Help from the Field

 

And David inquired of the Lord,

“Shall I pursue this raiding party?  Will I overtake them?”

“Pursue them,” He answered.

You will certainly overtake them, and succeed in the rescue.”

1 Samuel 30:8

As David and his 400 men took off to rescue their loved ones, the men found an Egyptian slave lying in a field, left to die by his Amalekite master.  He had not had food or water for three days.  David’s men brought the man to David, who ordered food and water be supplied to revive him.

 It appears that this slave had heard of the God of the Israelites, for when David asked if he would be willing to lead them to the raiding party, the man replied, “Swear to me before God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, I will take you down to them.”  David agreed, knowing that God had brought this wounded slave to their attention, so that the man could join his group of men, and lead them to the Amalekites.  The ensuing battle lasted for 24 hours, but David and his men prevailed, recovering everything – wives, children, flocks, herds, and one very grateful Amalekite slave.

David should never have taken refuge from Saul from God's arch-enemies.  Did David honestly think that the Philistines could provide greater safety than Jehovah?  In his fear of the earthly king of Judah, David lost sight of the King of the universe.  When he realized his error, David acknowledge that God was the source of his strength and his safety.