David the Refugee: Episode #3 David in Full Flight in the South
I Samuel 21-22/ Psalm 34;52; 142
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OUTLINE I. David flees to NobI Samuel 21:1-9 II. David flees to
Gath-I Samuel 21:10-15 III. Wise counsel for the poor of heartPs 34
A. Thanksgiving for Gods goodness and justice (vv. 1-7) B. In
praise of wisdom (vv. 9-22)
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IV. David at the cave of Adullam (I Samuel 22:1-23) A. David
wanders in the south (vv. 1-5) B. Slaughter of the priests of Nob
(vv. 6-23) V. Psalm 52David Responds to Treachery A. The Folly of
Evil/David Accuses Doeg (vv. 1-4) B. Gods Complete Judgment/David
Foretells Judgment (v. 5) B. Wisdom Derived from Gods Judgment (vv.
6-7) C. The Blessing of Righteousness (vv. 8-9)
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VI. Psalm 142-David Prays in the Cave of Adullam A. Lament (vv.
1-2) B. Loneliness in suffering (vv. 3-7a) C. Public thanksgiving
(v. 7b)
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Chapters 21 and 22 of I Samuel essentially form one literary
unit w/ three sections: -First and third section concern events at
Nob in Benjamin. (21:1-9 and 22:6-23) -Sandwiched between we see
Davids flight to Gath, then Adullam in Judah, and Mizpah in Moab.
The events in these two chapters are later than those in 19- 20,
since by then David has gathered a sizeable body of men around
himself and become their leader. (Or, in chapter 21, Ahimelech
assumes that David is still a leader in Sauls army,---SCB).
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I. David at Nob vv. 1-9 A. David is fleeing from Saul and needs
help, so he stops at Nob. 1. about 2 miles south of Gibeah of Saul
and 1 miles northeast of Jerusalem. 2. Notethis is in the tribe of
Benjamin-Sauls tribe. 3. It may have been a tabernacle site at one
time. Site of a large contingent of priests.
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B. David approaches Ahimelech, apparently one of the prominent
priests at the site. (v. 2) 1. Ahimelech trembles (v. 1) -Davids
reputation? -Davids authority? 2. Ahimelech asks two questions that
sound the same, but David answers them separately (v. 2).
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Ahimelech: Why are you alone? David: I am on a secret mission
for the king. No one is to know about it. (One commentator suggests
that the term king is meant by the narrator to mean the Lord.
Ahimelech means The King [God] is My Brother. So this is a
wordplay). Ahimelech: Why is no one with you? David: My men are to
meet me at a certain place. Certain place is a rare idiomatic
expression used when one either does not know a person or place or
is deliberately trying to conceal it from the hearer. I.e. such and
such
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C. In v. 3 and 8 David now has two questions for Ahimelech. 1.
Both questions use a rare idiom what do you have under your
hand/control. 2. In v. 3 David asks for provisionsGive me five
loves of bread, or whatever you can find Ahimelech must have
wondered Only 5 loaves? Thats not very much for a group of men.
Whats really going on here. Is David making up the story from whole
cloth to protect Ahimelech from accusations of complicity?
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3. Ahimelech answers I dont have ordinary bread, but I do have
consecrated bread. But under Levitical law your men must be
ceremonially clean to eat it. (Exodus 19:14-15). Have they had
sexual relations with women? David: Whenever we are on a mission, I
keep my men from women. Doesnt matter if it is a holy mission or
just a military mission. How much more so today! (v. 5). (See
Uriah). -ImpliedOh, this is a very serious mission the king has
sent me on. Again, protecting Ahimelech. Remember, David is prudent
in speech.
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4. Satisfied with the answer, Ahimelech gives David the bread,
which normally would have been reserved for consumption by the
priests and their families. It was to be eaten in a holy place.
(Leviticus 24:9). This begs the question, If only the priests and
their families are to consume this bread, how can Ahimelech give it
to David in good conscience? Answer: Ahimelech knew the purpose of
the law was not merely as evidence of ceremonial obedience.
