David Steals from Saul and Deceives Achish

In 1 Samuel 26, David will face his 3rd and final test in the wilderness. This last test is a temptation, like the first, to avoid suffering. Specifically another temptation to kill Saul and end his torturous time in the wilderness.

David was tempted 3 times to become the fool that Saul had become. He resisted the temptation and instead became like Christ. David states “the Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness.” Living in the wilderness, chased by his father-in-law, David stood firm in his belief that God would reward him. What do you believe?

It is so hard to make the right choice, but right choices lead to righteousness. And righteousness leads to reward. In Matthew 5 the apostle ends the beatitudes with this verse:

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

It is a great reminder to us that those rewards don’t always come during our time on earth, but will be there in heaven. David was persecuted and stood firm in his faith that God would work all things together for His good and that David would be rewarded if he was obedient to God’s plan.

What about you? Can you stand firm? Do you believe? Could your faith carry you through persecution?

Scene 1: David’s Final Wilderness Test

Scene 2: David Leaves the Wilderness for Philistia

In Scene 3: David Serves the Philistines Tricks

Verses Mentioned:

• Proverbs 1:1-7
• 1 Kings 3:3-9
• Matthew 5:11-12
• Genesis 10:13
• 1 Samuel 15

Show Notes:

The Path to Good or Evil

David’s Flight from Saul

The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.