1 Samuel 21:2 David answered Ahimelek the priest, “The king sent me on a mission and said to me. ‘No one is to know anything about the mission I am sending you on.’ As for my men, I have told them to meet me at a certain place.
David is lying. Granted, he is afraid of Saul and running for his life; however, I’d wager that he was at least a smidge afraid when he faced Goliath, so why is it different now? The answer is quite simple: When he faces Goliath, he knows he is with God, on God’s side. Now he is just afraid, and in his fear, he does not seek God. He seeks to save his own skin. Understandable, but not ideal for a man after God’s own heart.
1 Samuel 21:8 David asked Ahimelek, “Don’t you have a spear or a sword here? I haven’t brought my sword or any other weapon, because the king’s mission was urgent.”
Fortunately, David does eventually get his eyes back on God. Commentary directs me to Psalm 56, which is attributed to David when he is captured in Gath. Verse 1 shows his returning: “Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit.” He’s still afraid, but he’s got his eyes on God again. And in Psalm 34, attributed to David when he feigns being a madman, David writes: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears” (verse 4), and “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (verse 18).
1 Samuel 21:10 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for understanding that our human tendency to fear makes us lose our focus. When we take our eyes off of You, You could cast us off completely, leaving us on our own. Thank You for Your grace and mercy, which allow us a path back to You. Always. Help us to stay focused on You. No matter what. Amen.
1 Samuel 21:13 So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman….
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.