March 9

I Samuel 27-29

Once again David fears Saul and flees to the home of Goliath – the land of the Philistines. Strangely enough, they welcome him and his 600 men. They even allowed him to live in their land for 16 months.

Only when the Philistines decided to attack Israel did they become concerned about the loyalty of David and his followers -- they were sent home to Ziklag.

As the Philistines assembled to attack Israel, Saul became concerned and tried to approach God for guidance – but God did not answer him. Saul panicked – and looked for anyone who could help him. He eventually turned to a woman who could speak to spirits, and he asked her to contact Samuel.

Samuel explained that God had turned away from Saul and had become his enemy. Samuel explained that Saul’s punishment for disobeying God when he was instructed to wipe out the Amalekites is now about to take place. The kingdom will be taken away from Saul and given to David – and Saul and his sons will die.

Think about it:
Does God eventually say “enough” and turn away from people today?
Why do you think God’s timing was at this point in Saul’s life or David’s life?
Has God become an enemy to anyone today? If so, who?
Do you think David and his men would have gone to war with the Philistines against Israel if they had not been sent home to Ziklag?