1 Samuel #29: an exposition of 1 Samuel 29:1-11. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, October 7, 2012.
Intro:
In a “fainting fit” David had gone over to Achish. David and his band of 600 had become mercenaries to the Philistine king. Of course he wasn’t really in the service of the Philistines. It was an act. David is not raiding Israel but rather Israel’s ancient enemies. But David has played his part too well. He has gained the confidence of his Philistine patron. Now the Philistines are mounting an all out attack on Israel and David is expected to participate. The 5 Philistine kingdoms have assembled at Shunem. The Israelites are at Gilboa at the opposite end of the Valley of Jezreel. Saul has learned his fate. He and his sons will die in this battle. Israel will be handed to the Philistines. What is David to do? David had declared he would not raise a hand against Israel’s king. Would he now, after all, have a hand in Saul’s death? Had the righteousness and faithfulness” he displayed at the cave of Engedi (24) and the hill of Hachilah (26) been for nothing? If David goes to war against Israel he will betray both his king and his people. Our text this evening is found in 1 Samuel chapter 29.
Text: 1 Samuel 29:1-11
I am convinced and committed to the belief that, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). That does not mean all Scripture is “preachable!”
There are some passages that are difficult to put into sermon form.
Narrative passages are particularly difficult.
You want to do more than “retell” the story.
And when a passage tells a story that is not particularly interesting…well it’s even more difficult.
Further I’m also convinced the purpose of Scripture is to reveal God.
What do you do when God is not front and center in the passage?
Enter 1 Samuel chapter 29. The writer has us anticipating Saul’s death and then he goes back in time a few days/weeks. Back to the build up of the troops before Saul’s visit to the witch at En-dor. There is nothing surprising in chapter 29. In fact when I read it I’m thinking, “Duh! Of course the Lord’s of the Philistines are going to react that way.” Achish wasn’t exactly a genius. Remember David had fooled him before. David fled to Gath back in chapter 21. When he was pointed out to the king Achish, David acted like a crazy man and the king said, “I’ve got enough of his kind around here get him out of here.” Now David again has fooled the king. The other kings would have nothing to do with David going with them against the Israelites. Everything in the chapter reads like it’s just common sense, routine, everyday life. And that is the point. As we slow down and take a second look we are reminded of some important truths.
Thesis: 1 Samuel 29 reminds us of God’s abiding, providential presence.
There are three things I want us to note.
- We are reminded of God’s quiet yet consistent presence.
- We are reminded of God’s surprising ways.
- We are reminded of God’s tenacious mercy.
Conclusion:
- God is quietly yet consistently present.
- His ways are surprising.
- His mercy is tenacious.
- Consider God’s abiding providential presence and rejoice!