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-Ahimelech rightly understood that the Sabbath is made for man,
not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27), and that it is always lawful
to do good on the Sabbath (Mark 3:4). -Ahimelech understood that
human needs take priority over ceremonial law in Gods eyes. (F.F.
Bruce, The Hard Sayings of Jesus, Downers Grove: Intervarsity
Press, 1983). -It may be that the incident recorded here took place
on a Sabbath day since there is a fresh supply of hot bread to
replace what Ahimelech gives to David. According to the procedure
set forth in Leviticus 24:5-9, the high priest is to arrange holy
bread before the Lord regularly.
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5. Lurking in the shadows is Doeg the Edomite. -mercenary
working for Saul as a result of his wars against Edom (I Samuel
14:47)? Now Sauls head shepherd. -detained before the Lord probably
means for a ceremonial reason. Was he a proselyte to Judaism? 6.
Having asked for bread, David now inquires about a weapon. (v. 8).
Ahimelech supplies Goliaths sword. The only one here. One
commentator suggests that this speaks to the transfer of royal
power for Saul to David. (v. 9)
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II. David flees to Gathvv. 10-15 A. In the second half of the
ninth century B.C.E., Gath was the largest of the five cities of
the Philistines and perhaps the largest city in the Land of Israel
during the Iron Age.
http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-
artifacts/artifacts-and-the-bible/where-did-the-
philistines-come-from/ 1. In 2011 archeologists uncovered a two-
horned altar in Gath which may point to the origins of the
Philistines.
http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-
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2. The fact that the Tell es-Safi/Gath horned altar has only
two horns may have to do with the cultural origins of the
Philistines. The very motif of the horned altar in the Levant may
have been influenced by earlier Minoan horns of consecration,
symbolic representations of the horns of the sacred bull in Minoan
culture. In fact, there is an altar from the Late Bronze Age site
in Cyprus that also has only two horns. The unique horned altar
from Tell es-Safi/Gath, the earliest stone altar ever found from
the land of the Philistines, may be another indication of the
Aegean influences on early Philistine culture and quite possibly a
hint to their origins.
http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-
artifacts/artifacts-and-the-bible/where-did-the-philistines-come-
from/
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3. You say, Brown, why do I care about dusty old ruins and the
origins of the Philistines? I thought this was a Bible study, not
archaeology! Cultural contextIt helps us understand the clash of
cultures that existed between the Philistines and the Israelites.
-monotheism v. pagan polytheism -city-dwellers/sea-farers and
commerce v. farmers and shepherds in Shephelah -advanced
technologically/economically v. agragrarian/cosmopolitan v.
rural
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B. David leaves Nob (That day v. 10) with the sword of Goliath
and went to Gath. 1. Irony-Goliaths home town (17:4) 2. Why?
Employment as a mercenary? 3. The king of Gath was Achish who
probably ruled Gath for over 40 years. In Psalm 34 he is referred
to as Abimelech, which is probably a royal or dynastic title, i.e.
Henry Tudor or Richard Plantagenet. 4. Acishs advisors are wary (v.
11), remembering the song about David.
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Note-king of the land is probably a term intended to belittle,
and reflects on the political situation in Israel from an outsiders
view point. -He is one of a number of local leaders/rulers. He is a
local warlord. But what is he doing here of all places! -the
Philistines do not see the Israelites as a united threat at this
point. They still see Israel in a tribal context.
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5. Obviously, David is conspicuous. He killed the Philistine
champion and is now walking directly into one of their capitol
cities. -this is either extreme chutzpah or extreme desperation. 6.
In order to escape danger, David feigns insanity, scratching on the
gates of the city, foaming at the mouth, saliva dribbling into his
beardnot a picture of a future king. David controls madness; Saul
is controlled by madness. 7. Comic relief, v. 14Achish yells Dont I
have enough crazy men here already! Why are you bringing me another
one!
