David flees to Nob and Gath

1 Samuel Chapter 21

Escaping from king Saul, David went to Nob to see Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech was frightened to see him there alone without Saul's army. But David explained he was there on a private matter and no one should know he was there. David asked for bread for his men who would meet him later, but the priest said all he had was the holy bread which he could have if his men had not slept with any women recently. David assured him that he never allowed his men to be with women when they were on a campaign.

So since there was no other food available, the priest gave David the holy bread-the Bread of the Presence- that was placed before the Lord in the Tabernacle. And Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman was there that day for ceremonial purification.

David asked Ahimelech if he had a spear or sword. He told him that he had left in such a hurry, he had not time to grab a weapon. Ahimelch told him the only sword he had was the one belonging to Goliath the Philistine whom David had killed. David took the sword and went to King Achish of Gath. But Achish's officers were unhappy about David being there because they said that this was the same David whom people honored with dances and singing and whom had killed more than king Saul.

David heard the comments of the officers and was afraid of what King Achism might do to him, so he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard. Finally the king told his men that he thought David was a madman and did not want him as his guest.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Ahimelech may have been the Ahijah mentioned in chapter 14 or he may have been Ahijah's successor. Ahimelech had to go against the law to give holy bread to David because it was only supposed to be eaten by the priests. But Ahimelech put David's need and life ahead of religious ceremony and fed him holy food. This upheld a higher law of love (Leviticus 19:18). Centuries later Jesus would refer to this incident to show that God's laws should not be applied without compassion.

David lied to protect himself from Saul. Nowhere is David's lie excused or condoned.In fact, his lie will lead to tragedyin coming chapters. Lying is serious in God's sight and leads to consequences.

The Bread of the Presence was a freshly baked loaf replace done a week and symbolized God's presence among his people as well as his loving care that met their physical needs.

Why did the Philistines accept their archenemy into their camp? At first, they welcomed a defector, but soon got nervous about David's fame. David protected himself by acting insane, because mentally unstable people were not harmed.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? It teaches us that even today, God does not accept lying. It is a sin. No amount of fancy excuses or words can take away the fact that lying is a sin. And sooner or later we have to pay consequences. Even the man who would be king of Israel had to pay consequences.

God did not want David to pay for the act of protecting himself by pretending to be insane. His act harmed nobody and kept him alive to be future king of Israel. This was an act of self-preservation. How would you react to protect yourself?

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family and my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, is now able to speak and is working on rehab for paralysis. Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: A photo of her shows a chubby, alert baby who is breathing on her own. Her eyesight problems seem to be no longer a problem. But she must learn to eat and drink normally. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. Update on Mark: He has some paralysis on one side from the stroke, his eyesight has been impaired too. But he has gone home and his wife cares for him. Soon he will begin therapy. Continue to pray for his healing. Pray also for my aged friend Elaine who underwent surgery and is home healing slowly. Update on Craig: he ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.