This blog’s title tells the story of what happened to David and his army when they were in the wrong place, and here is how the scriptures record it.
1 Samuel 26 shares the last encounter that David had with King Saul, who had twenty-one times unsuccessfully attempted to kill him. During their last encounter, David could have killed King Saul, but he feared stretching forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed. When he revealed to the king that he could have killed him but chose not to, the king said to him, “I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail.”
Unfortunately, David did not believe the king, for in 1 Samuel 27 David said, “I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.” So David, along with his family and six hundred men and their family, went to Achish, the king of Gath.
The king gave David and his men the town of Ziklag as their residence, and they stayed there for sixteen months. During that time, the Bible does not record David praying to God; however, it did record David lying and murdering Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites.
When the Philistines went to war against Israel, King Achish took David and his men with him; however, the princes of the Philistines did not trust David, so they made King Achish send David and his men back to Ziklag. When they arrived in Ziklag, they found the Amalekites had invaded it, burned it with fire, and taken their families captive.
David and his men cried until they had no more power to weep. Furthermore, David’s men were so distraught they talked about stoning him. This caused David to encourage himself and, finally, after sixteen months, seek direction from God.
Following God’s direction, David pursued the Amalekites and found them in their camp, eating, drinking, and dancing. He and his men engaged them in warfare and were able to kill everyone except four hundred young men, who escaped on camels.1 Samuel 30:18-19 records, “And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.’
We can all learn from David’s mistakes. First, we must believe God can protect us when the enemy tries to harm us. Next, we need to guard our hearts from fear and speak positively about God’s intervention. Then we need to seek direction from God on where we are to be located and not align ourselves with the enemy of our faith. Make sure we don’t practice sinful acts, and finally, I recommend saying this declaration when you feel the enemy’s onslaught. “I shall recover all that the enemy has carried away. And there was nothing lacking to me, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor anything that was taken; I shall recover all in Jesus’ name.”
Charles Capps, in his book “WHY TRAGEDY HAPPENS TO CHRISTIANS,” wrote this statement: “Satan has deceived the Body of Christ into confessing their fear rather than their faith.” Unfortunately, when we do this, we are aligning ourselves with the enemy. Yes, when facing difficulty, it is hard to think and talk positively, but that is what we must do to overcome the enemy’s attacks.
James describes the tongue as small but capable of great damage. This tongue, when we use it incorrectly, not only harms others but is also harmful to us. James 3:8 declares, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” We, believers, can be thankful for the Holy Spirit’s assistance in bringing our unruly tongue under subjection, for on our own we probably would not be successful.
As I listen to the words we speak, I realize we have forgotten what Solomon said in Proverbs 18:21a: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” meaning the things we say can be life-giving or deadly. Though many of us have read scriptures that reveal that what we say can affect our future, we still forge ahead without giving thought to the words we speak.
Paul instructs us in 1Thessalonians 4:11a, “And that ye study to be quiet.” Using the Greek translation of the word “study” in this verse means to strive, labor, or do something earnestly. This tells me there is work involved in being quiet; it is not something that automatically happens; it takes effort. None of us can do this on our own. We must use the Word in our confessions, allow the Holy Spirit to assist us in our speaking, and finally pray as David did in Psalm 141:3, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
From the beginning, when God created man, He desired to have a loving relationship with him. Therefore, God did not create robots; instead, He created humans with the capacity to love. Man was also given free will, which allowed him the freedom to choose whom he would love and how he would love.
The Bible does not tell us how long Adam and Eve had an unfiltered relationship with God, which unfortunately ended in the Garden of Eden when Adam disobeyed God’s instructions, causing a rift in their loving relationship.
Adam’s action introduced sin into the world, which increased, and Genesis 6:5 described that time as, “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” For this reason, God destroyed all of the people via a flood except Noah and his family.
After the flood, as the earth became populated, God chose a man named Abram and his future family to be the people He would bestow His love upon. In time, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, and his posterity was known as Israel.
Due to a series of events, Israel ended up in Egypt for 430 years and became slaves to the Egyptian. God, using a man named Moses, delivered Israel out of the hands of their oppressor and took them into the wilderness. It was there He gave them His statutes, laws, and commandments. He also had Moses build a tabernacle, and in it was a compartment called the Holy of Holies where God’s presence abided. This compartment was separated by a veil, which functioned as a protective barrier keeping sinful humanity from a holy God. Furthermore, it was only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, that entry to this sacred place was permitted, when the high priest was permitted to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the nation.
