Trouble in Saul's Family

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 4

A Servant in the Palace

I was chosen to tell this story since I worked in the palace at the time. This news I share is painful for me. I have grown to love Saul, his sons, and grandsons. And now, to tell of these events, well, it is a difficult but a needed task.


Ishbosheth, Saul's son, has been on the thrown since his father's death. Abner, the captain of Saul's army became angry with Ishbosheth and left the palace to join sides with David. Need I say how upset Ishbosheth became? Not angry upset. Scared upset.


More news came last night. A messenger arrived and asked to speak with the king. Ishbosheth gave him permission to speak. "My lord, Abner has been slain. Joab and his brother killed him at the gate of Hebron."


Ishbosheth opened his mouth but words didn't come out. His eyes grew wide with fright. Everyone who heard the news, realized Saul's family was not safe in the palace.


Two soldiers from Ishbosheth's army came to the king's house. They arrived around the noon hour when he slept away the heat. The two soldiers, Baanah and Rechab, announced their presence and requested to resupply their wheat. Since they belonged to the army, no one doubted their task.


Baanah and Rechab walked through the palace corridors, greeting those they saw along the way. No one questioned their reason for approaching the king's chamber, not even me.


 I saw them go into the king's bedroom and close the door. I continued my work and happened to be in the same corridor moments later when the two men hurried from the king's bedroom. Something they concealed under their cloak dripped blood. I hurried inside the king's room and discovered his dead body, and no head!


I ran into the corridor screaming at the top of my lungs. "The king has been murdered. His killers are getting away!"


Fearing the life of Jonathan's son too, his nurse scooped up his five-year-old body and ran for the stairs. In her haste, she dropped him and broke his legs. Servants ran to his aid and took him to a safe place for medical treatment. The boy's name was Mephibosheth.


I hardly know what else to say. I only wish Saul had not turned away from the Lord.


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1. Trouble continued to brew in Saul's family even in today's story, which happened after Saul's death. Why did his family have these troubles?
2. Who is Ishbosheth?
3. Why was he frightened when told about Abner?
4. Why were Baanah and Rechab able to walk into the king's chamber?
5. What did they do?
6. Who else in Saul's family needed to escape?
7. What happened to Mephibosheth?

David's Song, a Lament for Saul

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 1

David Journal

I could not contain my self. 


Although I was a man, I wept as a child... 


For the king whom God chose for Israel. 


The first king of Israel.


Saul. 


God's chosen tool to reign the Promised land had been killed in battle...no longer with us.


And my beloved best friend, Jonathan, Saul's son. Dead as well


Jonathan, who was my confidant, my help, my advocate--no longer with us.


How my heart ached.


I told the people to teach the Song of the Bow to the children of Judah that it may be given to future generations. 


Here is the song:

The Song of the Bow

as written in the Books of Jasher 

    On the hills of Israel our leaders are dead! 
      The bravest of our soldiers have fallen!
     Do not announce it in Gath 
      or in the streets of Ashkelon. 
    Do not make the women of Philistia glad; 
      do not let the daughters of pagans rejoice.

    May no rain or dew fall on Gilboa's hills; 
      may its fields be always barren! 
   For the shields of the brave lie there in disgrace; 
      the shield of Saul is no longer polished with oil.
    Jonathan's bow was deadly, 
      the sword of Saul was merciless, 
      striking down the mighty, killing the enemy.

   Saul and Jonathan, so wonderful and dear; 
      together in life, together in death; 
      swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

   Women of Israel, mourn for Saul! 
      He clothed you in rich scarlet dresses 
      and adorned you with jewels and gold.

  The brave soldiers have fallen, 
      they were killed in battle. 
      Jonathan lies dead in the hills.

  I grieve for you, my brother Jonathan; 
      how dear you were to me! 
   How wonderful was your love for me, 
      better even than the love of women.

  The brave soldiers have fallen, 
      their weapons abandoned and useless.


**********************


1. David shows his compassion for the man who tried to kill him and the man who was his best friend. Why would he weep for them the same?


2. What made David so special in God's eyes?

Honorable Men from Jabesh

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 31

An Israelite Soldier

The Philistines were too strong for us.


