1 Samuel 26:1-4 Constantly Monitored!

 ”Now the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is David not hiding in the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” Then Saul arose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph. And Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon, by the road. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul had indeed come.“ ‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭26‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

a. Now the Ziphites came to Saul: The people of the city of Ziph – had betrayed David’s whereabouts to Saul before (1 Samuel 23:19-23). Now they try to gain King Saul’s favor again, by helping Saul find David once more.

b. Having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David: This means Saul went back on his previous repentance shown in 1 Samuel 24:16-21. At that time David had an opportunity to kill Saul but did not take it. When David boldly demonstrated this to Saul, the king was greatly moved emotionally and publicly repented for his murderous intentions toward David. Saul’s repentance was deep, sincere, and emotional – but it didn’t last very long.

i. Three thousand chosen men reminds us that Saul had a great numerical advantage. 3,000 against 600 is a significant advantage.

c. David therefore sent out spies: As a wise and capable commander, David constantly monitored the movements of Saul. David knew where Saul was but Saul did not know where David was. (Guzik)

Constantly Monitored!

In a sense we need to constantly monitor the movements of the devil towards us like David did with Saul!

We need to Constantly Monitor our hearts before the Lord because the devil will try to find a way into us, to make us sin and separate us from wholly following the Lord. For it is written:

”Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.“ ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

”Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.“

‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Are you constantly monitoring your heart daily before the Lord?

Blessings