1 Samuel 22:3-22:16.
Any of the men who went down to the cave of Adullam for any other reason than just to be with David, would doubtless soon have wearied of the place. How many we have seen, even in our day, who find fault until they finally leave the path of the truth, often taking others with them and enng up generally in an easier path. Unless we have learned to see the Lord in the midst of those who are gathered by the Spirit to His precious name (Matt. 18:20), we are likely to weary of the problems and difficulties of the narrow pathway. We need to learn, like the disciples, to see “no man any more, save Jesus only.” Mark 9:8.
David’s sending back his father and mother to the care of the king of Moab, while he was in the hold, would perhaps tell us of how God is providentially caring for His people Israel now, until the time when they will be associated with Him in His place of power. They are God’s people, though for many years they were out of their land, and even now, though going back, it is still in unbelief.
The prophet Gad came and told David to go into the land of Judah. It might have seemed easier to stay in the cave, but we are not to seek the easy path. Even though gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the outside place, we can take the easy path in life, but this is not the will of God for us. We are to be willing to follow the Lord wherever He may lead.
When Saul heard where David was, he set at work to stir up opposition and trouble for him and for all who were even favorable toward him. He told his followers that David would not do as much for them as he had done. This is like the lie of Satan, the enemy of our souls, for he always makes out that the path of following Christ is a hard one. Satan, like Saul, deceives his followers with the glitter of material things. Do not hearken to Satan’s lies, dear young reader, for we can assure you that to share the reproach of Christ brings “greater riches” than all the treasures of this “Egypt world.” Poor king Saul’s followers were soon to lose everything, for when David took the throne their day of glory came to a complete end. King Saul spoke against Jonathan too, for even though Jonathan did not go out to David to share his rejection, he loved him in his heart and spoke well of him to Saul. The enemy does not want any testimony to Christ whaoever, and will do all he can to hinder it.
Doeg, the Edomite, was with Saul at this time. He spoke up and told how he had seen David at Nob and how Ahimelech the priest had given him the sword of Goliath when he stopped there while fleeing from Saul. King Saul then called for the priests of the Lord and questioned Ahimelech, but Ahimelech said he did not know David was fleeing when he came to him. This circumstance ought to be a warning to us against keeping bad company. Ahimelech the priest should never have had an Edomite there before the Lord (Deut. 23:8), and now he had to reap the fruit of it. We may think lightly of keeping company with those who do not belong to the Lord, but how often it has led to a great catastrophe, as it did here. Let us remember the warning, “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4. It is very important to be in the right company.
ML 11/28/1954