1 Samuel 26: 1-5…..Back on the chase!

Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road on the east of Jeshimon. But David remained in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, David sent out spies and learned that Saul had indeed come. Then David rose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him.

Comment: There were no ankle bracelets nor GPS ‘thing-a-me-bobs’ in those days but there were plenty who wanted to curry favour with King Saul. So the king gets an accurate description of where to find the one, whom he had previously spoken kindly towards at their last tete-a-tete. (1Sam 24 v 16-19). David hears about the presence of Saul and his 3,000 strong contingent in the area and uses his corps of spies to find out exactly where Saul is encamped. Maybe remembering how David had previously got near enough to cut off a bit of his coat, Saul is set up in the middle with his commander-in-chief next to him, surrounded by an encircling body guard of 3,000 men. David from his vantage point can see the set-up and you wonder what possibilities passed though his mind. Was he annoyed with himself for not killing his enemy previously? Will he stick with his previous statement that he would not kill the God-appointed King until God disposes of him?

Prayer: In disturbing situations help me to turn to You, my Father, rather than turning to fear and inappropriate action!