Part -3

Journey with King David

BOC School of Leadership (BOCSL)
Boi Manuel

Journey with King David (JKD) Graph 1

JKD Graph1 is God’s training ground for the future king of Israel. It starts with the death of
Ahimilek and the people of Nob. King Saul relentlessly pursued David for eight years. It is within
these periods that David turned the outcasts into warriors leading them into successful
battles. These battles have become opportunities for David to support and protect the people
of Israel while running and avoiding King Saul. They were faced with so many dead ends but
the Lord has always been there providing them a way out of dangers. David’s marriage to
Abigail is a great blessing and an opportunity for David to increase his leadership through the
help of Abigail. Through these years he became a friend to Achish king of Gath. The most
devastating moment in David’s life at the end of this period is the death of his best friend
Jonathan. These stories are depicted in a very detailed way. Let us start with the massacre at
Nob.

Saul: No one tells me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of
you is concerned about me or tells me that my son has incited my servant to lie in wait
for me, as he does today.’

1
 Doeg:, ‘I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelek son of Ahitub at Nob. 10 Ahimelek
enquired of the LORD for him; he also gave him provisions and the sword of Goliath the
Philistine.’

Saul: ‘Listen now, son of Ahitub…, ‘Why have you conspired against me, you and the son
of Jesse, giving him bread and a sword and enquiring of God for him, so that he has
rebelled against me and lies in wait for me, as he does today?’

Ahimelek: ‘Who of all your servants is as loyal as David, the king’s son-in-law, captain
of your bodyguard and highly respected in your household? 15 Was that day the first time
I enquired of God for him? Of course not! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of
his father’s family, for your servant knows nothing at all about this whole affair.’

Saul: ‘You shall surely die, Ahimelek, you and your whole family.’17 Then the king ordered
the guards at his side: ‘Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too have sided
with David. They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me.

’But the king’s officials were unwilling to raise a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.

Saul: (ordered Doeg) ‘You turn and strike down the priests.’ So Doeg the Edomite turned
and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen
ephod. 19 He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and
women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep. Samuel 22:1-20

King Saul was devastated when he learned that Jonathan made a covenant with David. King
Saul gathered hundreds of his soldiers and marched toward Nob. Ahimilek was confronted by
the king defending the decision he made that further angered the king. He also mentioned that
it was not the first time that he inquired of the Lord for David. This would give us the idea that
David had visited him a couple of times. We can assume that David personally delivered
Goliath’s sword to him. Ahimelek may also be the one who officiated David and Michal wedding
since he is the high priest.
King Saul is close to sound reason. Once more he was blinded by his jealousy, anger and
bitterness against David. Yet, despite this reality, many people have sworn loyalty to the king
and are willing to support him even with his wickedness, one of them is Doeg the Edomite his
chief shepherd.
All of the priests of Nob were called including their family members. They were surrounded by
the king’s guards but they refuse to execute them.

Then King Saul ordered Doeg to massacre eighty-five (85) men who wore the linen ephod. He
put to the sword the priests of Nob, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its
cattle, donkeys, and sheep.

Surely this is a very difficult scenario for all the soldiers who disobeyed the king’s order as each
of these priests and their families begged for their lives.
2
Nob was literally painted with the blood that day. King Saul executed all the innocent men and
women, children and infants, cattle, donkeys, and sheep with total disregard of the Lord.

King Saul has injected fear into the minds of his people. He has truly become a ruthless, godless,
and coldblooded monster like the neighboring kings of Israel. God’s punishment to Israel is
magnified through Saul’s brutal barbaric behavior.

“20 But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join
David. 21 He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. 22 Then David said to
Abiathar, ‘That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell
Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family. 23 Stay with me; don’t be
afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me.”
1 Samuel 22:1-23

We do not know how Abiathar escaped from Nob. He is the only survivor who is an eyewitness
where King Saul mercilessly ordered Doeg to massacre hundreds of innocent lives. We can say
that he already hid deep into the woods or some secret place for the soldiers not to see him.
Moreover, David has probably told Ahimelek about his escape plan that he will find refuge in
Adullam and his father instructed him to seek David if something happens to them. Abiathar
had a very traumatic experience seeing all his loved ones killed in one day. But on the hindsight,
if the sudden demise of his clan was God’s judgment on Israel, then this just a consequence of
their elders’ decision to have a king.

