Again, the king acknowledged: “I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will harm you no more, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed, I have played the fool and erred exceedingly.”
David answered, “Here is the king’s spear. Let one of the young men come over and get it” Although Saul had made the promise, “I will harm you no more,” David did not place himself in his grasp.
Saul exclaimed as they parted, “May you be blessed, my son David! You shall both do great things and also still prevail.” But the son of Jesse had no hope that the king would continue thinking this way for very long.
David felt hopeless that there would ever be a reconciliation with Saul. It seemed that he would finally fall victim to the hatred of the king. With the six hundred men under his command, he went over to Achish, the king of Gath.
David’s conclusion that Saul would accomplish his murderous intent was formed without the counsel of God. Even while Saul was plotting his destruction, the Lord was working to obtain the kingdom for David. Looking at appearances, people interpret the trials and tests that God permits as things that will only bring their ruin. David looked on appearances and not at the promises of God. He doubted that he would ever come to the throne. Long trials had worn down his faith and exhausted his patience.
The Lord did not send David to the Philistines, the most bitter foes of Israel, for protection. Yet, having lost all confidence in Saul and in those who served him, David threw himself on the mercies of his people’s enemies. God had appointed him to set up his kingdom in the land of Judah, and it was lack of faith that led him to run away from his duty.
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