First Samuel

First Samuel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Twenty Three

 

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. DAVID DEFENDS KEILAH - (1-6)

II. DAVID PURSUED BY SAUL TO KEILAH AND TO THE WILDERNESS OF ZIPH - (7-15)
III. DAVID AND JONATHAN MEET AGAIN - (16-18)
IV. THE ZIPHITES CONSPIRE WITH SAUL AGAINST DAVID - (19-26)
V. THE PHILISTINES DIVERT SAUL - (27-29)

 

I. DAVID DEFENDS KEILAH - (1-6)

The initial description of the Ephod, Breastplate and the Urim and Thummim are found in (Ex. 28:6-35). The Breastplate (25:7; 28:15,22-26,29; Lev. 8) was not a piece of metal or leather as the breastplate of a soldier; rather, it was a pouch made out of fine linen as the ephod and girdle about nine inches square. The breastplate was adorned with four rows of precious stones, three stones in a row, set in golden settings. The Urim and Thummim (Ex. 28:30) are mentioned in (Lev. 8:8; Deut. 33:8; Num. 27:21; 1 Sam. 28:6; Ezra 2:63). They are evidently connected with some form of godly divination. The Urim and Thummim had a capability of answering questions. The Ephod was a vest which was worn over the robe. It was made of fine linen. From these biblical references (1 Sam. 2:18; 2:28; 14:3; 23:6,9; Hos. 3:4; 2 Sam. 6:14; Judg. 18:18,20), we notice that the Ephod became an object of worship since it was connected with the breastplate.

"David inquired of the Lord..." somehow God answered David through these various articles of the priestly apparel, it is not clear how, yet, it is clear that he did' (vss. 2,4,6,9).

Notice, that as David is running for his life from Saul, he has not lost the overall vision of God's plan for his people. David could have made his own personal welfare and well being his top priority in life, as so many people do. Nevertheless, David readjusts his itinerary so that he might once again engage Israel's perennial enemy in battle, the Philistines. A tremendous lesson is taught; never let the circumstances of the moment cloud your vision when it comes to seeing God's overall purpose and plan in your life.

In (vs. 3), David's 600, question the decision to go against the Philistines. David is very patient with his men, afterall they are not the cream of the crop, see (22:2). "Maybe you fellows have something there." So David goes to the Lord again to confirm his orders. Since David's motives are pure, God does not reprimand David for a lack of faith or disobedience.

 

II. SAUL PURSUES DAVID TO KEILAH AND TO THE WILDERNESS OF ZIPH - (7-15)

"And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand" (vs. 7). We have seen this perverted concept of God's providence and will demonstrated throughout hundreds of years of church history, men killing men "in the name of God." God gets blamed for an awful lot that He has no part in. This goes to prove to us (just to make life a little more difficult), that not everything that happens to us, appearing in the form of some advantage, is "of the Lord." The heart and motive of the individual is the determining factor, not the circumstances themselves.

In (vss. 9-15), we have a little study of the "sovereignty of God" and the "free will of man." David inquires of the Lord, "Will the men of Keilah deliver me up ... ? ... will Saul come down?" The Lord answers the question affirmatively, "He will come down ... they will deliver thee...." yet neither event takes place! This is not to say that God, was wrong, his is to say that there were qualifications that must have been met for these things to transpire. The key was "what would David do?" God knew what would happen in the event of any possible decision, yet, the men had the freedom to choose. God's decree, "He will come down," did not fix the events that followed.

The men of Keilah are "fair weather friends." Like 98% of the world's population, the men of Keilah are fickle. "What can you do for me today?" (see, vs. 21) is the criteria people use in choosing their friends.

The number of derelicts, discontents and social rejects has grown by 50% (22:2). There's never a shortage of the forsaken and forlorn on this earth.

 

III. DAVID AND JONATHAN MEET AGAIN - (16-18)

Every Christian needs a good friend in the Lord. One who can motivate and encourage him in the darkest of hours. All of us are conscious of our needs in this area, but how we overlook the fact that there are others who need us. We ought to be conscious of those in need, willing to lend a hand or a word of encouragement when needed. A note a kind word or gesture from one who cares, goes a long way when you find yourself at a point of depression. "Jonathan ... strengthened his hand in God." See (Judg. 20:22,23; 1 Sam. 30:6; 2 Chron. 35:2). Many of the Psalms are written during this period of David's life.

Note Jonathan's predictions of (vs. 17): "Saul won't find you," true; "thou shalt be king," true; "I shall be next to thee," wrong! Jonathan dies in chapter (31) "...They made a covenant before the Lord ... - (18:3; 20:16).

 

IV. THE ZIPHITES CONSPIRE WITH SAUL AGAINST DAVID - (19-26)

Saul blesses the Ziphites "in the name of the Lord" for their "compassion" on him. Note comments of (vs. 7). Notice the way Saul picks and chooses with whom he will fellowship. His decision is based on what they can do for him. Many Christians are so narrow minded that they believe that they are the only ones doing anything for God. Many Christians think that if you don't go to their college or belong to their fellowship, that you're an enemy of the cause of Christ. An individual ought to be respected on the basis of his own personal record, not on what he has done or could do for you.

Three "archaic" words are found in our context: haunt - a place to which one often resorts; an abode; resort; hence of animals, a den or lair. Subtly - shrewdly, cleverly, wisely. Lurking - to lie hidden as in an ambush; to lie in wait; to stay in or about a place secretly

The context of (vs. 23), at least concerning the motives of Saul, resembles Herod's dealings with the wise men when he attempted to locate the whereabouts of the new born King. "...And come ye again to me ... and I will go with you..."

The chase scene (26) has been reproduced in hundreds of TV programs and Hollywood films.

 

V. THE PHILISTINES DIVERT SAUL - (27-29)

Saul is a type or picture of the Anti-Christ. What takes place here in these verses is a picture of something that will take place in the tribulation with Israel. Check carefully the content and context of these other biblical passages. (Isa. 37:6-10; Dan. 11:44; Matt. 24:16). dust about the time Israel is to be captured, news from another battlefront draws the Anti-Christ away temporarily. Sela-hammahlekoth means "the rock of divisions."

"And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En-gedi." See: (Josh. 15:62; Eze. 47:10).

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