Recover All – Lessons From Ziklag Series

RECOVER ALL – LESSONS FROM ZIKLAG

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 27-30

Supporting Texts: Joel 2:25-27, Isaiah 61:7, Romans 8:28, Psalm 126:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

INTRODUCTION:

Ziklag represents a place of in-between—a transitional space between prophecy and fulfilment, battles and breakthroughs. For David, Ziklag became both a place of refuge and a place of pain. He sought safety among the Philistines when running from Saul, but soon found himself living in enemy territory and facing the consequences of difficult decisions.

In these chapters, David is tested not only by external enemies but by deep personal loss. Ziklag is raided, his family is taken, and his men—once loyal—speak of stoning him. Yet, in this low place, David finds strength in the Lord and receives a divine instruction: “Pursue, overtake, and recover all.” What the enemy meant for evil, God used for elevation.

These chapters offer powerful lessons on leadership under pressure, seeking divine guidance in crisis, and recovering what the enemy has stolen. Ziklag teaches us that even in devastation, there is a divine strategy to rise, recover, and reign.

1. COMPROMISE MAY PROVIDE RELIEF BUT COMES WITH RISKS

David’s stay in Philistine territory brought short-term safety but long-term complications.

a) David Sought Refuge with King Achish of Gath (1 Samuel 27:1-2)

Fear led David to a place of compromise. Instead of trusting God, he leaned on the enemy’s territory.

b) He Was Given Ziklag to Dwell In (1 Samuel 27:6)

Though it looked like favour, it tied him to the Philistines' politics and battles.

c) David Lived a Double Life—Raiding Enemies but Reporting Otherwise (1 Samuel 27:8-10)

He walked a dangerous path between deception and survival. Compromise always brings confusion.

d) Achish Trusted David and Planned to Take Him to Battle Against Israel (1 Samuel 28:1-2)

David’s allegiance was being tested. He was close to fighting against his own people.

Biblical Example: Lot chose the well-watered plains of Sodom for comfort, but it led to great loss (Genesis 13:10-11; 19:15-17).

2. IN MOMENTS OF LOSS, TRUE LEADERS LOOK TO GOD FIRST

When Ziklag was burned and all was lost, David didn’t act rashly—he sought God.

a) The Amalekites Invaded Ziklag and Took Everything (1 Samuel 30:1-2)

They attacked in David’s absence, burning the city and capturing the women and children.

b) David and His Men Wept Until They Had No More Strength (1 Samuel 30:4)

Even great men are broken sometimes. But brokenness must lead to God, not bitterness.

c) His Men Turned Against Him and Talked of Stoning Him (1 Samuel 30:6)

Leadership becomes lonely when followers blame you for their pain.

d) David Encouraged Himself in the Lord His God (1 Samuel 30:6)

This was the turning point. He looked upward, not inward, for strength.

Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat faced national disaster but “set himself to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3).

3. DIVINE STRATEGY COMES FROM DIVINE CONSULTATION

David did not move by emotion—he waited for God’s word before taking action.

a) David Asked Abiathar the Priest to Bring the Ephod (1 Samuel 30:7)

When you need direction, go to God’s presence first—not people.

b) He Inquired of the Lord, “Shall I Pursue?” (1 Samuel 30:8)

Even though it seemed obvious, he asked. Wise leaders confirm God's will.

c) God Gave a Clear Answer: “Pursue, for You Shall Recover All” (1 Samuel 30:8)

Clarity came when David humbled himself. God always honours those who seek His face.

d) Obedience to God's voice became the foundation for total recovery

What emotion may have cost him, direction from God preserved.

Biblical Example: Moses never moved the camp without consulting the Lord. God’s presence guided every step (Exodus 33:14-15).

4. DESTINY HELPERS APPEAR ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

On the way to reclaiming what was lost, God arranged an unexpected encounter.

a) They Found an Abandoned Egyptian Servant of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:11-13)

This seemingly insignificant man held the key to their victory.

b) David Fed Him and Treated Him Kindly (1 Samuel 30:11-12)

Compassion opened doors. Kindness to the forgotten can unlock hidden paths.

c) The Man Led David Straight to the Enemy’s Camp (1 Samuel 30:15)

What no spy could discover, a stranger revealed. God will use the weak to confound the wise.

d) The Enemy Was Scattered and Vulnerable (1 Samuel 30:16)

God had already weakened the opposition before David arrived.

Biblical Example: Naaman’s healing came through a young slave girl who pointed him to the prophet (2 Kings 5:2-3).

5. GOD IS A RESTORER—HE NEVER ALLOWS LOSS TO BE THE FINAL STORY

God empowered David to recover more than he lost. He came back stronger than he left.

a) David Recovered Everything the Amalekites Had Taken (1 Samuel 30:18-19)

Not one wife, child, or possession was missing. Full recovery is possible with God.