Journey with King David (JKD) Graph 2

JKD Graph 2 is a historical progression that we are now trying to interpret according to the
grave implication of not only of having the wrong king but also wrong elders and leaders behind
King Saul’s election and appointment.
3
What were the elders and leaders of Israel thinking when this news reached them? They have
enthroned this wicked king and there is no turning back. They want to have a king just like the
other nation. Their chosen king is now killing innocent lives including infants and children.

The prophet Samuel is probably grieving and in deep sorrow when he learned about this tragic
event. But like the rest of the elders, they are helpless to address the problem they have
created. Their blunder to be like other nations is now haunting them. But this is a very dark
dreadful event costing the lives of priests as well as the innocent lives of infants and children
becoming sacrificial lambs to remind Israel of their sinful act.

This horrible incident made all the priests and Levites to further distance themselves from King
Saul. However, this is not so in David’s camp. In his emotionally wounded and fragile sate, David
has elevated and appointed Abiathar to play and continue his priestly calling.

Traumatic events cause people to forget their sense of purpose in life. David knew how to bring
the best in people by assigning them according to their strength, giftedness, natural abilities
and above all redirecting them to pursue God’s mandate in their lives and as a nation.

Abiathar slowly make a rebound and focus on what God has called him to do. He is now with
the company of the outcasts serving as their priest.

Journey with King David (JKD) Graph 3

JKD Graph 3 is God preparing and also training the outcasts to develop and grow in their
behaviors and characters. People who are stuck in their survival mode cannot think outside
their victim or suffering mentality. This is David‘s story rebuking his men to step up to the
challenge.
4
 “23 When David was told, ‘Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are
looting the threshing-floors,’ 2 he enquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack
these Philistines?’The LORD answered him, ‘Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.’

3 ButDavid’s men said to him, ‘Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we
go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!’4 Once again David enquired of the LORD, and
the LORD answered him, ‘Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into
your hand.’ 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off
their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of
Keilah. 6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelek had brought the ephod down with him when he
fled to David at Keilah.)

Training and empowering disgruntled people to think beyond themselves apart from God is
almost impossible. Keilah is not only a new training ground for David but this is also true to all
of them. We can describe God’s training course objective this way.

Characters Spiritual Course Objective

 Learn to move and operate strategically while running
away from King Saul
1. David  Learn how to train and empower disgruntled warrior
to think and act in a more caring and responsible way.
 Not to act impulsively
 Lead by example

 Move beyond his traumatic / painful experience

 Assume his new role as a priest to serve God through
2. Abiathar David and his men
 Live and minister to all the people around him

 Learn from David’s leadership style

 Develop a personal understanding of God
3. Newly organized  Develop confidence how to move beyond their victim
disgruntled warriors or suffering mentality
 Overcome their fear by developing and cultivating
winning behavior

This narrative is a powerful display of leadership by example. David did not rush to save the
people of Keilah. He consulted the Lord twice. David involved Abiathar and all his men to seek
the Lord first. David did not project an authoritarian leadership style. He created an
environment where his men are all involved. Participatory leadership encourages everyone to
be on the same page. It encourages people to own a designed plan of action. This is a perfect
leadership style that David has adopted as the situation calls for it.

5
 Journey with King David (JKD) Graph 4
JKD Graph 4 is a projection of David’s leadership style. This is totally opposite to King Saul’s
way of leading the leaders and people of Israel. He is so distant. David is returning God’s place
in the hearts of His people. God’s mission first. Protecting His people comes next and the rest
follows. David openly and immediately declared his leadership direction through the external
threats that they are facing against the enemies of Israel.

It is also amazing to realize how the Lord provided food and other basic necessities for the
growing number of people who are joining David. There were four hundred people who
immediately joined David in Adullam.

