When I read 1 Samuel 21, images of the movie "The Fugitive" came to mind. David, like Dr. Kimble, is running from the law. And Saul, like Lt. Gerard, becomes obsessed with catching him. David has done nothing to deserve Saul's wrath. He's an innocent man running to save his life! But is David truly "innocent"? I think Chapter 21 answers that question with a resounding "no"!
First wrong turn: David lacks the faith to return to a safe refuge in Samuel
David now is running to Nob where the tabernacle is located. David was apparently running out of places to hide from Saul. I assume he felt he could not go back to Samuel in Ramah because Saul would have staked out the place hoping David would return. I think this shows a weak moment in David's faith. Why not go back to Samuel? Did he forget how God saved his life through the power of music and the word of God? Samuel represented a safe refuge of God. But it would take faith for David to go back there. And his faith was weak. His decision to turn to Ahimelech would prove to be a disasterous one.
Second wrong turn: David lies to Ahimelech
Then, Ahimelech shows suspicion as to why David, a man of his fame and status in Saul's army, would be traveling alone. In desperation and fear, David lies to a priest! He tells Ahimelech that he's a CIA agent on a secret mission from Saul! C'mon David! That's got to be the corniest story possible! Do you know how many times that line has been tried and failed? (I seem to recall that prohibition in "Dating for Dummies" - what not to say on a first date). Seriously, David has completely forgotten that God is protecting him and starts relying on the flesh. How many times do we find ourselves in David's shoes? We get into a desperate situation with seemingly no way out and we lie. We cheat. We rationalize.
Third wrong turn: David seeks refuge amongst the enemies of God
Finally, I stopped and re-read the end of Chapter 21 several times not believing what I was reading. David, with Goliath's sword in tow, runs to the PHILISTINES, the enemy of God's people, for protection!! Maybe David thought he could hide in plain sight in Gath. I'm sure even king Achish was shocked to learn David had the gonads to show his face in town. Had David's fear and lack of faith blinded him to the dangers of sleeping with the enemy? Another genious choice David makes here. And then, I can only imagine the lengths to which David goes to convince the Philistines he is crazy - slobbering at the mouth, rolling around in the dirt, talking to himself, and who knows what else. Sometimes we take so many wrong turns in our lives we end up with our backs against the wall looking like David - a crazed idiot. This chapter is such a great image of what happens when we take matters into our own hands and try to solve problems on our own.
The tragedy that occurs in Chapter 22 is a direct result of David's sin in Chapter 21. The priests were slaughtered because David made horrible decisions without consulting God. David learns his lesson as he soon after specifically seeks out the word of the Lord in Chapter 23 before he goes to battle against the Philistines.
Every decision we make has consequences. One lie, one wrong turn can lead to horrible results. If you feel like a fugitive running for your life, don't leave God out of the equation. David did and we see what can happen. If you feel desperate, inquire of God. If you do not know where to turn, ask God for guidance. No sin, no matter how seemingly small, is ever the answer to your problem. We can be skilled at rationalizing a little "white lie" or seeking refuge in the things of this world. But no amount of reason or rationalization will ever make sin an acceptable solution to a problem. God is bigger than that! Go back to Samuel David! Go to back to God!
Prayer: Lord, in my darkest of days, may I acknowledge You. When times are tough, may I stand firm on Your word. And thank You for being patient with me when I make wrong choices. Thank You for being faithful when I am unfaithful. Let me never forget that sin is NEVER the answer to any problem in my path.
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