We couldn't match their weapons or their numbers. What would you do if a swam of bees flew toward you. Run? Precisely. 


We hid, far enough away to be safe, but close enough to watch the Philistines do their worst. Those evil men went into our homes, stole our animals, clothes, and anything they could touch. They cooked with our pots, ate from our plates, killed our animals for food. 


That night the Philistines drank their fill of wine and danced around fires, mocking us. My anger boiled because they not only mocked us, they mocked our God.


The next day the Philistines searched the fallen Israelite soldiers, taking whatever pleased them. When they found the bodies of Saul, our beloved king, and his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua they...cut off Saul and his son's heads and stole their armor. 


Word spread like wild fire to all the Philistine cities telling their wicked people to shout from the temple of their idols so that all would know: The Israelite king was dead.


Our spies watched the Philistine lords set Saul's armor inside the temple of the Ashtoreths. Why? My king's armor in the temple of an idol? A temple that does not worship God?


They didn't stop there. 


Oh, no.


The Philistines took Saul and his son's bodies and hooked them to the wall of Beth Shan for all their people to mock, and spit on. 


Enough. No more.


I and the other men from Jabesh Gilead rose up like a mighty stealth army unified to restore the honor of our king. We traveled all night. Absolutely nothing would stop our mission. We sneaked behind enemy lines  to the place where Saul and his son's bodies hung.


The Philistines may think they are mighty, but we had God on our side.


We tenderly took down the bodies of our beloved king and his sons and carried them back to Jabesh Gilead to give them an honorable burial under the tamarisk tree. 


We were so overcome with grief, every man banned together and fasted for seven days to morn and honor the memory of the first king of Israel, a man chosen by God.


The tear stains you find on this journal, were unavoidable...


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image courtesy of Christianimageresource.com


1. What made the Philistine too strong for this battle?
2. What did the surviving Israelite soldiers do?
3. What did the Philistine soldiers do to the cities?
4. What did the Philistine soldiers do to the slain soldiers?
5. What did the Philistine soldiers do the Saul and his sons?
6. The men of Jabesh were __________ and chose to _________
7. Why did the men of Jabesh fast for seven days?

Death of a King

By Mary Vee

I Samuel 31

Saul's Armor Bearer's Journal

The moment Saul called the army together I knew we didn't stand a chance.

He wanted to get instructions from Samuel, but Samuel had just died. 


Saul wanted to get instructions from God, God didn't answer His prayer like Samuel had warned. 


Saul finally went to a medium for instruction. Apparently he spoke with Samuel somehow while meeting with the medium, and learned he and his sons would die in the battle.

It was too late to change anything. Saul had walked away from God.

The Philistines lined up like fruit flies on rotting fruit. The army grew by the minute. Seemed like soldiers came out of cracks in the earth and hidden caves. We formed our army on Mt. Gilboa, overlooking our enemy. If only Saul had continued to follow the Lord's commands we would have had His protection.

I chose to follow my king into battle, carrying his armor, as I should, even if death strikes me.

The battle started shortly after. The Philistines came strong and sure, wielding their weapons, sharpened and new. We had hardly anything to fight with. A while ago the Philistines had robbed our blacksmiths of their sharpening tools. They could not do their work. If we needed a plow sharpened we had to go to the Philistines and pay them. 

Now in time of battle, what did we have? No blessing, no weapons, and a leader who had chosen not to follow God's commands.

We were doomed.

Israelite troops fled the scene by the thousands. Many still fell to the Philistine sword. The best Philistine soldiers hunted Saul and his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. Despite their warrior skills, they became trapped behind battle lines. I tried to help, but failed.

An arrow hit Saul, wounding him severely. Saul looked up at me and coughed a deathly sound. "Draw your sword and thrust it through me. Don't let a dog of a Philistine come and have the victory of sending me to my death. They will first abuse my body before killing me."

I couldn't stand the pain in his eyes, but I also could not be the one to end his life. He was my king! "I--I can't!" 

Saul mustered the last of his strength, grabbed his sword and thrust it into his own body. "I will not die at the hand of a Philistine."

News traveled to my part of the battlefield stating Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchisua had also been killed by the Philistines.

What a terrible day. A day of disgrace.