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8. This is how low David has sunk. Even Israels sworn enemies
dont want him around! He gets thrown out on his ear. My guess is
they roughed him up a little on the way out the gatekicking,
punching, etc. God has pulled the last crutch-self-respect-out from
under David. -Position and prominence -wife -friend (Jonathon)
-counselor (Samuel) David is starting to look a lot like Job.
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TAKEAWAYS 1. Why is God removing Davids crutches? To force him
to rely on God only and not be dependent on the crutches. 2.
Crutches can become substitutes for God. God will strengthen us and
hold us up, we are not to be anxious and fear (Isaiah 41:10). If we
are leaning on something or someone other than God, we are not
leaning on Him. 3. Crutches keep our focus horizontal rather than
vertical. Human crutches paralyze the walk of faith.
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4. Crutches offer only temporary relief. God offers permanent
solutions. Our woes began when God was forced out of His central
shrine and things were allowed to enter.... There is within the
human heart a tough, fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to
possess, always to possess..... The pronouns my and mine look
innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is
significant. They express the real nature of the old Adamic man
better than a thousand volumes of theology could do.... The ancient
curse will not go out painlessly; the tough old miser within us
will not lie down and die obedient to our command. He must be torn
out of our heart like a plant from the soil.... A. W. Tozer, The
Blessedness of Possessing Nothing (Do we pray Lord, pull out the
weeds from my heart so you may be at the center?)
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Examplethistles and their roots in the garden. III. Psalm
34Interior view, reflective thinking A. This psalm is David looking
back on his experience in Gath. It demonstrates the wisdom that
David gained from the experience. 1. David recognizes that God
removed the crutches for a reason. 2. How long after the experience
was this written? How long did David reflect?
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B. Individual and communal praise (vv. 1-3) 1. Notice that
David boasts in what the Lord has done rather than pointing out his
own achievements. (my soul makes its boast in the Lord) 2. The
praise of God is continual (His praise shall be continually in my
mouth) and God-centered, the product of a grateful heart. -the
crutches and weeds have been removed from Davids heart, the work
has been done. 3. Davids response to his adversity and deliverance
is to encourage the afflicted and rejoice in the Lord.
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TAKEAWAYS -David understands that one of the reasons for our
testing and suffering is so that we can encourage others in their
times of testing and suffering. Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all
comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be
able to comfort those who are in affliction, with the comfort with
which we ourselves are comforted by God. II Corinthians 1:3-4 -The
purpose of praise is not to makes Gods people feel good, but to
acknowledge in a communal way the greatness of our God. VanGemeren,
The Expositors Bible Commentary.
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C. Individual and Communal Experiences (vv. 4-7) 1. David
understands that a wise teacher shares from their own experiences.
-David knows fear, having experienced it first-hand (v. 4) -David
has also seen how Gods people radiate confidence and joy. (v. 5)
(Do we radiate so that others can see?) -this confidence is like a
bright light, driving out fear.
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2. In v. 6, do you suppose David is pointing at someone in the
congregation when he says this poor man (or, humble man)pointing to
the experience of another. Or, is this pointing the finger at
himself, saying this poor man? -Are there amens! from the
congregation as David shares and others remember? -Either way, the
idea is the same. Shared experience is a teacher. 3. David moves
from the specific to the general in v. 7the angel of the Lord
protects those who fear [reverence, not dread] him
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D. In Praise of Wisdom-Exhortation to Wisdom (vv. 8-14) 1. Here
we see that we cannot experience Gods goodness w/o an accompanying
godliness (blessed). 2. Three imperativestaste, see and fear -How
do we taste Gods goodness? By taking refuge in him (v. 8).
refuge=submitting our way of life to Him. Result-we are
blessed
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3. So, David has learned the lessons of having his crutches
removedhe takes refuge in God alone, not anything else, and he sees
that as a result he is blessed. 4. Those who fear God are blessed
because they will lack nothing (v. 10), unlike the young lions, a
metaphor for the rich or the strong who rely on their riches and
strength. -young lions are frequently hungry. -encouragement to
seek the Lord, He provides for all our needs.
