1 Samuel 22:6-23 – God: the Ultimate King
In moments of barbarity, brutality, and terror like this, where is God? This is a legitimate question to ask; and it is answered by this passage. In the midst of this barbarity and brutality, God is in the same place he always is – the throne of Heaven. He is there ruling over all things, reigning over all things, and bringing all things to pass. It is illustrated in this chapter.
Saul’s savagery is directed at God, but it is also directed by God. He is in control of it all, without being the cause of sin. We see this when we remember that the priests at Nob were of the family of Eli. Remember Eli’s wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, from chapter 2? The family were judged by God for their wickedness: “Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house” (2:31). In chapter 2 God said, “I will punish Eli and his family for their sin”; in chapter 22 we see Eli’s household cut off – it is God’s judgement. Events at Nob are not just the results of Saul’s savagery, but also God’s sovereignty. God uses his enemies to bring about his purposes: “Even the wrath of man shall praise you” (Psalm 76:10).
Where is God in the horror of Nob? Where was God on 9/11? Where was God for 30 years of the Troubles in Ireland? He was and is on the throne, bringing his purposes to pass, even through the wicked actions of his enemies. I’m not saying these acts of violence were necessarily God’s specific judgement on a specific place or people; we can’t determine that. But we can say that they are God working out his purposes and plans. He is on the throne. This should be a comfort to us. God is not napping when terror happens, he is on the throne fulfilling his purposes, through the good and the bad.
Questions
1.Where do you see the greatest act of man’s wickedness fulfilling the purpose of God? (Acts 4:27-28)
- Are there any acts of personal terror and tragedy that you need to reckon with the sovereignty of God in?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is never caught napping, and ask for faith to rest in his sovereignty.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.