I am writing down these events before I do what is honorable. My king, the one whom I have served by carrying his armor, has died in battle, therefore so shall I.

I will end my life in the same way. May God have mercy on all our souls.

******************************

1.  Who attacked the Israelites?

2.  Who was the commander of the Israelites?

3.  What had Samuel warned Saul?

4.  What happened to the Israelite soldiers?

5.  What happened to Saul's sons?

6.  What happened to Saul?

7.  What happened to the armor bearer, and why?

8.  Throughout this story the armor bearer told why these things happened. What was the reason?

Saul Hears Terrible News

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 28

Saul's Thoughts

Yes. I told the soldiers to remove all mediums, people who talk to dead people. 


Yes. I tried to speak with the Lord and received no answer. The prophet Samuel told me this would happen because I didn't obey the Lord's commands. Still. I needed answers.


I had hoped a prophet would come to me and say he heard a message sent by God in a dream. Even that didn't work.


I needed to know what to do. A zillion Philistine soldiers camped in the valley over the hill. My spies confirm the Philistines planned to take out our army.


I chose to disguise myself and visit one of the mediums in hiding. She refused to help, because of my law. I rubbed my hands over her fire and said, "I promise, as the Lord lives, you won't be punished. I need your help...tonight."


She squinted her eyes as if looking close to see who I was. She didn't act like she recognized me. "All right, pay me my money and tell me who you want bought up."


I nodded to my guard to give her the money. "I want to see Samuel."


"Samuel?, the prophet Samuel? All right."  She said her mysterious words and moved her hands in a form of a dance. Her movements and sayings must not normally bring any real dead people, but this time it worked. She fell backwards when Samuel appeared. She sure looked angry. She pointed her finger and screamed, "Liar! You are Saul!"


I held my hands palm up to reassure her. "Don't be afraid. What did you see?"


She backed away from us again. Her hands trembled and her voice quivered. "I--I saw a spirit coming up out of the earth." 


"It's okay. What did the spirit look like?"


"It...looked like an old man and he is wearing a coat."


I knew the spirit must be Samuel. I lowered my face to the ground and bowed low.


A voice came from the spirit saying, "Why have you disturbed me by bring me up?"


"Samuel," I said, "I am deeply upset for the Philistines have come to war against me, and God left me. He doesn't answer me anymore. I haven't heard from any prophets or received any dreams. How else will I know what to do. I had to call you to find out what to do."


Samuel said, "Why do yo ask me? The Lord departed from you and became your enemy. He did this on His own as He told me He would. The Lord has torn the kingdom from your hands, Saul, and gave it to your neighbor, David. 


"Had you obeyed the Lord's commands with Amalek things might have been different. Instead you will be punished. You and the Israelite army with you will be given to the hands of the Philistines. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me."


I fell flat on my face unable to move. Samuel's message repeated over and over in my mind. I had lost everything.


The woman offered me a piece of bread, and a meal to strengthen me before I left. I refused at first, but my servants and the woman convinced me I needed to eat something before traveling back to my army.


We left late that night. I thought about Samuel's words and shook. He said tomorrow I would be with him. No! What have I done?


************************************
1.  Why did Saul go to a medium for help?
2.  Who did he want to talk to?
3.  Did that person come?
4.  Why was the medium afraid?
5.  What did Saul ask?
6.  What did the person answer?
7.  What will happen to Saul and his sons tomorrow?


picture courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Saul Looks for Help in all the Wrong Places

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 28

From Saul's Journal

I had never seen such a vast army. The Philistines must have called every available soldier alive and a few more. From on top the mountain they looked like an invasion of insects, numerous, endless, ready to conquer our land. We didn't stand a chance.


I ordered every Israelite soldier to prepare for battle. We gathered at Mt.Gilboa and looked down at our enemy. We may have had the height advantage, but they had unbelievable numbers and superior weapons. 


My hands shook and my heart beat hard enough to burst from my chest. I had no idea what to do. The prophet Samuel had recently died. I couldn't go to him. I forced all the spiritists out of the land a while ago. I couldn't go to any of them. Who could I ask for help?


I wore a rut pacing and still couldn't decide what to do.


