Study Desk

Then the king ordered the guards at his side, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me." But the king's servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.

Then David said to Abiathar, "I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father's house.

Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks your life is seeking mine as well. You will be safe with me."

Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: "Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."

When it was reported to Saul that David had gone to Keilah, he said, "God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars."

And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.

saying, "Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true."

Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hands."

"May you be blessed by the LORD," replied Saul, "for you have had compassion on me.

Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning.

Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!"

So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.

and said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.

And you have shown this day how well you have dealt with me; for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.

When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day.

Now I know for sure that you will be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran.

Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel.

Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on the day of a feast. Please give whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David.'"