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6. “ Keilah : Rescue & Retribution”. 1 Samuel 23: 1-14 p. 271. Suffering. Council of Nicea 325 AD 318 delegates less than 12 did not have scars of torture. Suffering an integral part of Christian Life. The Messiah (Christ) will suffer ( Lk 24:46, Ac 3:3, 17:3)
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6. “Keilah: Rescue & Retribution” 1 Samuel 23: 1-14 p. 271
Suffering • Council of Nicea 325 AD • 318 delegates less than 12 did not have scars of torture. • Suffering an integral part of Christian Life. • The Messiah (Christ) will suffer (Lk 24:46, Ac 3:3, 17:3) • His Father David (first “Messiah” – anointed one) did.
1. Rescue • Keilah: constantly plundered by the Philistines. • David steps up into the role of Israel’s king (v 1, 4) • BIBLE PATTERN: Connection – Command & Promise • “Go . . . I will give them into your hand” (v 4) • Command on its own is reckless and unreasonable. • Promise changes everything (e.g. Matt 28:19-20)
1. Rescue. . . • Command & Promise meet OBEDIENCE (v 5) • By obedience the promise is proved true. • Parallel events: • Saul is killing the priests & people of Nob • David is rescuing Keilah. • God’s anointed places the will of God above own safety.
1. Rescue. . . • Suffering natural when power is exerted for gain • Opposition & persecution follow as we do God’s will
2. Retribution • Saul is not interested in Keilah – he wants David. • The darker side: • Saul killed the Priests as an act of rebellion against God • Now makes war on the people he should protect (8:20) • Saul has become the enemy of Israel.
2. Retribution. . . • David’s focus is on the Lord (v 10) • The battle we all face: • Pursue personal ambition and gain at any cost • Obey the will of God no matter the cost.
3. Repercussions • An interesting sideline: • One son of Ahimelek – Abiathar – flees to David (v 6) • The ephod (Ex 28) contains the Urim & Thummim • Used to enquire of the Lord (Ex 28:29-30) • Used before the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost.
3. Repercussions . . . • Saul’s murder of the priests – ended this option for himself !! • Through Abiathar, God makes them available to David !! (v 9)
3. Repercussions . . . • Saul was coming to attack Keilah • His ruthlessness has been well revealed • David has to leave. • Saul is hot on his heels (v 26) • David was being bitterly opposed . . . • The anointed one (“Messiah”) of God must suffer.
Living it • Suffering is part of the Christian life: • Paul (Phil 1:29); Peter (1 Pe 5:9); John (Rev 1:9) • But our comfort abounds (2 Cor 1:5) • We have a greater hope!
Living it . . . God hath not promised skies ever blue,Flower-strewn pathways always for you. God hath not promised sun without rain,Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But He hath promised strength from above,Unfailing sympathy, undying love.