Now hiding in the Wilderness of Ziph, David discovers that Saul is again pursuing him. David and Abishai enter Saul’s encampment at night and take Saul’s spear and water jug while the men are sleeping. After escaping to a distant hill, David calls out and rebukes Abner, Saul’s body guard. “…Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy your lord the king. This thing that you have done is not good” (1 Samuel 26:15-16 NKJV). David then flees to Gath, and the king allows David, his men, and their families to live in the Philistine city of Ziklag.
Pastor Kevin reminds us that David has now taken two wives, the first of which was Abigail, the wise and virtuous woman who kept David from taking vengeance on Nabal. Pastor Kevin traces Abigail’s subsequent life with David, noting ways she must have suffered as David goes on to marry multiple other women. Pastor Kevin exhorts believers to remain faithful to God in the midst of suffering. Abner’s lack of watchfulness on behalf of his king is a warning for believers to be continually on guard against the dangers in our society, especially on behalf of our children. David’s refusal to slay Saul, his second opportunity to do so, again demonstrates his complete faith in the providence of God.
Maranatha!