I even tried asking the Lord. I went off by myself and asked God what to do. Did He have a battle plan or instructions to save us? But I received no answer from Him. Neither did anyone come forward to report receiving word from God in a dream. He didn't even send a prophet to speak to me. 


What could I do? We were as good as dead.


Then I had an idea. I called one of my servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium. One who is known for her work in speaking with dead people. There must be at least one hiding in the country. Find her. I want to ask her a few questions."


The servant said, "I happen to know of a woman who is a medium. She lives in En Dor."


"Good, good." 


I ordered two soldiers to go with me. We traveled along the base of Mt. Gilboa past the Philistine camp and turned towards the Hill of Moreh, careful to remain out of the sight of the Philistines. En Dor was on the other side of the hill.


I had changed my clothes and wore a disguise to prevent anyone from recognizing me as the king. That night we entered the city and found the woman's home.


"Come in weary travelers," she said. 


Her home looked like any other home. Nothing special like I'd expect to find in a medium's home. "Please conduct a seance for me. I will tell you which dead person I want to speak to."


"I can't do that, sir. You know what Saul did. All mediums and spiritist have been banned from the country. Are you trying to get me in trouble. Maybe you're laying a trap to get me killed. No way. I won't do it." She folded her arms and pointed to the door.


Now what should I do? Maybe I can get her to change her mind.


Come back next week to read what happened.


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1. Why was Saul worried?
2. Who had the better position for a battle?
3.  Who had more men?
4. Saul was mad because who was dead and therefore couldn't help him?
5. Saul asked God for directions, why didn't God answer (email me if you get stuck with this question. The answer isn't in this story. mimary_vee@yahoo.com)
6. Saul risked his life to visit someone. Who did he want to see? 
7. What did he want her to do?


Author's note: Once again Saul tries to solve problems his own way. If only he chose to obey God he'd find the answers he needed.


picture courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

David Follows a Higher King

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 27

David's Thoughts

I heard it in his voice. 


Saul had no intentions of calling an end to his death ordered against me. How many times had he promised? How many times had he lied?


Do I regret not killing him when I had the chance? No. My devotion was to God first above any feelings I may have had. God appointed Saul king, which meant I had no right to change it. 


Still...I had a responsibility to my men and their safety. And so, to honor the king who wished to kill me, yet keep my men safe, I chose to leave my home. My beloved city.


And live with the Philistines, where we'd find safety.


We broke camp and left for Gath, Goliath's home country. King Achish agreed to let me speak with him. "Thank you for allowing us to make homes in the royal city, but who are we but your humble servant? If I have found favor in your eyes, give us a place to live in some town in your country." 


Achish seemed pleased with my idea and granted us the city of Ziklag to set up housing. We no longer had to hide in caves or brush. The 600 men who had traveled with me built homes for their families and I built a home for my wives, Abigail and Ahinoam. I had a feeling we would live there for a long time.


After settling in Ziklag, I sent a scout to check on Saul's whereabouts. "David, I have learned Saul's plans," the scout said when he returned. "Once he heard you were living in the  land of the Philistines he called off the search."


At last. Maybe now he'll focus more on protecting the country than chasing me.


This doesn't mean I sat around and did nothing in Ziklag. I was a warrior, and my men soldiers. We had a duty to protect the land God gave our people. Once our families had homes we moved about the Promised Land raiding the inhabitants of the land from old. We struck any foreign people from north to south. 


We raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites leaving no man or woman alive to tell the story. After each raid I showed king Achish the sheep, oxen, donkeys, camels, and clothing we brought back. 


He seemed impressed and always asked, "So where did you raid today, David?"


I would answer: against the southern area of Judah or against the southern area of the Jerahmeelites, or against the southern area of the Kenites.  Since we spared no one from the cities we raided, Achish never found out what we really did. He thought we attacked Israelite cities to pay Saul back for attempting to kill me. 


I heard Achish once say, "David has made his people, Israel, utterly hate him; therefore he will be my servant forever." In all that time he never figured out we fought all foreign nations in the Promised Land.


For one year and four months we followed the orders of a higher king than Achish, the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, to protect and rid the Promised Land of their enemies.


