Text: 1 Samuel 29:1-11
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” —Psalm 37:23 ESV
In 1 Samuel 29, David looks to be in the wrong uniform, representing the wrong team, and seemingly on the wrong side of the battle. He is about to fight against Israel instead of fighting for the people he had been anointed to serve as king.
David is serving Achish, the Philistine monarch of Gath. Remember, it was the Philistine adversary, Goliath, whom David slew after the prophet Samuel had anointed young David to become king over Israel. Even though David had been commissioned for a particular position as ruler in Israel, it took him over fifteen years to get to the actual coronation of that office. What happened in the meantime?
Saul, Israel’s king at the time, tried to kill David in fits of jealousy and rage. After being rejected and banished by Saul, David found himself on the run, in the wilderness, and eventually in the camp of the Philistines—Israel’s archrivals. He serves the Philistine king faithfully, only to be rejected again.
David is so loyal to people and respectful of leaders that it may come across as a fault. When God delivers Saul into his hand, David spares his life knowing that if given the chance, Saul would kill him in an instant. Now David is giving his allegiance to the Philistine monarch—ready to take up his sword against Israel if duty calls. Although Achish of Gath trusts in David’s fidelity, the other Philistine commanders are suspicious of him, and they insist that David and his warriors be sent home. In God’s providence, David is thus spared the occasion to shed Israelite blood. Nevertheless Achish gives him words of commendation:
“As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you… I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’” (1 Samuel 29:6-9)
One of the things I have learned in nearly 30 years of ministry is that divine redirections should never be taken as personal rejections.
Because David has God’s affairs at the center of his agenda rather than personal gains, he doesn’t take things too personally. He understands that closed doors translate into redirections with purpose when you keep your heart tuned to God. Though he continues to give his fidelity to leaders who repeatedly reject him, he doesn’t become bitter. The closed doors, the cold shoulders of those lords and commanders, the dismissals by the powers that be—they are all serving God’s agenda to ultimately position David where God needs him most.
Despite the disapproval he faced, the Lord established David’s steps as he eventually became king over Israel in Hebron for seven years, and then his throne was moved to Jerusalem for another 33 years. God advanced His kingdom through His servant David as he gave himself over to Godly pursuits rather than personal ambition. Where personal ambition is your goal, rejection will leave a bitter sting. Where God’s enterprise and His glory is your goal, man’s rejection will always be embraced as divine redirection into greater purpose. Think about that as you seek to abide in Him this week.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for establishing my steps. Help me to keep my heart pure from self-serving agendas and to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness in the land that I live. I trust that you will always direct my paths, closing doors that are fruitless and opening doors that are fruitful to your glory. I praise you for your goodness and providence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions for Reflection, Small Group or Family Discussion:
- If you were a military commander, what qualities would you look for in an ally?
- When have you seen God close one door so that He can open another?
- What was the fear of the other commanders about David’s presence at the front? (1 Samuel 29:4-5)
- How did David respond to Achish’s request that he leave the battlefront?
- How is it possible to see God’s providence at work when others reject us?
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