The Wilderness Years Series

December 03, 2022

The stories of the Wilderness Years cover 9 chapters in 1 Samuel. Here are the highlights.

After Jonathan and David parted, David fled to Nob, where the Tabernacle resided. He went to see Ahimelech, the high priest. Ahimelech was surprised to see David and asked why he was there. David lied, “The king has sent me on a secret mission,” then asked if Ahimelech had any food.

The only food available was the consecrated bread from the Tabernacle.

Ahimelech fed David and his men and gave David the sword of Goliath, which was being stored in the Tabernacle. Doeg, the Edomite, saw the whole thing…………. Next, David:

• Went to Achish, king of Gath – one of the 5 Philistine cities – for refuge, but was not welcomed, so pretended to be insane to escape.

• Began to collect men dissatisfied with Saul’s leadership.

• Took his family to the king of Moab to protect them from Saul.

• Returned to Judah at the insistence of Gad, the prophet.

Saul was at Gibeah. He accused the men of Benjamin of conspiring against him and siding with David, which, of course, they denied.

Doeg stepped up, “I saw the son of Jesse going to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he inquired of Yahweh for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” - 1 Samuel 22:9–10

Saul sent for Ahimelech and his family and accused them of conspiring against him.

Ahimelech: Isn’t David faithful to you, the captain of your guard and honored in your house? I have no idea what you are talking about!

Saul: You are lying! You and your entire family will die today!

None of Saul’s men were willing to kill the high priest and his family, but Doeg had no such scruples. He killed the 85 men who stood before Saul, but he didn’t stop there. He went to Nob and destroyed the entire city and everyone in it. Only Abiathar, one of Ahimelech’s sons, escaped and fled to David.

When David heard the story, he took full responsibility and invited Abiathar to join him, promising protection.

Meanwhile the Philistines attacked Keilah. David put the matter before Yahweh and was told to go up against the Philistines. His men were afraid, so David inquired again and was told the same thing – “Go to Keilah, I will deliver the Philistines into your hands.”

David obeyed ---- The Philistines were defeated ---- Keilah was saved.

Told of David’s victory, Saul gathered his army and headed for Keilah - intending to lay siege to the city.

When David learned that Saul was on his way, he sought guidance from Yahweh. As a result, David and his men were already in the wilderness of Ziph by the time Saul arrived at Keilah. Saul went home and David remained in Ziph.

The Ziphites decided it was in their best interest to turn David over to Saul. With their intel in hand, Saul went in hot pursuit of David until a messenger came with word that the Philistines were raiding in Israel. Saul called off his search and returned home. David went to the strongholds En Gedi.

When word came that David was in the Wilderness of En Gedi, Saul took his 3,000 men and went on the hunt once again.

On the way, Saul took the opportunity to relieve himself in a cave. David and his men were hiding in the same cave. (See Ps 57 & 142)

David’s men suggested this was a great time to get rid of Saul, “Clearly Yahweh has given him into your hand,” so David snuck over and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe, but felt immediate guilt for “Raising his hand against Yahweh’s anointed,” and forbade his men from doing anything further. Saul left the cave – knowing nothing of what had just transpired – and went on his way. David went to the mouth of the cave and called after Saul:

David: Your majesty! Why do you listen to people who say I am trying to kill you? I could have killed you just now while you were in the cave, but I didn’t! See father, I have a piece of your robe!

Saul: Is that you David, my son? You are more righteous than I am because you have dealt well with me even though I’ve been trying to kill you. Now I know that you will be king and the kingdom of Israel will be established through you.

Saul went home but David returned to the strongholds in the wilderness.

An aside ---- Samuel dies – all Israel mourns his death – he is buried at his house in Ramah.

Chapter 25:2-43 is the story of David, Nabal and Abigail. Here are the resulting consequences of that story: Nabal dropped dead and David married Abigail. He now has 2 wives: Abigail and Ahinoam {Michal was given to Palti after David escaped into the wilderness}.