****************************************


1.  Did David believe Saul's promise?
2.  What did David do.
3.  What did David ask of king Achish?
4.  After settling in the city of Ziklag, what did David and his men set out to do?
5.  What did king Achish believe?
6.  Whose orders did David follow?


photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

David Honors But Doesn't Trust Saul

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 26

David's Thoughts

Abishai slid like a shadow between the soldier's laying fast asleep and handed me the spear and jug of water. "As you asked, Commander, David. I would rather have killed your enemy."


I respected him for obeying my orders despite his desires. We moved outside the camp to a safe distance on the top of a hill, far from Saul and his army. I found a place where we could look down on Saul's camp. What a sight.


The sleeping mats spanned the valley before us, each with a man laying still in sleep. Had the Philistines come to this valley our king and his best men would be killed. Not one stayed awake to guard the camp...or the king of Israel.


I cupped my hands around my mouth and called out "Abner. Are you there?"


Abner scrambled to his feet and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He turned to my position, scanning the countryside to see who spoke. He raised his spear and puffed his chest out. "Who are you calling out to the king?"


The army soldiers leaped to their feet with their weapons poised. Those around Saul knitted a wall of protection with their bodies. A little too late, fellas. 


They had no clue we stood next to the king only a few moments before. "Abner, Are you a man? And who is your equal in Israel? Why haven't you guarded your lord the king? While you slept someone came in to kill your lord the king. You have failed at your job.


"As the lord lives, Abner, you deserve to die because you didn't guard your master, the Lord's anointed. Go, search by the king's bed for his spear and water jug."


Saul pushed the soldiers guarding him to the side and stepped forward. He shaded his eyes and looked up at the hill where I stood. "Is that your voice, my son David?"


"Yes, my lord, O king." I bowed. "Why does my king chase after me? What evil have I done? If the Lord has stirred your spirit to come after me, let him accept a sacrifice. If however, the people have sent you, let them be cursed before the Lord for they have driven me away from the Lord's inheritance. 


"Don't take my life, for you have come out to seek a flea, as when one huts a small bird in the mountains."


Saul stood there, not saying or doing anything. The morning birds fluttered to the sky gathering in clusters and swirling. He rubbed the back of his neck then looked my way. "David, I have sinned. Please come back with me. I promise not to harm you any more, for my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed, I have played the fool and erred exceedingly."


I don't know if he spoke the truth this time, but i needed to forgive him, yet again. "Send one of the young men to get your spear. May the Lord reward the righteousness and faithfulness of every man, for He delivered you into my hand today, but I chose not to kill the Lord's anointed. 


"And since your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued in your eyes and deliver me from this tribulation."


"May you be blessed, my son David. You will do great things and prevail in our land." Saul held his arms up toward me. 


Maybe he meant his words, I don't know. I chose not go back with him to find out.


*************************************


1. What did Abishai take?
2. Where did David and Abishai go after they left the camp?
3. Who is Abner?
4. What did David say to Abner?
5. Who stepped forward to speak?
6. What did Saul decide to do?
7. What should Saul have been doing?
8. What did David ask of Saul? 

Wait-Don't Kill Saul

By Mary Vee

I Samuel 26

David’s Thoughts

The Ziphites caused trouble again. Apparently their spies reported my hiding place in the Wilderness of Ziph to Saul. That was the second time they did this to me. Saul must be paying a high reward for information.

I sent a couple of my own spies to confirm the report. Sure enough, Saul went back on his promise to stop hunting me.  He and three thousand men were camped nearby.

I led my men to an area overlooking his camp. It was later in the evening but a few sunrays let us watch the army settle down for the night. Saul slept in the middle surrounded by his three thousand-manned army and guarded by Abner, the commander.

I signaled two of my men, Ahimilech a Hitite, and Abishai to come near. “I’m going down to Saul’s camp. Who will go with me?”

Abishai spoke up right away. “I’ll go.”

I didn’t have a plan. I know, a commander should always have a plan. The problem was I had refused to kill Saul, God’s anointed first king of Israel, yet I felt the urge to sneak into his camp.

Abishai and I crept passed the first set of guards and found Saul snoring in the center of the group with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and all the army snored loud enough to not hear a lion's roar.

Unbelievable. Not one soldier awake to guard the king.

