1 Samuel 27:1-4 – David’s Disappearing in the Country of the Philistines
I remember wondering when I was younger if I was the only person who talked to themselves; if what I now know as ‘thoughts’ were common to others. I remember the moment I realised I wasn’t! Well, those who talk to themselves are in good company – verse 1. Here are David’s thoughts and feelings, alongside his own summary of events so far. It is time for David to “escape” and disappear into the country of the Philistines.
What do you make of David’s analysis and actions? Is he accurate in his forecast of the outcome? Compare verse 1 with verse 4. Is he accurate in his reasoning: “I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul”? What do you think?
It’s a tricky one – there is no mention of God in the chapter. Neither is there a moral commentary by the author. He simply reports the event without approving or disproving. We need to handle with care.
But consider what David said to Saul at their last confrontation – read 26:19-20 again. To be away from the people of God and his land is to be away from God. The land is the place of God’s promise and blessing, always presented in Scripture as the better option. Consider too the promises repeated by Jonathan (20:15) and Abigail (25:29). There are also the words spoken by Saul (24:20). God had promised he would be king and his enemies defeated. It is ominous too that David does not consult with God as he did at other times, and he will do later. Overall, David “looks to the country of the Philistines rather than God” (Dale Ralph Davis).
The writer doesn’t criticise David and overtly point the finger. He seems to be sympathetic to him. Yet David is presented as being in the wrong, and the sense only grows as the chapter develops. David disappears into the country of the Philistines because of doubt – doubt over God’s protection and preservation. His faith wavers and he places it elsewhere. But not one of us should throw stones at David – we see ourselves.
Questions
- When have you doubted and fled the place of hard obedience, like David?
Prayer Points
- Ask for forgiveness for looking to other sources of help instead of God.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.