In 1 Samuel 22, David finds himself in an interesting situation. He was on the run from King Saul and hiding in the cave of Adullam. We know previously David had killed a lion and a bear and had become popular in a face-off with Goliath.
Now, the honored sling man, singer, shepherd, warrior was suddenly hated, feared, lied about, and plotted against by Saul. David was running through the fields, slimy riverbeds, watery pits, deep ditches, miry mud, and briars. He was half-naked, filthy, stumbling, crawling, and clawing his way into a cave.
What a change from the freedom he had known as a shepherd, singing, and worshipping God everyday, being from a good family with food, shelter, and all his needs met. Now, he was in a dark, wet, cold, stale cave, hungry, exhausted, broken, and alone. David had a destiny of becoming King of Israel, but he was more like Robin Hood surviving day after day. Saul had been successful as King until he began to disobey the laws of the Lord. His half-hearted obedience led to his failure.
David’s popularity and reputation as a wise warrior incited jealously in Saul. After escaping Saul’s spear, David was forced to run for his life. David could have defended himself and split the Kingdom but he chose to trust in the Lord and hide in the shadow of His wings until the calamity had passed. (Ps. 57) David already had experience in dealing with the enemies. He was able to operate with insight. He knew he had to do things God’s way or the outcome would not be positive.
David’s insight preserved him from danger. Interestingly, other fugitives began to gather in the cave. Unsolicited, they came: thieves, liars, complainers, faultfinders, rebellious, haters of the King – 400 men to be exact. Saul was so hard on the people until they became indebted and downcast. These men were a result of what was going on in the kingdom.
During his time in the cave, God dealt with David as He faithfully did when he was just a shepherd.
Psalm 37 records David’s words, “Do not fret because of evildoers… trust in the Lord and do good, feed on His faithfulness… commit yourway to the Lord and He shall bring it to pass… rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him… He was now looking to the future. He had developed foresight. Foresight is prophetic in nature. It operates out of faith - present confidence in God and hope - future confidence in God. Foresight is sight by the knowledge of God.
David demonstrated this as he was relegated to become “Captain of the Outcasts.” His test came as Saul unknowingly sought shade for a nap in the very cave David and his men were hiding. In foresight, David waited on God instead of giving into the pressure of the men around him as they challenged him to kill Saul. The men wanted to react instead of respond to the situation. They were angry and emotional because of Saul’s treatment of their people. They wanted to take matters into their own hands and resolve the situation, as they wanted.
But, David foresaw that it was God’s place to deal with Saul because he did not have authority over Saul. During that time, David showed true leadership. He influenced the men for good and not evil. He would not be provoked into acting out carnally. The results were amazing. Four hundred unruly, vile men became “Mighty Men of Valor” and David eventually took his reign as Saul was killed in battle. David reigned for 40 years and Israel prospered during those years.
At the end of his life David records a prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:17, “I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.” At the end of his life, David operated in hindsight as he remembered the goodness of God. To see is to survive anything!
Beth Bailey
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