Abishai rolled his eyes. “This is going to be easier than I thought. God delivered your enemy into your hand. Please let me take the spear next to his head and ram it right through him into the ground. I won’t need to strike a second time.”

“No. Don’t kill him. Who can reach out and kill God’s anointed and remain guiltless in the sight of God?”

Abishai didn’t like it. 

I had a good army; they were trained to protect our land from the enemy. Not one was afraid. Still, it was my duty to lead them to wise and right choices as God directed. 

“This isn't what God wants us to do. Be patient, Abishai, the Lord will strike him with some disease, or his day to die will come, or he will die in battle. But I will not be the one to take his life."

Abishai’s frustration covered his face. He needed something to do. “I have an idea. Get the spear and the jug of water that are near his head. We’ll carry them outside of his camp.”

Abishai acted like a little kids with a new toy. He moved between the sleeping soldiers as a shadow, yanked the spear out of the ground, and grabbed the jug. We escaped outside the camp, totally unnoticed by any soldier.

Saul had surrounded himself with an army he trusted. What would have happened if someone other than me had come into his camp?

If only He had kept his trust in God. The Lord protects his own, and his guard is never down.

Come back next week to read what Saul did.

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Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. Who had tattled.

2. Where did David lead his men after he heard the report.

3. Who went with David to spy in Saul's camp?

4. What did David and the spy see?

5.  What did the spy want to do?

6. Who stopped him and why?

7. What could Saul have done to prevent the problem?

David Could Have Killed Saul in the Cave

Mary Vee
I Samuel 24

David's Thoughts

Two spies returned from patrol. "Commander David, Saul has returned from his battle against the Philistines. He's in the Wilderness of En Gedi."

"Here? He's here?"

"Yes, and he has three thousand men with him."

This will be a challenge. We had no time to hide. I went off by myself to pray. "I don't see how we can escape, Lord. Tell me what to do, Lord. Should we flee. If so, then where?" The Lord gave no word to move. 

My men crowded toward the back of the cave behind a rock shelf. No one looking inside the cave would see them. "Listen up everyone, I've received no instruction from the Lord to flee. Who knows, maybe by moving Saul will capture us. Stay in the recesses for now."

It wasn't more than a minute later when Saul's voice echoed from the opening of the cave. "Give me privacy for a time."

One of my men whispered, "He's in the cave!"

I held my figure to my lips to hush him. All the men sat frozen to prevent any noises. I crept closer to watch what Saul did. He relieved himself then took a nap. 

One of the men pushed his way toward me. "This is your chance. The Lord has sent Saul to the cave for you. Go. Kill your enemy."

I crept close to Saul. He snored in his deep sleep. I unsheathed my knife and cut a corner of his robe.

I looked at the knife in one hand and the piece of Saul's robe in the other. What had I done! The evidence of my guilt rested in my hand. I had cut the robe of God's anointed king. I couldn't find my breath.  I had no right to dishonor the king. My heart saddened.

I crept back to the recesses and felt miserable. My men huddled closer. Their faces filled with rage. "Why didn't you kill him? He's right there! God brought him right here to you. What kind of a commander are you, anyway?"

"I couldn't kill him and I won't. That man is the king of Israel, appointed by God. What right have I to kill him? And what right have you to kill him?" 

The men backed away and sulked.

We waited for Saul to wake and walk out to his men. He joined them outside the cave and shouted, "Have the scouts report David's location to me at once."

I couldn't wait. My men followed me to the mouth of the cave where Saul could see us. "My lord the king!"

Saul whipped around as if a ghost called to him.

I bowed before him and said, "Why do you listen to the words of men who say I have come to harm you? Look, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But I chose not to. I reminded the men you are king, appointed by God."

I raised the corner of the kings robe in the air. "See the corner of your robe in my hand?  I cut this piece from your robe while you rested in the cave and chose not to kill you. My king, I do not have evil or rebellion against you or your kingdom. I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it from me. 

"Let the Lord judge between you and me. Let Him avenge. My hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancient says, 'Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.' I shall not be wicked against you. 

"Who are you chasing, my king? A dead dog? A flea? Therefore, let the Lord be judge between you and me. Let Him see and plead my case and deliver me out of your hand."

