Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land.” So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. (I Samuel 23:24-28, ESV)
A marvelous tale of the Providence of God.
During the period of time when King Saul was persuaded that David was his enemy, Saul pursued him often through the wilderness where David hid. Saul was intent on David's destruction.
In this passage, Saul was closing in and it appeared that David's capture was imminent. But no sooner than all appeared lost for David, Saul's armies began retreating. They stopped chasing David and turned, and headed for home.
The reason? Philistines had made a raid on Saul's kingdom and his presence was required. He must respond to this immediate threat on his lands. So he calls his army back and they head for home. David and his men are saved.
The future king of Israel would not die on the mountain at the hand of King Saul, God would see to that. And He used the enemies of Israel to do it.
As someone else once said, "God can cause anyone in the world to meet your need."
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