1 Samuel 27-28

1 Samuel 27-28

Scripture Thought (What I Learned): 

Chapter 27: David with the Philistines

                David decides to leave Israel to go and live amongst the Philistines (mainly to avoid the crazy Saul, who keeps trying to kill him). David and his 600 men go and live in the area of Gath, where the king is named Achish. David tells Achish that he doesn't want to live in Gath and the king tells him he can live in a place called Ziklag.

                After arriving, David and his men start raiding and plundering surrounding people; the Geshurites, Gizites and Amalekites. David tells Achish that he is actually raiding the Israelites, but when he does his raid he kills all women, men and children so that no one can tell Achish what happened. David's plan is to make Achish think the Israelites hate him, so he can like in Gath and serve the king Achish.

Chapter 28: Saul Enquires of a Witch

                In this chapter we learn that there is a pending battle between the Israelites and the Philistines and King Achish comes to David to confirm that he will be fighting on the side of the Philistines.

                David tells him that he is indeed fighting with the Philistines and that he has expelled all of the spiritual people from the land. The battle comes together and both sides look onto one another. When Saul sees the Philistine army, his heart is filled with terror. So he inquires of the Lord, but receives no inspiration. Saul gets nervous and asks his servants to find him some sort of medium with who he can ask questions and get comfort. His men tell him that there is a woman in Endor who can do this. Saul heads off to Endor to find the woman. Saul disguises himself and goes into see her, the woman tells Saul that Saul has banned mediums throughout the land and she would get in trouble for doing it. But Saul convinces her and she asks him who he wants. Saul asks for Samuel and the lady calls Samuel to come forth. Samuel comes forth and asks Saul what he was doing bothering him. Saul explains that the Lord is not responding to him and he needs advice.

                Samuel tells Saul that because he disobeyed God and did not destroy the Amalekites like the Lord had commanded, he is going to have the kingdom ripped from his hands and that tomorrow the Philistines will defeat the Israelites. Saul, overwhelmed by this faints and falls to the ground. The medium tells him he needs to eat, Saul fights at first, but then gives in. The medium prepares food for Saul and his men.