DAVID FLEES FROM SAUL

After David defeated Goliath, King Saul appointed him commander of his army. David won many battles and rose to prominence. When David returned from war, the women would come out dancing and singing, ‘Saul has killed thousands, and David has killed tens of thousands!’ Saul became envious of David and plotted to assassinate him.

David was an excellent harpist. The king hurled his spear at David one day while he was playing the harp for Saul. David swerved just in time, and the spear slammed into the wall. Saul tried to kill David several more times after that. David eventually fled and took refuge in the desert.

Saul led an army of 3,000 men in search of David. He happened to walk right into the cave where David and his men were hiding. ‘This is your chance to kill Saul,’ David’s men whispered. David crept up on Saul and snipped a piece of the king’s coat. Saul was unconcerned. After that, David felt terrible about not respecting God’s anointed king. He didn’t let his men attack Saul. He even yelled at Saul, saying he could have killed him if he had the chance. Would Saul reconsider his decision to kill David?

No. Saul continued his search for David. David and his nephew Abishai sneaked into Saul’s camp one night. Even Saul’s bodyguard, Abner, was dozing. ‘This is our chance!’ said Abishai. Allow me to murder him.’ ‘God will deal with Saul,’ David replied. Let’s just take his spear and water jug and leave.’

David climbed a nearby mountain that provided a view of Saul’s camp. ‘Abner, why didn’t you protect your king?’ he yelled. ‘Where have Saul’s jug and spear gone?’ ‘You could have killed me, but you didn’t,’ Saul said, recognizing David’s voice. ‘I am confident that you will be the next King of Israel.’ Saul returned to his palace. But not everyone in Saul’s family despised David.