Aid-el-ma (Hurvat Adulam) is probably the location of Adullam, about 2-1/2 miles (4 km)
south of the Valley of Elah, and about 20 miles (32 km) west from Bethlehem. At this
place is a hill some 450 feet (140 meters) high pierced with numerous caverns, some of
them large enough to hold 200 or 300 men (William S. LaSor, "Adullam," ISBE
1:98)

God faithfully provided for David and his men, even in times of desperate need. The
responsibility of feeding the growing number of people with this magnitude is also God’s way of
training and preparing David. This time of great struggle has become God’s sovereign way of
bringing the right people to David. The difficulties they have faced on a daily basis just to
survive in the wilderness are not wasted. It was a unique opportune time for all of them to
experience God’s goodness. Their victory in Keilah against the Philistines is also God’s way of
providing the livestock they need.

This is the first time that David’s newly formed army has experienced victory. This triumphant
battle is a very significant confidence building for all of them. They need to learn how to trust

6
and protect each other as they move forward. They need to learn how to fight for their survival
but also to learn how to care and protect other people. God is continually molding David’s
character and leadership and all the people surrounding him would also be learning to fight for
God and His people. The cave of Adullam and the pressing danger around them have become
God’s finely-crafted training blueprint to hone David and his warriors.

Journey with King David (JKD) Graph 5

JKD Graph 5 is about the great celebration when David defeated the Philistines. David’s 600
soldiers were all exhausted after their first bloody engagement. But this is short-lived. The
challenging reality is the fact that King Saul is constantly monitoring his movements. The king is
always on the lookout finding the right opportunity to attack them. JKD Graph 5 is a crisis that
will reveal the loyalty and ungratefulness of the people of Keila. Their loyalty is still with King
Saul despite the fact that David and his men rescued them. Let us learn God’s lesson for us
through this story.

“7 Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, ‘God has delivered him into
my hands, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and
bars.’ 8 And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David
and his men.

9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest,
‘Bring the ephod.’ 10 David said, ‘LORD, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely
that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. 11 Will the
citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has
heard? LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant.’ And the LORD said, ‘He will.’

12 AgainDavid asked, ‘Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?’ And
the LORD said, ‘They will.’ 13 So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left
7
 Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped
from Keilah, he did not go there. 1 Samuel 23:7-13

We have a very strong human tendency to be disappointed when people failed to reciprocate
or return the good deeds we have done for them. This kind of emotion varies with the kind of
degree of help or assistance we are able to extend to others. David and his men have risked
their lives to saved Keilah but they were betrayed and rejected by the same people they have
just saved from the raiding Philistines.

This battle started when they first heard the news that the Philistines were attacking
Keilah, during the time that they were asking the Lord for confirmation twice, up to the
moment that he gathered his six hundred warriors and as they march towards the
battlegrounds are all scripted in David’s mind. David is the only guy who knows how to create a
battle plan and execute it swiftly.

Every great leader need a powerful momentum to inspire his followers and saving Keilah has
become a platform for David to show to his men how to win a war and save people at the same
time. Early on, David exemplified to his men that the first step to victory and they have tasted
and finally able to feel and develop a winning attitude.

Journey with King David (JKD) Graph 6

JKD Graph 6 is the continuous flow of opportunities and threats within the realm of God’s
training design for David and his men. Together, they learned that it is a part of their God-given
mission to reach out and bless others.

But along with the deep mountains, desserts and rugged valleys comes a fresh and
reinvigorating soft soothing feeling when his best friend Jonathan’s visited him in the
8
wilderness. He is giving so much of himself to the people around him. Jonathan’s unexpected
visit is God’s way of encouraging him to continually trust the Lord in his difficult journey. These
are all external threats coming from an unexpected place portrayed in this story.

“14 David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day
after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.15 While David
was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his
life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him to find
strength in God. 17 ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘My father Saul will not lay a hand on you.
You shall be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows
this.’ 18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home,
but David remained at Horesh. 23:14-18

David is on the run from King Saul on the first day he fled from the palace up to this moment, as
if chasing him has become an addiction for King Saul granting him satisfaction. Jonathan takes
this difficult journey without the knowledge of his father just to assure him not to be afraid.
This visit means so much for David. They have probably talked a lot of things that day
encouraging one another.