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5. In vv. 11-14 we see an address to younger members of the
community w/ 3 lessons. children=students a. First-I will teach you
the fear of the Lord=submission b. Second-v. 13, fear of the Lord
is expressed by obedience. -integrity of language -honesty -seek
peace c. Third-the reward for submission comes in this life, for
those who seek him. (v.12,15-16) -see many good days-God is
good
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E. In Praise of Wisdomthe Rewards of Wisdom (vv. 15-22) 1. The
list of rewards for fearing the Lord, or submitting to him,
continues: -God looks on those who fear him w/ favor (v. 15) -God
protects (v. 20) and cares for those who fear him (v. 15)notice
they still have troubles (v. 19) -God hears the prayers of those
who fear him (v. 15, 17) and delivers them from trouble (vv.
18-19). -God comforts the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. (v.
18) in ways the world cannot understand (Philippians 4:7)
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NoteThose who fear God are not free from troubles, they do not
escape trouble, but they are not overcome by trouble. Therefore,
they do not need to be afraid of trouble, because they are not
alone. (David now realizes he was not alone next to the rock
waiting for Jonathon, or in the city of Gath). Protection of the
bones is a metaphor for Gods care. 2. Conversely, the wicked will
be overcome by their evil (v. 21), and they will perish. But, the
godly find God faithful and will not perish (v. 22)
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TAKEAWAYS 1. The fear of the Lord does not insure a
trouble-free life. David missed out on the message of the
prosperity gospel somehow. He knew trouble. He also knew that
fearing the Lord means we dont fear trouble, because we know that
God is in control of the trouble. Romans 8:28 2. Those who fear the
Lord are fully aware of their own self- limitations. Why? Because
God has used their circumstances to force them to rely on Him.
David had no one else to turn to after he left Gath. He has hit
rock bottom. Psalm 34 shows us that David learned the lessons of
relying on God that Saul had never learned.
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IV. David in the cave of Adullam (I Samuel 22:1-23) A.
Wandering in the south. (vv. 1-5). David has now bottomed outno
security, no food, no one to talk to, no promise to cling to, no
hope. 1. He leaves Gath and escapes, presumably from Saul, to a
cave in Adullam. It was in the western foothills of Judah, about 10
miles SE of Gath. 2. Davids family joins him in the cave, probably
out of fear of reprisals by Saul if they remain in Bethlehem. (v.
1) -Can you imagine the guilt David feels?
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3. What do you think David thought about this? -Did he want his
family there with him? -Would he rather just have them leave him
alone? Is he at a point in life where he would rather have no
others around? -Ever been there? You dont want to admit it
publicly, and you usually dont. -Yes, Im here in the cave, now
leave me alone! -Im not worth anything to myself....or you!
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3. Remember, not too long before Davids family didnt think too
highly of him. -He was an afterthought for Jesse when parading his
sons before Samuel. -Eliab at ElahWhy have you come down here in
the first place. I know you are just trying to get some undeserved
credit for the battle! David probably didnt want his family there,
but they came anyway. God brought them along and they crawled into
the cave with David.
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4. But, Davids family arent the only ones who join him. (v. 2)
a. Not clear who came first family or malcontents. b. everyone who
was in distress- zuk=under pressure/under stress c. everyone who
was in debt-probably poor tenant farmers. Nashah= to have a number
of creditors, at interest. So, deeply in debt. d. everyone who was
bitter in soulas a result of an injustice/wronged (by Saul the king
as Samuel had warned?)
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Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over
poor people. A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. Proverbs
28:15-16. A description of Saul? Look at how he treats David, who
is one of his most devoted servants. How did he treat everyone
else? We are going to see later.
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So, every malcontent in the area is coming to join you. Great.
I just want to be left alone. This bunch cant get along with
anyone. -They are angry. -They are depressed. -They feel
victimized. -They feel marginalized. -They dont want to be around
people. -They have given up hope. -They are unmotivated. -Some are
wallowing in self-pity -Some may even be sociopathic WHAT A GREAT
LABORATORY IN WHICH TO LEARN LEADERSHIP SKILLS! If David can lead
this bunch, he can lead anyone!
