Topical Encyclopedia David, the second king of Israel and a central figure in the Old Testament, is often remembered for his time as a fugitive. His flight from King Saul is a significant period in his life, marked by trials, divine intervention, and the development of his leadership and faith.Background David was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel while Saul was still reigning (1 Samuel 16:1-13). His early rise to fame came after he defeated Goliath, the Philistine giant, which led to his becoming a favored figure in Israel (1 Samuel 17). However, Saul's jealousy of David's growing popularity and success led to a deep-seated enmity, causing Saul to seek David's life. David's Flight from Saul David's life as a fugitive began when Saul's attempts to kill him became overt. After Jonathan, Saul's son and David's close friend, warned him of Saul's intentions, David fled from Saul's court (1 Samuel 20:1-42). This marked the beginning of a period where David lived as a fugitive, constantly on the move to evade Saul's pursuit. David's flight took him to various locations, including Nob, where he received provisions and the sword of Goliath from Ahimelech the priest (1 Samuel 21:1-9). He then sought refuge in Gath, a Philistine city, but had to feign madness to escape suspicion (1 Samuel 21:10-15). The Wilderness Years David's time in the wilderness was characterized by a series of close encounters with Saul. He gathered a group of followers, described as "everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented" (1 Samuel 22:2). This group became the nucleus of his future army. During this period, David demonstrated his respect for God's anointed king by sparing Saul's life on multiple occasions. In the wilderness of En Gedi, David had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose instead to cut off a corner of Saul's robe, proving his loyalty and restraint (1 Samuel 24:1-22). Similarly, in the wilderness of Ziph, David infiltrated Saul's camp and took Saul's spear and water jug, again sparing his life (1 Samuel 26:1-25). Divine Protection and Guidance Throughout his time as a fugitive, David experienced God's protection and guidance. The Lord provided for David and his men, as seen when Abigail, the wife of Nabal, brought provisions and wisdom, preventing David from taking vengeance into his own hands (1 Samuel 25:1-35). David also sought the Lord's guidance through the ephod, a priestly garment used for divination, which helped him make strategic decisions (1 Samuel 23:9-12). Refuge Among the Philistines In a strategic move to escape Saul's relentless pursuit, David sought refuge with Achish, the king of Gath, and was granted the town of Ziklag (1 Samuel 27:1-7). During his time with the Philistines, David maintained his loyalty to Israel by conducting raids against Israel's enemies while deceiving Achish about his true activities (1 Samuel 27:8-12). Return to Israel David's time as a fugitive ended with the death of Saul and his sons in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:1-6). Following Saul's death, David inquired of the Lord and was directed to return to Hebron, where he was anointed king over the tribe of Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-4). David's years as a fugitive were formative, shaping him into a leader who relied on God's guidance and demonstrated mercy and integrity. His experiences during this time are chronicled in the Psalms, where he often expressed his trust in God's deliverance and justice. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 21:10And David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. Nave's Topical Index Library David's Hymn of victory How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ... Barzillai The Exile Continued. The Nations of the South-East Matt. xxii. 34-36. The Nations of the North-East The King. Works which Hallow the Sabbath The King --Continued. Resources What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God judge Edom so harshly in the book of Obadiah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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