Amos graphically describes a man fleeing from a lion only to meet a bear (Amos 5:19). We commonly express it as from a frying pan into the fire. While taking refuge from Saul, David led his men to settle in Ziklag which was then under the control of Achish, the Philistine king. Now there was a soon-coming war between the Philistines and Israel. Achish asked David to fight for him. Would David join Achish in gratitude for his hospitality to kill his own brethren? It must have been a very difficult decision. It was at the last minute before the war that the Lord spared David’s agony when he was asked to return for fear that he might make about turn to fight for Israel instead. Yes, it must have been a great relief for David but more difficulties and stress await him. 

The feeling of joy to see their families turned to mourning when they reached Ziklag. The settlement was burnt. Their wives and children were absent. The mighty fighting men wept until their eyes were dry. Now they turned against David and some even wanted to stone him. In times of trouble, instead of turning to God, we tend to look for reasons for our sufferings and if possible, find a scapegoat to take all the blame. History has shown us that this blame game, though more commonly used, is unable to help us solve any problem. The men should have known that they could not find their families by killing their leader. 

David was under severe pressure. In addition to his own sorrow he faced the rebellion of his men. His own family was missing too. Then we read that David encouraged himself in the Lord. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (1 Sam 30:6). We need to be clear of David’s action; it is better that we specify what David’s action does not mean. In our day it is necessary to say that strengthening oneself in the Lord is not some kind of gospel magic. It is not a quick fix. It is not recognizing that the pressure is on and so deciding to seek help in religion. The Lord is not a genie you rub in trouble in order to make you feel better. David surrendered his will to the Lord and let Him take over. It means repenting and turning to God and asking Him to show us the way. It means that we be obedient to His commandment. David asked the priest to bring the ephod and then prayed for direction as what to do. Should he pursue the invaders? “And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all”  (1 Sam 30:8). 

Dead tired from the journey home (they were supposed to go fight for Achish), David and his men pursued. In the vast wilderness of the desert, which direction would they take? David simply moved in faith because the Lord asked them to pursue. They were not sure if their wives and children have been sold as slaves. By God’s providence, they found a sick Egyptian who was a member of the invaders. He was abandoned so that he would not slow down the march, the rush to sell the human spoils to slave masters. He led David and his men to the hideout. 

It was not hard to surprise the bandits as they were found eating, drinking and partying in celebration of their victory and the richness acquired through raiding of Ziklag and other places. The reward for the exhausting chase was duly fulfilled. From mourning, they now rejoice to have reunification with their families and added richness left behind by the invaders. 

David ran away from Israel into enemy controlled territory. Here he was allowed to settle in Ziklag and was treated well. In gratitude, David and his men went to join the Philistine army. There was objection from some Philistine princes and for this they were asked to return to Ziklag. They were spared the tough job to kill their own brethren. If David did not join Achish, the Philistines could have chased them into the wilderness. If David kept some men behind in Ziklag, they would have fought with the invaders which could result in some men and others being killed. If David had given up the chase, he would have been stoned. If David moved on his own, he could never have found his beloved family. If they had not found the sick abandoned Egyptian, they would not be able to find the hideout of the invaders. Thank God that they are able to find victory though outnumbered. David led four hundred men and after killing many of the Amalekites, four hundred of them escaped. None of the Israelites died. Why are there so many “ifs”? The reason can only be that God is in control. David’s God is our God too. He is still in control and He will strengthen us too as He had David. Let us then learn from David that even in the most difficult time of our life, we are to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.

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