1 Samuel

1 Samuel 29: The LORD keeps David from battle

Begin in prayer

Before we see the Philistine princes send David home from their battle, and learn that the LORD rules every ruler, let us pray together. Ask Him to quiet our fears of men, and to show us Jesus.

He who sits in the heavens will laugh.

Psalm 2:4

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You rule over every ruler, and help us to trust You rather than people. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The Philistines gathered at Aphek, and David and his men marched in the rear with Achish. The princes of the Philistines were angry that David was with them, and they feared he would turn against them in battle. Achish told David he had found no fault in him, but the princes insisted, so Achish sent him back. David protested, and Achish said he was good in his sight, as an angel of God, but he must leave early in the morning. David and his men rose early to return to the land of the Philistines, and the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

As you read 1 Samuel 29, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD rules every ruler, and David is kept from fighting God’s people.

The Philistines gathered all their armies at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel (verse 1). David and his men marched at the back with Achish, as Achish had told him they would (verse 2 and chapter 28 verse 1). The Philistine princes were angry and said David might turn against them in the battle (verses 3 to 5). Achish, a Philistine king, said David was good in his sight, yet he sent him back (verses 6 to 10). David protested, and then he and his men rose early and went home (verses 8 and 11). This chapter does not say God acted. The Bible tells us who rules every ruler. The king's heart is in the LORD's hand like a stream of water, and He turns it wherever He desires (Proverbs 21 verse 1).

How does 1 Samuel 29 show us that the LORD rules every ruler, and that David is kept from fighting God’s people?

The princes doubt David.

The Philistine princes saw David and his men marching in the rear and asked who they were (verses 2 and 3). They feared David would turn against them in the battle and win back his lord's favor with their heads (verse 4). They remembered the song, Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands (verse 5). Achish said he had found no fault in David (verse 3).

The LORD rules over every ruler.

The anger of the princes sent David away from a battle he was marching toward (verses 4 and 7). Achish praised David as good in his sight, like an angel of God (verse 9). Achish had to do what his princes said (verses 6 and 7). Jesus said all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28 verse 18).

David is kept from battle.

Achish told David to rise early in the morning and go (verses 9 and 10). David and his men rose early and returned to the land of the Philistines (verse 11). The Philistines went up to Jezreel, where Israel was camped (verses 1 and 11). The next chapter shows what David found at home (chapter 30 verses 1 to 3).

Memorise

So David rose up early, he and his men, to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines

1 Samuel 29:11

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I fear people more than I trust Jesus, the King of kings?

The princes of the Philistines sent David home, and this chapter does not name the LORD. The Bible says the king's heart is in the LORD's hand, and He turns it wherever He desires (Proverbs 21 verse 1).

Earthly rulers rise and fall, and none rules without Him. Our sin is rebellion against the King of kings, and it deserves His judgment. On the cross Jesus died for His people. Three days later the Father raised Him from the dead, and all authority in heaven and on earth is His. His work on the cross is finished once for all.

Do not fear men more than the One who rules them. Turn from your sin, and put your trust in Jesus. He forgives everyone who bows to Him as Lord.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD rules every ruler, and that Jesus is the King of kings. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He rules over every ruler, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Yahweh has established his throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all.

Psalm 103:19

Father, You rule over every ruler. Thank You that Jesus is King of kings, and that no enemy can stop Your purpose. Keep our hearts from fearing people more than You. Help us to trust You this week. Amen.