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d. What was it like leading this bunch? David gives us some
idea in Psalm 57, which was written when David was in the cave. Be
merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes
refuge; in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge till the
storms of destruction pass by (v. 1) My soul is in the midst of
lions I lie down amid fiery beasts- the children of men whose teeth
are spears and arrows whose tongues are sharp swords. (v. 4)
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This sounds as though it was written when the strangers began
to crowd into the cave. If youve ever worked with malcontents, you
know thats true. They are a thankless, coarse, thoughtless body of
people, so overwhelmed with their own needs they dont pay attention
to anyone elses. Swindoll. So, how does David pray to God Be
exalted above the heavens, O God... My heart is steadfast, O God my
heart is steadfast... I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!... Be
exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Thy glory be above all the
earth!
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We will see that in Psalm 142 David will say, Im in the cave,
Im at the end, theres no one on the right hand or left hand. I have
no one who caresI am at the end of myself. And then he turns,
crying out a declaration of dependence. -Be gracious to me God -Im
stretched, Im pulled beyond my limits -You are the only one who can
meet my needs! David is learning the lesson God has for him. Saul
was self- dependent. David is learning to be God-dependent.
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5. Did the leadership workshop pay off? Apparently. These men
will become the core of Davids mighty men of valor. They will
become his inner circle of counselors. -He must have instilled in
them a sense of discipline, character, purpose, teamwork, and
direction. 6. Once his situation has stabilized, David takes his
family to Mizpah in Moab. (v. 3-4) -We dont really know where
Mizpah was, but it means watchtower or place that overlooks.
Probably in the plateau east of the Dead Sea. Well to the SE of
Gibeah, across Dead sea.
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7. Why Moab? They were related. -Remember, Ruth the Moabitess
was his great- grandmother. -David is following the ancient
practice of protecting ones family unit (Genesis 14; Joshua 2:13,
18; 6:23) and also adhering to the 5 th Commandment. 8. We dont
know where Davids stronghold was, but it cant be the cave of
Adullam, since it was not in Judah (v. 5). Likewise w/ the forest
of Hereth, except that it was in Judah.
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9. Notice last of all, that God has provided David w/ a
spiritual counselorGad-- to replace the loss of Samuel. (v. 5).
-David not to rely solely on the counselor, but on God, and to
listen to the counselor (Proverbs 27:17). -Gad will continue to
counsel and advise David through the end of his reign (II Samuel
24). He also was an historian. He kept a first-hand account of the
rule of David (I Chronicles 29:29) which has been lost. According
to the Talmud, Gad and Nathan wrote I Samuel 25-31.
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Go to slide #85Psalm 142. What is living in a cave really
like?
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B. Saul slaughters the priests at Nob (vv. 6-23) 1. This
passage has a twofold purpose a. Fulfilling the promised divine
judgment against the priestly house of Eli in I Samuel 2:27-33.
-Eli had honored his sons more than he honored God. (v. 30).
-Literal translation: I will chop off your arm and the strength of
you fathers house. Eli would be the last old man in his family
line. All his descendants would die in the prime of life.
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b. Demonstrate Sauls complete contempt for the priesthood and
its authority (remember his disregard for the prophet/priest
Samuels instructions. -contrast w/ Davids respect for and gratitude
toward the priesthood. (See v. 23) -Saul considers the priests to
be treacherous. -David considered the priesthood to be an important
mediator for Gods will to his anointed.
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2. The scene opens with Saul sitting under a tamarisk tree on a
hill at Gibeah surrounded by his officials. (v. 6). a. The tamarisk
tree may be connected to pagan rituals. Could also be translated
grove. In Ezekiel 16:24-25 we see the same word translated hill
here is lofty shrine in a chapter given over to description of the
worst apostasies. b. Saul is sitting with a spear in his hand. This
has become his S.O.P. He is a danger to all around him. c. Note
that Sauls efficient intelligence network has informed him about
Davids whereabouts and who is with him. (Nixon).