Saul called to me. "Is that your voice, my son David?" Then I heard him weep.

Saul said, "You are more righteous than I. You have rewarded me with good when I rewarded you evil.  You have shown me this day how you treated me well, for when the Lord delivered me into your hands, you did not kill me. When a man finds his enemy does he let him get away?

"David, my son, may the Lord reward you with good for what you've done to me this day. For I now know you shall surely be king and the kingdom of Israel will be in your hands.

"Promise me, David, before the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father's house."

I remained bowed before Saul and said, "I promise." I didn't stand until he left. 

Saul ordered his men to return to the city. 

In truth, I've learned not to trust Saul even after the promise he made. My men and I chose to remain hidden in a place I can't tell you. I don't want you to accidentally tell Saul.

I wrote a psalm while hiding in the caves. When you read it, you may recognize portions for I hear new music has been written to these words God has given us.

Psalm 57 
Prayer for Safety from Enemies

    Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful,
      because I come to you for safety.
   In the shadow of your wings I find protection
      until the raging storms are over.

 ² I call to God, the Most High,
      to God, who supplies my every need.
 ³ He will answer from heaven and save me;
      he will defeat my oppressors.
      God will show me his constant love and faithfulness.

 ⁴ I am surrounded by enemies,
      who are like lions hungry for human flesh.
   Their teeth are like spears and arrows;
      their tongues are like sharp swords.

 ⁵ Show your greatness in the sky, O God,
      and your glory over all the earth.

 ⁶ My enemies have spread a net to catch me;
      I am overcome with distress.
   They dug a pit in my path,
      but fell into it themselves.

 ⁷ I have complete confidence, O God;
      I will sing and praise you!
 ⁸ Wake up, my soul!
      Wake up, my harp and lyre!
      I will wake up the sun.
 ⁹ I will thank you, O Lord, among the nations.
      I will praise you among the peoples.
 ¹⁰ Your constant love reaches the heavens;
      your faithfulness touches the skies.
 ¹¹ Show your greatness in the sky, O God,
      and your glory over all the earth.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 57:1 HEBREW TITLE: A psalm by David, after he fled from Saul in the cave.

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1.  What did David do when the spies told him Saul was near?
2.  What did David order his men to do?
3.  Who came in the cave?
4.  What did David do?
5.  What did David's men tell David to do?
6.  How did David feel about what he did?
7.  When Saul left what did David do?
8.  Why did David write Psalm 57?
9.  How can this Psalm help you?

Resource: Biblegateway.com and visualbiblealive.com

Tattlers, Traitors, and Villains Against David

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 23

One of David's Scouts

Danger. Thrilling. Adventure. These are the words I'd use in my definition for "scout." 


Blood soared through my veins each time David sent us out to monitor king Saul's location. I felt like some kind of super person running from one shadow or rock to the next searching for clues leading me closer to the man who spent every waking hour hunting my commander, David.


Two other scouts and myself followed the trail to Ziph. Outside the city gate, a few men looked both ways before sneaking away from the city. When they moved to the shadows, I knew their mission had to be trouble. 


We followed them to Gibeah where they requested to meet with Saul. I took the lead and circled around to the backside of the king's tent to listen. 


One of Saul's guards spoke. "My Lord, men from Ziph have a report regarding David's position."


Saul answered. "Let them in."


"King Saul, we have come from Ziph and know you seek David. He is hiding in the strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah which is on the south of Jeshimon. Come and we will deliver him into your hands."


Saul said, "Blessed are you of the Lord for thinking and watching for me. Please go back, check to see if David is still hiding there. You know David is a crafty one. Spy out his location and come back to me with your report. If he is there, I shall go with you. If he is in the land, I will search for him throughout all the clans of Judah."


The two other spies ran with me to get ahead of the men from Ziph. We had to be cautious: crawl like snakes, run like cheetahs, become invisible in bushes, breathe softer than a balmy breeze. Our eye ever on the men from Ziph, the ones who tattled to king Saul of David's location. 


Those traitors would not win. God Almighty had allowed us to follow the villains from Ziph and to hear Saul's words. As fast as a raindrop falls we arrived at our hideout. David, the beloved commander didn't stay seated when we arrived. He ran to the entrance and greeted us and a brother. "What news have you?"


