Today I read 1 Samuel 27, in which David lives with the Philistines and lies about his activities so they trust him. Today I considered that David did whatever he thought he needed to do to take care of the people with him but never betrayed God’s chosen people he left behind in Judah and Israel. David did not fight his family.
Gained Enemies Trust
David used his enemies, got their trust, but did not harm his people (1 Samuel 27:1-12). David with 600 men and their households went to live in Gath, Philistines territory, to avoid Saul continuing to hunt him. David asked for a country location. The king of Gath’s son Achish gave David Ziklag, and they stayed a year and four months. David and his men fought the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites, killing everyone so no one could tell on him, and taking all their animals and clothing. David lied to Achish saying everything came from south Judah, the Jerahmeelites, and the Kenites. Achish believed David turned on his own people and would be his forever. David had gained their trust.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
David did not fight with his own people. David avoided Saul and his men when they were searching to kill him. When David went to live with the Philistines, David obtained goods from other old inhabitants of the land and did not attack Judah. Following David’s example, we should not attack our extended families. We should avoid fighting them.
What have you done to avoid fighting family whenever you can?