Read 1 Samuel 23:12-13 – Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will deliver you.” So David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah and went wherever they could go. Then it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah; so he halted the expedition. (NKJV)
At the end of the day, people will protect themselves. Though David rescued the people of Keilah and Saul never lifted a finger to help them, these same people would respond in fear if pressed by the King. Whether that’s right or fair is immaterial. David is wise enough to anticipate it as reality and make appropriate preparations. The lesson here is that ultimately self-preservation is the final decision-maker for most people. One shouldn’t expect to be defended by others at all costs. Such loyalty is extremely rare. Regardless of the “should be”, David acts on the “will be” and God affirms his suspicions. Here is a good reminder to be careful fully trusting others to be your source or protection. While many will give their best to such tasks, their strength and endurance is limited. Only God is worthy of all of our trust.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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