This practice continued in the tabernacle and in future temples built until the crucifixion of Jesus. Supernaturally, the veil was torn from top to bottom, as described in Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, and Luke 23:45, symbolizing the removal of a barrier and the establishment of a New Covenant between God and man.
We now, at any time and any day, can come boldly to the throne of grace for ourselves. The loving personal relationship God desired from the beginning is available to all who want it. We are free, with no blockages, veils, or chains holding us back. And even when we sin, we can ask for forgiveness and obtain grace and mercy from our compassionate God.
I usually read through the Bible annually, and I recently completed Jeremiah and am now reading Ezekiel. One of the things that pains me as I read these books is Judah’s rebellion and disobedience. God continually rehearsed Israel and Judah’s history with them; however, they refused to listen.
For forty years during the last period of Judah’s apostasy, Jeremiah, the son of a priest, was chosen by God in his youth to prophesy to them. And Ezekiel, who was a captive in Babylon, was called at age thirty to be a prophet and did so for twenty-two years. Despite the constant Word from God, the people would not believe, repent, or serve God as He required. They could do so, but they chose to disregard the warnings they received.
As it was from the beginning with Adam and Eve, God created them and gave them free will. He did not force them to follow His instructions, but He warned them of the consequences of disobedience. God could have made them robots who followed his every command, but then their love for Him would have been manufactured. God wanted men to love and serve Him with all of their heart because they knew Him as a loving God who took care of His creation.
His same love has been for everyone down through the generations. He has given us all free will to choose the path we will take, to accept His love or to reject it. I aim to learn from others’ mistakes. Not just to read the Word as if it were a book of fiction, but rather to use it as a guide and instructional book that will assist me in pleasing God. I refuse to knowingly follow in the footsteps of disobedient Israel and Judah. Instead, I gladly, freely, and willingly choose to serve God.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
While on his third missionary journey and during his stay in Corinth, Paul wrote to the Roman believers about the experience of suffering. By this time he had been ministering for approximately twenty-four years and had experienced many adverse situations. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul attested to being in prison numerous times, whipped, faced death at the hands of man, beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, caught in storms, experienced flooding, sleeplessness, hunger, overheating, thirst, cold, sickness, and treachery.
Despite all the hardships, Paul declared that he would not allow anything to keep him from the love of God. Paul understood that this life is fleeting; it is just a moment, but eternity is forever. Those who choose to enter into a relationship with God will experience untold blessings, things unimaginable to our human minds.
It is vitally important that believers remember Job 14:1, “Man that is born of a woman is a few days old and full of trouble. Everyone, from infants to senior citizens, faces life issues; no one is exempt. In this life, we deal with mental and emotional struggles such as fears, depression, and loneliness. We deal with relational problems such as abandonment, divorce, marital discord, parent-child conflict, and broken friendships. Economic and financial problems such as unemployment, debt, housing issues, poverty, and food insecurity are also experienced. We deal with physical problems such as injuries, deformities, disabilities, chronic pain, aging concerns, and unknown diseases. We are confronted with social problems such as war, lawlessness, racism, political conflict, homelessness, and crime. All of these areas have led individuals who felt the undue weight of problems to commit suicide because they could not see their way out, and they lost hope. Believers, we must not give in; we must not lose hope; we must not become overwhelmed with life issues. The more we feel oppressed, the more we must confess the Word. We can’t lose sight of the promises of God and that which He has in store for those that love Him. We must remember that in His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore, and there is nothing that can compare to that.
Galatians 5:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (KJV)
Galatians 5:9 And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up. (TLB)
So many of us are being bombarded with life issues that have made us exhausted. As the saying goes if it is not one thing it is another. The tactic of oppression by the enemy is to crush, trample down, send one crisis after another, which is palpable continually.
And yes, we are getting tired and praying for a season where all that we experience is peace, joy, and prosperity. However, that is not how our life on this earth is planned. As recorded in the Word, man’s fragility is emphasized in the scriptures.
