Saul was envious of David and so pursued him with the intention of killing him, but God protected David. When David heard about Saul's pursuit, he asked for the ephod and inquired of the Lord. David said, “LORD, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant.”
And the LORD said, “He will.” 1 Samuel 23:10-11
David called upon God in his day of trouble and God answered and protected him from evil. Proverbs 18:10 reminds us that The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. David hid from Saul in the wilderness, but because he acknowledged God and called on Him, He saved him - 1 Samuel 13:14 David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. God ensured that David dwelt safely, far from Saul harming him.
Not long afterwards, David had the opportunity to harm Saul, and even cut off a piece of his robe to prove it. God virtually allowed Saul to fall into David's hands. David had the fear of God in him so did not harm Saul. 1 Samuel 24:8-12
Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the LORD’s anointed.’ See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.
When we call on God, He shall hide us under the shelter of His Wing, where we shall have refuge and be far from harm, and shall behold the defeat and shame of our enemies.
Psalm 61:3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 144:2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
Psalm 91:7-8 A thousand may fall at your side. And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes And see the recompense of the wicked.
WHAT IS NEXT?
