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1 Samuel 28:1-2 – David’s Dilemma in the Country of the Philistines

Despite David’s doubts and deceit, all goes well for 16 months. Then he finds himself painted into a corner, required to march out against Israel under the Philistine banner. David’s stay in the country of the Philistines ends with David in a pickle. Something will have to give; it is a no-win situation. He will either have to raise his hand against the Lord’s Anointed (something he has steadfastly refused to do) and against his own people, or his ruse will be rumbled and his true colours revealed. David’s time in the country of the Philistines leaves him in a dilemma; and I’ll say no more about it today, because the text doesn’t. The camera cuts abruptly to Saul, and we’re left wondering: “What on earth will David do?” David is in a fine mess of his own making and it is hard to see him getting out of it.

Do you see yourself in David? I see myself. Here is one under incredible stress – it’s hard to comprehend fully, and his thinking probably isn’t straight. Here is one disappearing due to doubt: doubting God’s protection, safekeeping, and security. We take matters into our own hands and place our trust somewhere else. We are driven to say, “There is nowhere better for me than to be in a place of disobedience.” Here is one dwelling in Doubtsville, remaining where he knows he shouldn’t be. How often we stay in some sin, refusing to trust God, our heart settled where it shouldn’t be – a season of life which turns out to be one long wobble of faith. Here is one deceiving, living a lie before everyone else, pretending everything is okay. It’s made life easier, but it’s not right. Here is one who is in a dilemma as a result. We’ve made a mess for ourselves; what on earth do we do now? I can think of times when I have gone to the country of the Philistines.

Questions

  1. When have you given in to doubt, disobedience and deceit and found yourself in a dilemma?

Prayer Points

  1. Thank God for his mercy to disobedience-prone doubters and deceivers.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.