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3. Saul berates his officials. (vv. 7-8) Proverbs 28:15 Like a
roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over poor people
-son of Jesse. We have seen this pejorative use before=snot-nosed
brat (SCB). -Can he give you possessions and titles like I have
given you? Insight into Sauls view of leadership/government-based
on patronage. Patronage politics. Think Tammany Hall/Chicago-
Richard Daley, Jane Byrne, Harold Washington.
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-Sauls paranoia then shows itself again, You are all
co-conspirators w/ David, just like my son, Jonathon. By the way,
none of you bothered to tell me about that, either! -According to
Saul, Jonathon has not merely entered into a covenant with David,
he has incited David to ambush Saul. (... has stirred up my servant
against me, to lie in wait....). So, in Sauls mind, Jonathon has
actively turned against him. -Sauls paranoia is now becoming
extreme! He insists that the failure of all to notify him of these
events proves no one cares about him.
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Notice Sauls focus here-everything is about him. Cf. Davids
attitude in Psalm 34. 3. Doeg the informantvv. 9-10 a. Doeg is
standing there with everyone else, and sycophantically imitates
Sauls reference to David (son of Jesse) whom he reports he saw meet
w/ Ahimelech. b. Doeg informs Saul that Ahimelech inquired of the
Lord on behalf of David and provide him with supplies and the sword
of Goliath. The emphatic language here indicates he has accused
Ahimelech of treason.
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Notice that Doeg omits that David had told Ahimelech that he,
David, was on a secret mission for the king when Ahimelech provided
David with supplies and a weapon. c. Following Doegs report, Saul
summons Ahimelech and his fellow priests and condemns them. (vv.
11-17) 1. when summoned, the whole priestly family travels about 2
miles from Nob to Gibeah. 2. again, Saul makes pejorative use of
son of in this case son of Ahitub (v. 12). 3. Here I am,
lord-appropriately obedient.
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4. in v. 13, Saul openly accuses Ahimelech of conspiring w/
Sauls enemy David (you and the son of Jesse), to which Ahimelech
responds politely but firmly. -no other servant is as loyal as
David -this is not the first time he has consulted with me. -hes
your son-in-law, why wouldnt I? -hes your bodyguard, why wouldnt I?
Why wouldnt I consult with him? Doesnt mean we were conspiring
against you! (vv. 14-15). Dont impute wrong to us!
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d. Even though Ahimelech was not, and could not, have been
complicit in treason, Saul orders his death, and the deaths of his
family. (v. 16). Whythey did not inform Saul of Davids whereabouts.
-Sauls officials refuse to carry our his order. The phrase used
here would not put out their hand is the same as when David refuses
to kill Saul, the Lords anointed. Their religious scruples will not
permit them to obey. -Not to be thwarted, Saul orders Doeg, who
does not share their scruples, to kill the priests.
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-In Doeg, Saul finds not only a servant who is not bound by the
religious concerns of the Israelite courtiers, but a real
overachiever. Doeg kills all 85 priests present with Ahimelech,
then massacres the entire village of Nob- men, women, children and
livestock. (v.19). -So Saul, who was not willing to deal with Agag
and the Amalekites by exterminating them pursuant to divine order,
has no qualms about wiping out a clan of Israelite priests.
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e. Unbeknownst to Saul and Doeg, one of the sons of Ahimelech,
Abiathar (the Divine Father is Excellent), escapes the slaughter
and runs to David. (vv. 20-23). -he will perform priestly service
for David the rest of his life (I Samuel 23:6; 9; 30:7; II Samuel
8:17). He is eventually replaced by Zadok (I Kings 2:27, 35) during
Solomons reign. -think Friar Tuck. See also Mark 2:26. -Abiathar
reports, David takes responsibility for the massacre, and offers
refuge to Abiathar. King-elect and priest-elect have joined
forces.