"Men from Ziph stole away from their city, ran among the shadows to king Saul. They reported our hideout and guaranteed your capture."


David walked among the men. Calling them close. "Don't think evil of the Ziphites. They only want a reward. Pack. We move to the Wilderness of Maon."


Saul followed our trail to the wilderness. He didn't know we stood close to his men. We moved on one side of mountain as he moved on the other. 


The other scouts kept watch from a higher place on the mountain while I hurried to report Saul's position. "They're coming from both sides, Commander David."


He searched the area for a place to hide. There were no caves, no brush large enough to hide us. It seemed all would be lost. David looked to the sky and raised his hands. "Oh Lord God, Almighty, help us. Hide us from Saul."


A moment later one of the other scouts shimmied down a mountain path. "Commander David, Saul received a message about a Philistine attack. He pulled his army away from the mountain to pursue the Philistines."


David did waste a minute. He looked back to the sky and released a deep breath. "Oh My God, You have blessed your servant. By Your hands we were protected. I praise You with joyful lips." 


Just like that. One minute Saul could have taken David captive or killed him. The next, God intervened. How good and awesome is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.


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1. What city did the spies against David come from?
2. Where did they go?
3. What did they say?
4. Who heard the message?
5. What did they do about the message?
6.  What did David say/do when he heard the news?
7.  Saul nearly captured David. What stopped him?




Photo courtesy of Visualbibleimages.com

David's Friend Visits When He Needed Him Most

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 23, Pslam 63

David's Thoughts

I felt like a fox hunted by a hound.

My men and I hid in the strongholds in the wilderness watching, ever watching for one of Saul's spies. And who would know a spy from another man?

I had to put my trust in the great God Almighty to rest his Spirit upon me to guide my decisions when to move to a new place and when to stay hidden where we were.

One day I saw, again, how my Lord directs. My best friend in all the world visited me. How is it that the very son of the man who hunted me could find us? Truly God knew my need for a conversation with someone my age, someone who loved God as much as I, someone who dedicated his life to the will of God.

I had been sitting in the back of the cave when one of my men announced Jonathan's arrival. I have been treated as a royal, as their commander, as their leader. My men expected me to sit while they escorted my friend to me.

No way!

I ran past them to greet him, as he deserved. I hugged him and welcomed him into our gathering. "Tell me all that is happening." I said.

He told me the evil his father had been saying, how king Saul neglected his other duties to hunt  me, how the people of Judah felt torn between their allegiance to king Saul or me.

"I don't want this. I never wanted the people to turn away from your father. He is king, chosen by God and should have the backing of the people."

Jonathan nodded. "I know. But, in truth, my friend, if I had to choose between my father who has turned away from God and my friend who loves God, I'd choose my friend in a heartbeat."

A powerful strength came over me. I wanted to dance for the Lord right there. So I did. I led the men in a dance of praise to my God, the King of Israel. A song came to heart, I've included the words below now called Psalm 63.

After the dance Jonathan and I told stories and laughed. "How is it that the Lord shows His love by not allowing Saul to find us, yet He guided you to me this very day that we might help each other with our words?"

Jonathan shook his head. "I cannot pretend to know. Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father, he shall not find you. You will be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that."

"Jonathan, you shall, and always will be my friend. God be with you each step you take."

"And David, you shall, and always will be my king and friend. May the Lord bless you mightily."

We talked for hours. 

Before the sun rose, when the shadows kept secrets, Jonathan left.

How can I thank God for sending my friend to encourage me?

Psalm 63

A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
² So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.

³ Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
⁴ Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
⁵ My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

⁶ When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
⁷ Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
⁸ My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.

⁹ But those who seek my life, to destroy it,
Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
¹⁰ They shall fall by the sword;
They shall be a portion for jackals.

¹¹ But the king shall rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;
But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

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Photo courtesy of Christianimageresource.com

1.  Why did David feel like a fox?
2.  Where had David hidden
3.  How did David know where and when to go or hide?
4.  Who found David?
5.  What did David do when he saw him?
6.  What did Jonathan say to David?
7.  How did Jonathan find David?
8.  What is Psalm 63 about?