April 19, 2013 (1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17, 35; Matthew 6)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Then the king said to Doeg, “You do it.” So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. Then he went to Nob, the town of the priest, and killed the priests’ families – men and women, children and babies – and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats.” 1 Samuel 22:18-19 NLT
Observation: Saul can no longer contain his rage against David. He has turned the situation around in his own mind and is now claiming David is trying to kill him! Because Saul was so obsessed with killing David he worked himself up into frenzy. He suspected a conspiracy among Jonathan, David and the priest. He ordered his bodyguards to kill the priest but they would not, so he turned to Doeg and told him to do it. Eighty-five innocent priest and their entire families were slain that day because of the wrath of a wicked king. God warned the children of Israel about wanting a king, but they demanded one. Now we are beginning to see the harvest come from the rebellious seed that was sown.
Application: Why would God allow eighty-five innocent priest and their families to be killed? When we witness such horrid events we often ask why. We wonder how a loving God could allow such evil to prevail against innocent people. We must remember it was not God’s plan for the people to have a king other than God Himself. It was not God’s plan for the people to go astray, it was their choice. The people had rejected God and His standards and suffered the consequences of their choices. The same is true today. If we reject God and cast Him out of our lives, don’t blame Him when the harvest comes from the seed we’ve sown. Often time’s innocent people will suffer because of the decisions made by others. God uses these horrible events to gain the attention of His people. He will draw His people back to Himself at all cost.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day! Thank You for Your wisdom that far surpasses my understanding. Thank You for Your word that is provided for our learning and instruction. Help us not make the same mistakes as our forefathers did. Pass by and open our blinded eyes! Encourage us to cry out to You, the only one that can save us! In Jesus name, Amen!