Job 14:1 “Man born of woman is a few days old and full of trouble”
Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Despite the problems that accompany life, these verses reveal God is present to help, comfort, and deliver. Our task is to continue faithfully serving God and others. We can’t throw in the towel. We can’t turn our back on God. We can’t stop doing that which we know is right and pleasing in God’s sight. We can’t listen to the voices that would try to discourage us, and this includes our own head voices.
We must take one day at a time, knowing that if we hold on and continue, the time of reaping will come. Why do we believe this? The answer is that the Word of God does not lie.
At the close of Genesis 49, the death of Jacob was shared. He lived in many places throughout his 147 years, and the last seventeen years were spent in Egypt with his family, particularly his beloved son Joseph, who was very emotional upon his father’s demise.
Jacob had instructed his sons of his desire to be buried in Canaan, in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the same cave where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah were buried. Notably, Joseph was in charge of the funeral arrangements; therefore, he had the Egyptian physicians embalm Jacob. The process of embalming took forty days, plus thirty more days for mourning.
In Egypt, during mourning, you were prohibited from meeting with the Pharaoh; therefore, Joseph requested another official to speak to the Pharaoh on his behalf. Not only did the Pharaoh respond favorably to Joseph honoring his father’s burial request, but he also honored it. He allowed his counselors, his assistant, and all his senior officers to accompany Joseph, his brethren, and their families to honor his father’s request, and he buried him in the cave with his ancestors.
Finally, when the caravan arrived at Atad, seven days of mourning and lamentation occurred. The Canaanites were so impressed by the magnitude of this event that they renamed the area to Abelmizraim. Then Joseph and his brothers carried Jacob’s body into the land of Canaan and buried him as he had instructed them.
When they got back to Egypt, still feeling guilty for what they had done to Joseph and the possible repercussions that they could experience now that their father was dead, the brothers sent a message to Joseph. It said, “Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father.” This caused Joseph to weep. He once again assured them that he was not going to retaliate, but he would continue to care for them and their family, which he did until he died.
Here are additional information and nuggets for this last blog on the Jacob series:
Weeping over the death of a loved one is a normal emotional response.
When everyone who matters was previously informed of your wishes, there is no reason for future disagreements.
The Egyptians, known to surpass other nations in the art of embalming, did so over a forty-day process, with an additional thirty days for mourning.
Being a top official in Egypt, Joseph needed permission to leave his post to bury his father.
Because Joseph was highly respected in Egypt, Jacob was given a stately funeral.
When your deemed protector is gone, other provisions must be made for your safety.
There is a strong possibility that Jacob did not tell his sons to ask Joseph for forgiveness; therefore, their request for forgiveness was made out of fear and guilt.
Sometimes it takes years before forgiveness is requested.
This concludes the series on the life of Jacob. I pray that, as you read the blogs, they were meaningful to you and that you were able to apply the principles they contain to your life.
Knowing his time on earth was coming to an end, Jacob gathered his sons to his bedside to speak prophetically, under the inspiration of God, to each of them, his blessing and prediction concerning their future and their descendants.
Here is a summary of what he said to them:
Though Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn and entitled to a double portion in the family, his sexual encounter with Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant, due to his unbridled nature, denied him that privilege.
Simeon and Levi were condemned for their cruelty and murderous actions, and consequently, their descendants would be scattered throughout Israel.
Judah was promised a place of leadership and prominence among his brethren, and out of his lineage would come our savior and king. Also, they would live in a bountiful vineyard that would meet the needs of the people.
Zebulun will be known for his maritime efforts and seaborne trade.
Rather than be a nomadic tribe, Issachar did not mind laboring agriculturally and becoming a servant for others so he might dwell in peace.
Dan, being perceptive and cunning, would be known as a judge in Israel.
Gad would be defeated at first but eventually become victorious.
Asher would be known for making delicacies and serving royalty.
Naphtali would be known for its agility and eloquence.
Joseph would be known for his fruitfulness despite the difficult phases of his life. And because Jacob felt Joseph was a prince, he heaped additional blessings on him.
Benjamin was known as a warring tribe that was both successful and cruel.
After speaking to all of his sons, Jacob shared in detail the burial instructions that he previously shared with Joseph: lied down, breathed for the last time, and died.
Here are a few nuggets:
When you speak to everyone at once, no one can question what was said.