But this is bizarre because the one who is causing his pain and inflicting more wounds is the
father of his best friend. This contrasting feeling of deep hatred that is projected by King Saul is
compensated by the love and genuine care of his friend Jonathan. A father and a son is a total
contrast of a very dark room where half of the room is also filled with God’s light that is
heavenly and comforting through Jonathan.

Real “comfort and encouragement” is something that we cannot demand. It is something that
God gives unexpectedly. It is also something that true friendship brings in a godly relationship.

Journey with King David (JKD) Graph 7

9
JKD Graph 7 mirrors King Saul's wicked plot to assassinate David. This graph also presents
another major twist as far as God’s training design for David. It is about the Ziphites who belong
to the same tribe of Judah.

Who are the people of Ziph? What motivated these people to align themselves with a wicked
king? These people voluntarily came to King Saul with a self-serving agenda. This is presented in
this narrative.

“19 The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, ‘Is not David hiding among us in the
strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon? 20 Now, Your Majesty,
come down whenever it pleases you to do so, and we will be responsible for giving him
into your hands.’ 21 Saul replied, ‘The LORD bless you for your concern for me. 22 Go and
get more information. Find out where David usually goes and who has seen him there.
They tell me he is very crafty. 23 Find out about all the hiding-places he uses and come
back to me with definite information. Then I will go with you; if he is in the area, I will
track him down among all the clans of Judah.’

24 Sothey set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the
Desert of Maon, in the Arabah south of Jeshimon. 25 Saul and his men began the search,
and when David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Desert of
Maon. When Saul heard this, he went into the Desert of Maon in pursuit of David.

26 Saulwas going along one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the
other side, hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his forces were closing in on
David and his men to capture them, 27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, ‘Come quickly!
The Philistines are raiding the land.’ 28 Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went
to meet the Philistines. That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth (the Rock of
Escape)29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi. 1
Samuel 23:19-26

David is constantly on the move because of the recurring treat that he is facing. He is aware
that even people they have saved risking their lives like the people of Keilah will support KIng
Saul. So it is wise and strategic for David and his men not to settle in one place. They are hiding
in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon.

Thorns can be brought about by people who are close to us or in some cases even strangers
unknown and far from us. King Saul’s abominable act annihilating the priests and innocent
people of Nob is still not enough convincing evidence for the people of Keilah and Ziph to turn
down King Saul.

In return, the Ziphites served as King Saul’s advance party. Despite the king’s wickedness, he
was still able to gain popular support. King Saul was able to develop a growing network who
are familiar of David’s whereabouts. The Ziphites succeeded to locate David’s hideout and they
immediately report to the king.

10
David and his men were pushed to the edge until the time that King Saul is able to release his
deadly wrath against David and his men. King Saul was able to corner David in one side of the
mountain as the king’s forces are preparing to capture him. But the Lord intervened. The
Philistines attacked King Saul’s camp forcing them to go back and broke off from his deadly
pursuit. David called that place a Rock of Escape (Sela Hammahlekoth).

David turned these frustrating circumstances by composing a God-honoring musical

masterpiece. This psalm flows from his heart. It is a reflection on how David is struggling with
their predicament. We can imagine David playing his harp beautifully at night inspiring his men
and lifting their situation and spirits to God.

Psalm 140 (NASB)

Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men;
Preserve me from violent men
2 Who devise evil things in their hearts;

They continually stir up wars.

3 They sharpen their tongues as a serpent;

Poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah.

4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;

Preserve me from violent men

Who have purposed to trip up my feet.
5 The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords;

They have spread a net by the wayside;

They have set snares for me. Selah.
6 I said to the Lord, “You are my God;

Give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications.

7 “O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation,

You have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 “Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;

Do not promote his evil device, that they not be exalted. Selah.
9 “As for the head of those who surround me,

May the mischief of their lips cover them.

