David at the Cave of Adullam

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 22:3-5

3 And David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother stay with you, till I know what God will do for me.”
4 And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.
5 Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.

David escaped the hands of King Saul, running to the Philistine country, to the King of Gath for a possible hideout, or place of safety. That didn’t turn out, and he shamed himself in finding escape. Now he is taking his parents to the country of Moab.

Why Moab? And why Mizpah? Why not keep his parents with him, to keep an eye on them and to defend them from any danger?

Jesse and David’s mother are descendants of a woman from Moab. Her name is Ruth and there must have been some strong connections to the country of Moab for David to take his parents into a foreign nation for protection. Not only connections in Moab, but at this point, it may not have been beyond Saul’s effort to get David by way of capturing his parents. Moab was a good location, and in taking them there, he exercised his care for his parents in the midst of his own trials!

Ok Moab has a connection with David’s family, but what about Mizpeh? Why there, and where might it be?

Moab was on the eastern side of the dead sea, far from the hand of Saul.

As for Mizpeh, the likely location is in the hills of Moab, east of the dead sea. It is a place that occurs a number of times in the Scripture and is associated with the concepts of witness and a watchtower. As a matter of fact, the name means a watchtower or a lookout, and by implication would seem to be a good defensive position to be in for any future skirmish or attack. This was to be David’s parents home for the foreseeable future!

The king of Moab was to watch for David’s parents, which surely strengthened this relationship for the future as David rose to prominence in the nation of Israel.

Once David’s parents had been taken care of, the prophet Gad shows up in David’s presence. This is the first time Gad appears in the life of David, but it is not the last. Gad became a personal prophet to David and was used at times to direct or rebuke David in his goings in and out.

We will see him again in future posts, but for now his message is to return to Israel, to the tribe of Judah. What? Did not David just flee from this region of danger? Is he not on the run from the king of Israel? Was it not beginning to look like David was just starting to become established with a small army congregating about him?

Why the sudden change?

Humanly speaking, this advise was ridiculous. Leave an established stronghold and enter the very area that represents danger. Strategically, I would imagine this direction from Gad was not expected by David, nor desired.

But David did it. He ventured into danger based on the message of a prophet, a man of God.

Although it is not certain, the forest of Hereth is likely southeast of the cave of Adullum, approximately 15 miles south of Jerusalem. In the land of Judah, and within the grasp of Saul, David’s stay in this desolate area was most likely brief.

David was open to the direction of God, as he stated to the king of Moab.

1 Samuel 22:4 …till I know what God will do for me

God provided direction, and David would know it from the mouth of the prophet. But surely not the direction he anticipated. The Forest of Hereth was closer to danger, had less physical defensive positions available and provided less available resources for sustenance. Other than the Word of God directing David, I do no see any advantage for David in relocating here!

Have you experienced the direction of God in a totally unexpected way? If so, were you open to God’s loving hand, accept His wisdom and hear enough to step out?

It may take you into apparent danger, (or actual danger) but it is much safer in the will of God than in a cave with hundreds of soldiers protecting you.

Thoughts to think on!

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