1 Samuel 22 – 2018-11-20
- Journal
- Here are some tools to help you with the devotionals:
- Bible Text: 1 Samuel 22:17-23 (ESV)
17 And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord. 18 Then the king said to Doeg, “You turn and strike the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. 19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword.
20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. 21 And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. 22 And David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father’s house. 23 Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”
- Reflection & Application: 1 Samuel 22:17-19
- Contrast Doeg the Edomite with the king’s officials who “would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the LORD.” What kind of person was Doeg the Edomite?
- Reflect on the progression of Saul’s jealousy towards David and the destruction it produced.
1 Samuel 22:20-23
In this story, David models what is required in the face of evil. David takes responsibility for what has come to pass and moves on toward God’s future. The violence was Saul’s, but it is David who says, “I am responsible.” The priests of Nob are tragically gone, but Abiathar can be sheltered, and a different kingdom from Saul’s can be brought into being. [1]
- What can I learn about David from his response to Abiathar?
[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible Volume II. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1998). p.1149.
- Prayer