6. “Keilah: Rescue & Retribution” 1 Samuel 23: 1-14 p. 271

Suffering Council of Nicea 325 AD 318 delegates less than 12 did not have scars of torture. Suffering an integral part of Christian Life. The Messiah (Christ) will suffer (Lk 24:46, Ac 3:3, 17:3) His Father David (first “Messiah” – anointed one) did.

1. Rescue Keilah: constantly plundered by the Philistines. David steps up into the role of Israel’s king (v 1, 4) BIBLE PATTERN: Connection – Command & Promise “Go . . . I will give them into your hand” (v 4) Command on its own is reckless and unreasonable. Promise changes everything (e.g. Matt 28:19-20)

Command & Promise meet OBEDIENCE (v 5) Parallel events: 1. Rescue. . . Command & Promise meet OBEDIENCE (v 5) By obedience the promise is proved true. Parallel events: Saul is killing the priests & people of Nob David is rescuing Keilah. God’s anointed places the will of God above own safety.

1. Rescue. . . Suffering natural when power is exerted for gain Opposition & persecution follow as we do God’s will

2. Retribution Saul is not interested in Keilah – he wants David. The darker side: Saul killed the Priests as an act of rebellion against God Now makes war on the people he should protect (8:20) Saul has become the enemy of Israel.

David’s focus is on the Lord (v 10) The battle we all face: 2. Retribution. . . David’s focus is on the Lord (v 10) The battle we all face: Pursue personal ambition and gain at any cost Obey the will of God no matter the cost.

3. Repercussions An interesting sideline: One son of Ahimelek – Abiathar – flees to David (v 6) The ephod (Ex 28) contains the Urim & Thummim Used to enquire of the Lord (Ex 28:29-30) Used before the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost.

3. Repercussions . . . Saul’s murder of the priests – ended this option for himself !! Through Abiathar, God makes them available to David !! (v 9)

Saul was coming to attack Keilah 3. Repercussions . . . Saul was coming to attack Keilah His ruthlessness has been well revealed David has to leave. Saul is hot on his heels (v 26) David was being bitterly opposed . . . The anointed one (“Messiah”) of God must suffer.

Living it Suffering is part of the Christian life: Paul (Phil 1:29); Peter (1 Pe 5:9); John (Rev 1:9) But our comfort abounds (2 Cor 1:5) We have a greater hope!

Living it . . . God hath not promised skies ever blue, Flower-strewn pathways always for you. God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But He hath promised strength from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love.