1 Samuel 23:24-29

David in the wilderness of Maon 23:24-29

Maon stood about five miles south of Ziph in the wilderness of Judah. The "Arabah" describes the low-lying area that extends from Mt. Hermon to the Red Sea, including the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea regions. Jeshimon means "desert" or "waste" in Hebrew, so it may have been the name of a region east of Ziph.

Some of David’s sympathizers ("they," 1 Samuel 23:25) informed him that Saul was approching with soldiers. David and his men then sought refuge behind a huge rock in the area. Just as Saul’s men were about to close in on David, news reached Saul that the Philistines had invaded an unspecified area of Israel. Saul had to break off his personal vendetta to respond to the Philistine danger (cf. 1 Samuel 23:1). David then moved on to Engedi, 14 miles east of Ziph, to increase his safety.

This chapter encourages all of God’s servants who, like David, feel vulnerable to attacks by people who do not fear the Lord.

How did God deliver David? He saved him by bringing information to his ears that David needed to protect himself (1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 23:4; 1 Samuel 23:11-12; 1 Samuel 23:25). He also did it by distracting David’s enemy (1 Samuel 23:27-28).

What did David do while he trusted God? He did not become anxious and just wait. He sought God in prayer (1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 23:4; 1 Samuel 23:11-12; cf. Psalms 54; Philippians 4:6), and he proceeded to serve God (1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 23:5; cf. Matthew 28:19-20).

How did David receive strength during his trials? God answered his prayers (1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 23:4; 1 Samuel 23:11-12; cf. Saul). Moreover, other godly people encouraged David, namely, Abiathar the priest, who helped him in prayer (1 Samuel 23:6), and Jonathan the prince, who reminded him of God’s promises (1 Samuel 23:16-18).