#439 Relieved of Iniquity

The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. 2 As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish. 3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?”

Achish replied, “Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.”

4 But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men? 5 Isn’t this the David they sang about in their dances:

“‘Saul has slain his thousands,

and David his tens of thousands’?”

6 So Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you. 7 Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.”

8 “But what have I done?” asked David. “What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

9 Achish answered, “I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go up with us into battle.’ 10 Now get up early, along with your master’s servants who have come with you, and leave in the morning as soon as it is light.”

11 So David and his men got up early in the morning to go back to the land of the Philistines, and the Philistines went up to Jezreel. 1 Samuel 29 NIV

What about these Hebrews? Surely you are not going to ride into battle against Israel with the one of whom they sing, "Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands?" Apparently he would, for he has found no wrong in him. He does not realize the lie that David used to ease him, and to build his reputation to the king. He knows of David's strength, his friendship and wisdom. The Philistines raise a good point though, and the king listens, maybe not for the sake of hidden doubt or maybe so, but maybe just to quiet their spirits forward into battle. Otherwise they will be distracted by what is behind them. David argues it, but he has left Israel, he has developed this union and not all by way of merit or honest conversation. He has to be somewhat relieved, that he will not have to live out his vane deceits, nor stand against the place of his anointing. Yet he argues it and in a flowery sort of manner that kings do often, to their discredit, enjoy. He fishes out some wonderful complements from the king as well. It is good for the world to have nothing to say against you, so that you represent the true God in a manner fitting His holiness and glory, but if the choice is to please God or men then I pray He provides the way of escape. The temptation is huge when you stand before men of power, to gain their affection that it may in turn help your cause, but are you telling the truth? Are you setting aside what God has said in order to please the king? I myself have come to feel somewhat sorry for the kings. Where does the king find a true friend? David is probably the closest thing Achish has known, Saul too, but he despised it. I would hate to know that someone did something just because I said it without any regard to whether it was right or wrong. This seems a lonely place, Saul as a foolish tyrant, Achish as a king torn between loyalties. Let's take a break and go to war.

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10: 11-14