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V. Psalm 52David Responds to Treachery Uprooted tree/fallen
tent v. Strong, green olive tree Evildoers v. Righteous Doeg v.
David A. The folly of evil (vv. 1-4) 1. This is a question followed
by a series of accusations. 2. Evil is evidenced in word and deed.
Notice the role of the tongue. Cf. James 3:1-12.
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-boast= the self-reliant mighty man -tongue-plots, lies,
deceives, devours The picture is of the internal plottings of an
evil heart. Does this describe opportunistic Doeg the sycophant
yes-man? -like a sharp razorthe idea is like a sharp sword as the
word is used elsewhere, see Ps. 55:21. Exactly as Doeg behaved to
the priests. 3. Actions are the result of a heart attitude (v. 3),
they love evil more than righteousness (good). 4. O deceitful
tongue!rebuke of evil
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B. Prayer for Gods complete judgment on evil (v. 5) 1. We
should read this as a desire rather than an assertion, May he bring
you down... May he snatch you... May he uproot you. 2. So, when we
understand it this way, we see that this is Davids prayer. -God, I
know you cannot tolerate evil, assure me that righteousness will
prevail by judging this evil man! David wants reassurance of
justice! Notice the intensity of Davids emotion. Do we ever pray
like this? Sure!
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3. The verbs used herebreak down, snatch and tear (or snatch
up), and uproot-are three word pictures. break down= demolish, like
a wall or structure. snatch-like a coal removed from a fire. It
becomes useless and is thrown out of the tent. Castaway, vagabond,
without family. (What David was experiencing at the time).
uproot-Like a big tree in a storm. Torn from the land of the
living. With their death their evil thoughts and deeds cease.
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C. The wisdom derived from judgment (vv. 6-7) 1. This passage
shows how righteous are instructed by Gods judgment. 2. First
responseawe and fear/reverence. (v. 6) 3. Second responsetriumphant
derision. (v. 6-7) -actually a taunt. Look at him. He was
self-reliant! Why? Gods judgment of evil assures them that he does
judge between evil and good. -not malicious or vindictive.
Righteousness triumphs! Hooray for our side! God is good!
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4. After the joy of triumph, the righteous learn a lesson from
Gods judgment (v. 7). -The person who acts independently of God,
trusts in his/her own knowledge, riches, etc., the person who
betters themselves at the expense of others will be brought down.
-The wicked may trust in wealth and feel strong as they exploit and
destroy, but when their riches, power, and house are taken away,
their life falls apart.
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Doeg is the subject of many rabbinical legends: -He is regarded
by the rabbis as the greatest scholar of his time (chief shepherd),
who made every one with whom he disputed "blush. He could bring
forward 300 different questions with reference to one single ritual
case. But, he lacked inward piety. His most unfortunate qualities
were his malice, jealousy, and calumnious tongue. -According to
legend he was slain by his own pupils when they discovered that he
had lost his learning, which was taken by an angel sent from God.
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5254-doeg
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D. The blessing of righteousness (vv. 8-9) 1. This is the
contrast of the self-reliant mighty man in v. 1 who trusts in
himself, power, ill-gotten gains and the righteous man who trusts
in God. Self-reliantGod-reliant -destroyed, uprooted -rooted,
flourishing w/i vagabond (no community),the house of the Lord (v.8)
demolished building (v. 5) -boast in/rely on their-praise God for
what He has own abilities (v. 1)done, rely on Him. (v. 9)
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2. OLIVE TREES -Domesticated 5,000-6,000 years ago -The most
ancient cultivation found in Syria, Israel and Crete. -The olive
was one of the main elements in ancient Israelite cuisine. Olive
oil was used for not only food and cooking, but also lighting,
sacrificial offerings, ointment, and anointment for priestly or
royal office. -Key element of commercial trade in ancient
Mediterranean.
