March 5, 2024

Keilah was being overtaken by the Philistines, who were stealing their grain from the threshing floor. David was on the run to get away from Saul but took the time to avenge his fellow citizens, even though it was Saul's responsibility to protect Israel from invaders. David enquired of God before moving forward into this battle. God told him he would be successful. He avenged the citizens by winning and bringing back the Philistine cattle to pay them back for the loss of grain. Abiathar, the priest, came to David and brought the ephod with him. Unfortunately, Saul finds out that David is in Keilah, which has gates and a bar, and he hopes to trap David there, thinking that God has delivered David into his hands. With the ephod, David asked God if the city would give him up, and God said they would. So David and his men left to hide in the wilderness. A mountain stood between David and Saul, which is very symbolic of God's protection of David. Saul's pursuit of him ended when he got word that the Philistines had invaded the land, so he left there to defend his country. "When princes begin to persecute God's people and ministers, let them expect no other than vexation on all sides." Matthew Henry. 

I can't help but compare this to what is happening now in the United States, with one nasty president pursuing a more favorable president by any means necessary to try and prohibit him from taking his rightful place in power. God will win in our situation, just as in David's circumstance. No matter what the outcome, God's plans will be done. Relax, but keep praying and following the voice of God so you are not caught off guard. Prepare yourself because the enemy is angry and may try anything to delay God's plan, but we know it won't work. God is the mountain that stands between us and our enemy. Sleep in your armor!

But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. 1 Samuel 23:27-28