Share under the inspiration of God.
Your words can guide others’ futures.
Your negative actions can hinder your blessings.
People recognize your good and bad qualities.
When possible share your funeral wishes with the whole family.
Chapter 48 of Genesis opens with Joseph being informed that his father was ill, and, as a dutiful son, he went to see Jacob, accompanied by his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
When told of his son’s arrival, Jacob sat up in his bed and conversed with Joseph. Jacob apprised Joseph that God Almighty, El Shaddai, had appeared to him years before in Luz and blessed him, decreeing that He would make him fruitful. multiply his family and eternally give the land of Canaan to his descendants. Additionally, Jacob adopted Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born in Egypt, and they would be considered his sons; however, if Joseph had other sons in the future, they would belong to Joseph. Jacob also spoke about the death of his beloved Rachel, whom he buried on the way to Ephrath.
Unable to see clearly but sensing others were present, Jacob inquired who they were, and when he found out they were Joseph’s two sons, he had them come to him so he could bless them. First, he kissed and hugged them and emotionally declared he thought Joseph was dead, but God allowed him to see that Joseph was alive, and also had sons. Then Joseph bows down in response to his father’s words.
Joseph brought his sons before Jacob to be blessed, thinking that his elder son, Manasseh, would receive the firstborn blessing; however, Jacob crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left on Manasseh’s. Then Jacob blessed Joseph, saying that the God of his forefathers, who had taken care of him, along with the angel of God who had protected him throughout his life, would bless these sons.
Joseph protested his father’s actions; however, Jacob assured him that he knew what he was doing, for though Manasseh would be great, Ephraim would be greater, and his descendants would become numerous. Additionally, Jacob gave Joseph the land he had won in battle from the Amorites, reiterated that he was dying, and assured Joseph that God would be with him and that he would return to the land of Canaan.
Here is additional information and nuggets from Genesis 48:
Concern for elderly parents should not be just in words but also in actions.
God can turn years of grief and sorrow into tears of joy and comfort.
In accordance with Egyptian custom, Joseph bowed down in reverence before his father.
The right hand was used to convey the highest blessing on an individual.
The will of God can override the law of primogeniture.
As God took care of you, believe Him to do the same for your family.
Sometimes in life, what we think will happen does not.
What God means to bless will be blessed.
Whereas Jacob stole his brother’s blessing in secret, he now openly gives the firstborn blessing to his grandson, Ephraim, who was not the firstborn in his family.
Genesis 47 tells the story of Jacob meeting the Pharaoh. As the story unfolds, Joseph first brought five of his brothers to Pharaoh, and he concurred that the best place for Joseph’s family to stay was Goshen. Pharaoh also instructed Joseph to place his brothers who were capable over His cattle.
After this meeting, Joseph brought Jacob to meet Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. The Pharaoh inquired about Jacob’s age, to which Jacob gave a brief summary of his life experiences. He was a hundred thirty years old, which he considered a short time; his life had been calamitous, and though yet alive, he had not lived as long as his forefathers. At the end of their conversation, Jacob once again blessed Pharaoh, and Joseph settled his family in the land of Goshen and provided for them.
Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years, and after the famine ended, he and his family continued to live there. At age a hundred forty-seven, being feeble and death imminent, Jacob met with Jacob to ensure Joseph would, upon his death, take his body back to Canaan and bury him with his forefathers. The chapter concludes with Joseph solemnly swearing to do as Jacob requested, and Jacob bowed his head in appreciation and reverence.
Here is additional information and nuggets:
Jewish tradition reports that Zebulon, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher were the five brothers whom Joseph introduced to Pharaoh.
Following wise protocol, Joseph obtained Pharaoh’s approval before finalizing his family’s residence.
The accomplishments of your children can benefit you in numerous ways.
Speak a blessing over the people you meet.
Like his forefathers, Jacob considered his life a pilgrimage.
God provides employment and nourishment for His people.
There was a reversal of caretaker roles for Jacob and Joseph. For the first seventeen years of Joseph’s life, he was under the care of his father, Jacob, and for the last seventeen years of his life, Jacob was under the care of his son, Joseph.
Make your funeral wishes known while you are yet alive.
Choose a reliable person to handle your burial arrangements.
The Teacher's Pick 