BIG IDEA:
GOD’S APPOINTED LEADER MAKES ALL NECESSARY PREPARATIONS TO MOBILIZE AND FULFILL HIS CALLING IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LEADING (AND TIMING)
TRANSITION:
David once again inquiring of the Lord (20:10; 23:2)
What should I do to fulfill my calling – given my high level of responsibility
(and When should I do it?)
Roe: “The cave of Adullam is about 10 miles back toward Bethlehem up the Valley of Elah which is pock-marked with caves. It is an ideal hiding place and is very close to the border of the Philistines, where David can again flee if he has to get across the border in a hurry. It is also reasonably close to Bethlehem, his home town. So, from his perspective, he is pretty centrally located.”
I. (:1-2) ESTABLISHING HIS LEADERSHIP OVER LOYAL TROOPS
A. Arranging (setting up) Temporary Headquarters in the Cave of Adullam
B. Attracting the Allegiance of His Family Members
Davis: “The Moabites probably viewed David as an enemy of Saul, and therefore were willing to care for his parents, perhaps in exchange for a favor on his part.”
C. Appealing to those who had been similarly disenfranchised – “the down and outers”
An unpromising band of recruits – giving them a second chance at success – The D Squad:
– “everyone who was in Distress”
– “everyone who was in Debt”
– “everyone who was Discontented”
D. Asserting His Leadership
“became captain over them” (400 men)
II. (:3-5) DELEGATING HIS FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES TO FREE HIM UP TO FOLLOW GOD’S LEADING
A. Committing His Father and Mother to the Care of the King of Moab at Mizpah
B. Seeking God’s Will – “until I know what God will do for me”
C. (:4) Waiting Period
D. (:5) Relocating Upon Receiving God’s Guidance
III. (:6-19) HIDING FROM THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF KING SAUL
A. (:6-10) Saul Seeking Intelligence on David’s Whereabouts
Doeg spills the beans
B. (:11-19) Saul Executing Ahimelech (along with his priests and city) for Helping David (instead of betraying him to Saul)
IV. (:20-23) TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISTAKES AND ERRORS IN JUDGMENT
A. (:20-21) Tragic Report from Abiathar – some of Ahimelech who escaped
“And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord”
B. (:22) Admission of Guilt by David
“I have brought about the death of every person in your father’s household.”
C. (:23) Confident Focus on the Future
“Stay with me, do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life; for you are safe with me”