Day 6

A LESSON LEARNED

"I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women." 2 Sam. 1:26

Had David fought with Achish for the Philistines he would have found himself opposing not only the king whom he had refused to harm, but his covenant friend Jonathan. David must have trembled when he reflected on what he had been spared. Even his own men criticised his conduct and this rose to fever pitch when they returned to Ziklag to find that their families, animals and goods had vanished, taken captive by the Amalekites (1 Sam. 30:3,4,6).

This experience taught David a lesson he was never to forget. Immediately he sought God's advice (v7,8) fearing that this loss was a punishment for his recent behaviour. He was distraught and distressed by the reaction of his men but his words in Psalm 56 (from his experience with Achish at Gath) suggest that he was even more concerned about the response of his God.

God's response was positive (v8) as it always is when his child returns to him (Mal. 3:7 Luke 15:20). David pursued the kidnappers, and rescued all safe and sound. He also showed that he had learned diplomacy for what Nabal would not do for him (1 Sam 25) David did to all the various groups who supported him (1 Sam. 30:26-31). He also showed his qualities as a leader in his wise division of the plunder (v21-25). In both acts he no doubt smoothed his own path to the throne of Israel!

David's personal reaction to the disaster at Ziklag has a very poignant ring (1 Sam. 30:6). Could you or I react that way?