10 “May burning coals fall upon them;

May they be cast into the fire,

Into deep pits from which they cannot rise.
11 “May a slanderer not be established in the earth;

May evil hunt the violent man speedily.”

12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor.
13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name;

The upright will dwell in Your presence.

11
Summary
David suddenly became the leader of the outcasts when hundreds of disgruntled people joined
him. The massacre of Nob revealed King Saul’s dark side.

The only survivor was Abiathar who escaped from King Saul’s wrath and find David to survive.

David’s bonding with his men has become a unique platform to develop his leadership. Their
first battle in saving Keilah gave them a great opportunity to develop a winning attitude and
behavior.

The strongholds at Horesh and the Desert of Maon are unlivable places. It is difficult to survive
in these wilderness. Some areas in these places are burning hot during the day and icy cold at
night. These are gloomy places. However, these places have become perfect grounds for David
and his men to develop their winning skills and characters.

Jonathan’s visit gave so much encouragement to David in the midst of darkness and hopeless
moments. True friends reaches out. Jonathan’s brotherly and God-honoring gesture to go an
extra mile just to encourage and minister to David is extraordinary.

David and his men powerfully experience God’s “light”.

God’s comfort surrounded them with the moon and stars at night.

There are rugged, rocky and thorny grounds inspired by God’s saving grace.

These places are full of danger aggravated by King Saul’s pursuit surrounded by God’s mercy.

These places are cruel and lonely but God has engulfed them with His peace and promises.

Godly leaders look at things and situations differently. They know how to turn dismal
predicaments into opportunities to learn new things as they turn to God for wisdom and
strength.

David beautifully make this pronouncement when he said, “ I know that the Lord will maintain
the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor. Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your
name; The upright will dwell in Your presence (Psalm 140:12-13).

12
 Study Guide

Journey with King David

BOC School of Leadership (BOCSL)
Boi Manuel

1. The massacre of Nob revealed King Saul’s dark side. Why did God allowed the priests to be
annihilated? Is this God’s rebuke and message to the elders who enthroned Saul as their king?

2. Abiathar the only survivor during the massacre at Nob was elevated to become David’s
spiritual adviser or life coach for his men. How important is this development in this particular
new chapter to Abiathar and for David leading the outcasts?

3. David’s men are unwilling to help the people of Keilah because they are already
overwhelmed with their own dire predicament? David has elevated this to a spiritual level by
asking Abiathar to be involved. How would you validate and consider David’s men's concern to
think only of themelves? How important is David’s strategy to involve God and Abiathar in this
situation?

4. David and his men consulted the Lord twice before engaging themselves to help the people
of Keilah against the raiding Philistine. By this time David is now leading 600 warriors. Again, he
consulted the Lord before leaving Keilah. What leadership principle can we derive from this
winning and retreating moments?

5. The battle of Keilah shows that David was able to train his men skillfully to win this war.
How important is this first battle to David’s men? Why is it necessary to expose our emerging
leaders to win “wars” in the ministry we are involved?

13
 6. Like the people of Keilah who have shown ungratefulness to David after risking their lives
to save them, how can we continually bless this kind or type of people in our present ministry
context?

7. How important is Jonathan’s visit at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph? What does it mean for us
to literally take the extra-mile and travel far just to meet and minister to the “Davids’” in our
life even if it is momentarily short?

8. Think and Imagine, Think about the spies of Ziph’s reaction when King Saul and his force
cornered David and they have no way out but they have to go back because of the Philistine’s
raiding team? Thinks about David’s men's reaction after this experience?

9. There are “Ziphites” in our midst (people who belong to the same tribe). These people have
chosen to support wicked leaders like King Saul. What is the best way to deal with these
kinds of people in our day?

10. What leadership principle can we learn from the Rock of Escape when King Saul was about
to arrest David and his men but they have to go back because the Philistines are raiding their
camp?

11. David turned his painful experience and struggles in writing Psalm 140. What particular
verse can you relate to this psalm?

12. David’s story tells us that one of the best ways to deal with conflict is to design an exit plan
and not engaging in war or in a battle that we cannot win (choose your battle). How can we
adopt this ministry or leadership principle?

14