1 Samuel 29

It was part of the mystery of God's providence that David had to hide among the Philistines for a time. That season in his life was swiftly coming to a close. The Philistines would suddenly wake up to the danger of going into battle with a man who had killed so many of their soldiers in former days. The lords of the Philistines did not trust David.

Achish trusted David, but he was actually mistaken. He believed David's reports to him about his raids against Israel. These were false reports, the words of a man who was a spy in the Lord's employ, serving behind enemy lines.

The words that had so enraged Saul were known among the leaders of the Philistines. “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” They did not trust David.

This turn of events was necessary. Saul would soon meet his end in battle. The time for David to live among the enemies of Israel was over. A new era was about to begin.

David's expulsion from the Philistine fighting force seemed to surprise even David. What had he planned to do in the heat of battle? Did he suppose that the Lord would bring victory for Israel through him and his men? It would not happen that way. As Samuel had warned Saul, Israel would be defeated.

This battle would not belong to David. Saul and Jonathan would both die, and David would face his own challenges from other troubles far from the field of battle.

Man does not know the number of his days. If we did know, it would not help us. It did not help Saul to have secret information about his coming demise.

Jesus knew when his time had come. His victory in battle would surprise all those around Him. How did He do it? He followed the Word of His Father as an obedient Son.

This is the best thing that we can do in any day of distress. What is the Word of God to us? What does the Lord require? Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Trust Him for His provision and His grace. He will bring about His victory in His own way. We will not be disappointed when we see His glory.