Saul how close he came to being killed. Saul was only saved by the grace of God.

“Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.” (1 Samuel 26:25)

Stay Tuned…