Chronological Reading Pan for April 13, I Sam 21-24

Today's readings are 1 Sam 21-24. Tomorrow's are Psalm 7, 27, 31, 34 & 52.

1. In 1 Sam 21-22, David has his own problems and stumbles. He lies to Ahimelech, saying he is on an errand for the king, and gets food and Goliath's sword. Ahimiliech has no idea David is a fugitive. Many priests die at the hands of Saul, who has become irrational over finding and killing David. David runs to the Philistines to hide. Things do not go well for him there either. He ends up in the wilderness, hiding in fear, united with a band of outcasts, leaving his parents in the hands of the pagans in Moab. David is turning everywhere but to the Lord.

When he realizes his error and the destruction that has been caused by his deception, David turns to the Lord, asking for God's wisdom in what to do by seeking the counsel of a priest, Abiathar at Keilah. David leaves Keilah before Saul gets there and the city is spared. But Saul has become so desperate to get David, he has resorted to killing his own people. David, when he is listening to God, is doing all he can to spare them. Saul is a killer. David is a redeemer. God always provides a redeemer for His people. 

David hides in En-Gedi, a mountainous region with thousands of caves. Given a prime opportunity to take Saul's life, David refuses and tells Saul that he will leave Saul in the hands of God for destruction. David is a model of restraint and patience. Even when he has the opportunity to take matters into his own hands and affect the outcome, he waits upon God to move.  

En Gedi and some of the multitude of caves are seen here.