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-Remember, the first thing the dove brings to Noah is an olive
branch. (Genesis 8:11) - Olives grow very slowly, and over many
years the trunk can attain a considerable diameter. One has been
recorded exceeding 33 feet in girth. -Olive trees may live for
hundreds of years and therefore are a symbol of longevity,
usefulness, productivity and wealth. -A productive olive tree
supplies about 6 gallons of olive oil per year. -Big, thick root
system to sustain growth/life.
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3. The lesson here is that the godly prosper when they
depend/rely on Gods steadfast love or unfailing love for their
nourishment and fellowship. 4. The response of the godly to Gods
righteousness is praise and thanks. (v. 9). -Gods very name
(Yahweh/Jehovah) becomes a source of assurance that God is
righteous and loving.
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TAKEAWAYS How did David respond to Doegs injustice? How do we
respond to injustice? When judgment does come, Davids response is
praise and reverence. Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the
time when their foot shall slip [is my responsibility].... For the
Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.
Deuteronomy 32:35- 36. For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption had come. Isaiah 63:4. Beloved, never
avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is
written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Romans
12:19-20.
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Look at those olive trees again -will they be blown over by a
strong wind? -will scorching heat destroy them? -will pests (i.e.
locusts) eliminate them? Those who are rooted in God and in his
word are like those olive trees. What does your root system look
like? What will happen to you when strong winds blow and the heat
is turned up? When you experience injustice, how do you withstand
it?
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VI. Psalm 142-David Prays in the Cave of Adullam Here we will
see the psalmist in great distress. In v. 7 he refers to a prison,
either metaphorically for oppression or in the sense of exile. The
superscription indicates that the prison may refer to a cave, so
this may refer to Davids time in the cave of Adullam (I Samuel 22)
or in the cave at En Gedi (I Samuel 24).
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A. The Lament (vv. 1-2) With my voice I cry out to the Lord
with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my
complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. 1. Here we see
two parallel expressions of lament---cry out/plead and pour out/my
trouble. 2. Parallelism is for emphasis in Hebrew poetry. 3. The
emphasis here is on the anguish that David is experiencing and his
dependence on God.
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B. Loneliness in suffering (vv. 3-7a) When my spirit faint
within me you know my way! In the path where I walk they have
hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is none who
takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my
soul. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, You are my refuge, my portion in
the land of the living.
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Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my
persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of
prison, that I may give thanks to your name! 1. In v. 3 we see that
David has reached the end of himself. He is totally exhausted. He
is spiritually depressed. -yet, he knows that God is still in
control and knows his situation (my way).
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2. The way of the Lord is different than the path he is on
(where I walk). The latter is full of entanglements and traps. -the
way of the Lord, we will see, leads to salvation (vv. 6-7). 3. Look
to my right and see. The right hand would be where ones legal
counsel or witness would stand, but here, no one is concerned for
me. -My friends at court have abandoned me. -There is no one to
defend me against my enemies, I have no refuge! -I am a refugee for
whom no one cares!
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Everywhere David looks, the supports have been removed.
Samuel---gone. Michal---gone. Jonathon---gone. He has no one to
turn to. No one to defend him. No one to provide him refuge. Even
the Philistines have kicked him out. He is hiding in a cave,
waiting for Saul to catch him and kill him. His situation is
desperate, there appears to be no hope. We can feel Davids
desperation here! 3. So, I cry to you, O Lord. With a petition-
Listen...Rescue... Set me free! WhyIt will give me a renewed
opportunity to praise and give thanks to the covenant-faithful name
of God!
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C. Public Thanksgiving (v. 7b) Then the righteous will surround
me, for you will deal bountifully with me. 1. The resolution of
Davids despair will not only provide him with opportunity for
thanksgiving, but also for public praise. -Davids sharing will
encourage and edify the righteous community. 2. David envisions
what it will be like with the righteous crowding around to hear his
story.
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TAKEAWAY Againwhy do we go through adversity and affliction?
-So that God can demonstrate his goodness. -So that we can praise
God for his deliverance. -So that we can encourage and edify
others. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all
our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in
affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted
by God. II Corinthians 1:3-4.