We saw the sun rise on “Twilight Kingdom” in chapter 17 of 1 Samuel, as David arrived as the central character of the book following his triumphant victory over the Philistine giant, Goliath in the valley of Elah. It would not be long before all Israel would learn of David’s success and grow to love him. But popularity, as it often does, comes at a price. There can be pride in the heart of those who achieve success. In some cases, popularity leads to a cult of personality where the public give glory to man rather than God. Also, success can awaken envy in those threatened by the achievements of others. While David received the challenge of his rise from shepherd to celebrity with exemplary humility, those around him praised David as a national hero; the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (18:6-7). This exaltation of David was all it took to provoke the envy of King Saul, beginning a season of mad fits of rage (18:10-11, 19:9-10) and calculated plots (18:13,17, 20-25, 19:11, 20-23), designed to take David’s life. Each of Saul’s attempts failed, and David emerged alive and as the king’s son-in-law. Wherever there is light, we can be sure of two things: 1) darkness will seek to eclipse the light, and 2) the light will always prevail.
In this story, the Lord consistently preserved David’s life by varied means. He ordered the path of spears; used human instruments, specifically (and ironically), Saul’s children – Jonathan and Michal; and finally, bypassing all human means, God powerfully, supernaturally, and unusually intervened. Yahweh’s protection of His people is as diverse as it is unfailing! The Lord is indeed a strong and mighty fortress.
Looking at David as an example, as Christians, we can live confidently, knowing that God will keep us until His purposes for us are accomplished. The evidence that God has not abandoned you is that you are still standing amid your trials. If David’s God is your God, you can rest in His diverse and instructive protection; and with the apostle Paul, exclaim, if God is for us, who can be against us?