How we can overcome self-absorption (1 Sam 23:1-14)

One of the side-effects of suffering, whether it is ongoing illness and pain, a loss of a loved one or injustice and hurt, is that what is happening to us can become all-consuming. There is no emotional or physical energy left to look beyond ourselves. For David, there has been the ongoing tensions with his father-in-law, the move from immense popularity and rise in influence to becoming a fugitive, constantly on the move to escape the king. David could have been wondering why God’s plan to make him king was not coming to fruition, why he had to suffer and be in danger of death. If the future king of Israel churned over these questions (and the psalms of David may reflect something of the despair and agony of those years), it did not stop him from thinking of others, however.

Seeking God to do His will

The news that the Philistines were plundering the threshing floors at Keilah (1 Sam 23:1; a town in the Shephelah, in Judah’s foothills and close to Philistine territory) led David to consider coming to their aid. It is fascinating that the news is brought to him presumably with an appeal for help. Significantly, it is to David, not Saul, that people turn for help as if he were king already. David immediately seeks God’s guidance in the matter (1 Sam 23:2). In the Old Testament, people did not just ask God in prayer for direction but there was generally some process involved in inquiring of the Lord (usually done by a priest or prophet and using sacred lots). While the process is not described here, it seems likely that David himself performed it (the priest, Abiathar only arrives at Keilah later; 1 Sam 23:6) and God answered him. It speaks again of David’s close relationship with the Lord and his desire to follow God’s will rather than rely on his own understanding. The move he is contemplating, however, is dangerous, though it is not entirely clear if his men fear standing up to the Philistines or that their fight may advertise their presence to Saul (1 Sam 23:3). David seeks reassurance from God and then boldly goes ahead and delivers the city (1 Sam 23:4-5).

Self-absorption and relying on one’s own understanding

Once again, Saul’s reaction presents a contrast to David’s godliness. The king is entirely absorbed in his own dilemma so much so that he seems convinced that God has given him the opportunity to get rid of his rival (1 Sam 23:7). There is no soul-searching or inquiry for the Lord’s will; Saul assumes that he understands God’s mind, but he simply interprets the facts to suit himself. He has also quickly forgotten Samuel’s words that the Lord had rejected him (Saul) as king. David, on the other hand, senses Saul’s intent and once again, seeks God, this time through the official channels of a priest, the survivor of Saul’s massacre (1 Sam 23:9-11). David, in fact, does not stop asking until he has a full answer (1 Sam 23:12). While he has done the city a good turn, they will respond with betrayal, foreshadowing yet again Jesus’ story, who healed the sick and delivered the demon-possessed and was condemned to death for his pains.

The cure to self-absorption

This incident from David’s life challenges us to raise our gaze from our own troubles and notice the needs of others. David was not only able to look beyond his suffering and fulfil the purpose God has called him to but did so at considerable risk to himself and his men. His close relationship with the Lord enabled him to hear God’s will and his trust in the Lord gave him courage to do it. Although betrayed by people, the Lord stood by him, so Saul was unable to catch him no matter how hard he tried (1 Sam 23:14). God is faithful to those who seek Him in trust.

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