SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 11-08-2019

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY “Christ’s millennial reign”: After the Great Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to the earth with His saints and reign for one thousand years. This is the Millennial Reign. During this period, Satan will bound and cast into the bottomless pit. Devoid of Satan’s influence, Christ’s reign will be characterised by righteousness, peace and prosperity. To reign with Him, you must be saved from sin, abide in Christ and serve Him till the end.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 755: SAUL SLAYS THE PRIESTS AT NOB MEMORY VERSE: …… “And the king said to Doeg, turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linnen ephod”. 1 Samuel 22:18 TEXT: 1 Samuel 22:1-23

INTRODUCTION David had some difficult moments on his way to the throne. His experience with Saul underscores the possibility of persecution of the righteous without a cause (Psalm 34:19). This study exposes Saul’s sin and cruel determination to destroy innocent David. It shows the extent to which the king of Israel had sunk morally because of jealousy and unfounded fear.

DAVID’S REFUGE IN THE CAVE OF ADULLAM 1 Samuel 22:1-8 Due to king Saul’s relentless pursuit and determination to kill David, it was no longer safe for David to go to his house or any other place within Israel's territory. David found refuge in the cave of Adullam. There it is believed that he penned Psalm 57:1-11 & 142:1-7. This tells us that the perplexing situation drew him to seek refuge in God. Unlike Saul, David did not trade blame for his predicaments; rather, he took time apart to exalt God’s mercy and power.

DAVID’S REFUGE IN THE CAVE OF ADULLAM 1 Samuel 22:1-8 QUESTION 1: What should be the believer’s attitude during persecution? – Psalm 142:2,4,5; 57:5,11 QUESTION 2: What can we learn from the categories of people that resorted to David? – Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7 QUESTION 3: What would the contemporary Christian learn from the counsel of Prophet Gad to David? – 2 Corinthians 5:7; Joshua 1:6,7; Ephesians 4:11,12

DOEG’S REPORT ABOUT DAVID AND AHIMELECH 1 Samuel 22:6-10 Saul combined worldly wisdom, politics and tribal sentiment to get information about David. Doeg, a servant of Saul, accused Ahimelech the priest to be David’s accomplice who helped him with food and sword. Being a descendant of Edom (Esau), he carried on a generational hatred for the Israelites. QUESTION 4: Point out some of the carnal methods king Saul used to obtain information about David and Jonathan from his servants – 1 Samuel 22:7,8; Proverbs 6:18,19; Colossians 2:8

CRUEL MURDER OF THE PRIESTS 1 Samuel 22:11-23 Upon the accusation of Ahimelech by Doeg, Saul called him and his entire house to answer the charges against them which included conspiracy, giving bread and sword to David, and enquiring from God for him. Saul’s order to kill Ahimelech and his house was cruel and barbaric. Children of God should never, for fear of the consequences, bear false witness against anyone or carry out an ungodly decree. QUESTION 5: From the example of Saul’s servants, what should be the believer’s attitude to ungodly edicts? – 1 Samuel 22:16,17; Exodus 20:13

CONCLUSION David’s experience with Saul underscores the possibility of persecution of the righteous without a cause (Matthew 5:10,11). In persecution, David did not blame his accusers but took time apart to pray and praise God. This teaches us that when we are under intense persecution should, we should pray and reflect. Saul’s servants refused to carry the order to kill Ahimelech and the priests. Believers are to be subject to the laws of the land; but when they conflict with God laws, we should not obey.