January 16 Reading Plan

January 16

Psalm 76-78, 1 Samuel 26-27

 

I want to take a look at a name that we have read about several times in this story of David. PHILISTINEs

 

If you look up the meaning of the name, you find that it means griever, burrower, and weakener. The etymology of the word is from the Hebrew Palash - to burrow or to grieve loudly. 

 

This is important to note. 

 

It is also important to remember, that at this point in David’s story, he has already defeated Goliath. And when defeating Goliath, you will remember that he was not afraid. Why? Because he recognized the Philistine army as a group of people who were defying the God of Angel armies. . . 

 

So why would this Philistine community - who’s name literally means to burrow or to greave loudly - now become such a desirable place for David to hide? If you read 1 Samuel, you see that David said he would hide and that Saul would not pursue him anymore if he were in the Philistine territory. But Perhaps there is something more to this. 

 

Maybe David went to hide in the Philistines because he too was grieving aloud. I mean, think about this for a moment. In the past three chapters, we have read of two distinct moments where David could have destroyed Saul and his army. Yet he did not, and both times he admits that God has given Saul into his hands. 

 

Yet David was so bitter, and so frustrated and angry, that he would rather relate in this moment to the very people who previously defied the God of Angel Armies, than live in the constant frustration of being pursued. 

 

This is how Asaph, the author attributed with Psalm 77 - was so attuned to what was happening around King David. And listen to what he wrote in Psalm 77:7-9

 

Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again/ Has his unfailing love vanished forever Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” 

 

Have you ever felt like this? You -like David- know God is sovereign, you know he is good, you even know he is in charge and is leading you to the right paths. . . yet you find yourself in a situation that doesn’t make sense. So you are left with grief and misery. 

 

David goes to the Philistine land and is forced to bury himself in his misery. This is the only way he sees to escape from the oppression of the real problem. 

 

But the good news is this. God not only cares about how we feel, he already knows it! He is actively working, even when we don’t feel it. And while we might try to burry ourselves in our misery, God will always do something to remind us that he loves us and is with us. 

 

King Achish gave David Ziklag. This was a land that belonged to the kings of Judah from that day on. Did you hear who it belonged to? THE KINGS OF JUDAH. . .This is an embedded reminder for us that is written in 1 Samuel 27. While David was surrounded by his grief, God was setting up his kingdom. 

 

Remember this, God is not done working! He never quits! And while you feel that all you have left is tears, God is setting up your inheritance. God is actively working on your behalf, as long as you honor him in the process. 

 

So, may you find comfort in knowing that God is actively working for you! May you voice your grief, in honesty and pain, knowing that God hears you. And may you understand his promises, as he moves on your behalf, today!