But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)
“Post tenebras lux” is a Latin phrase that translates, “after darkness, light,” meaning that even after a period of darkness, there will eventually be light; it’s often used to signify hope and renewal after hardship. The phrase became a motto for the Protestant Reformation, symbolizing returning to the “light” of biblical truth after a period of religious darkness.
Much of the book of 1 Samuel volleys between darkness and light – between narrating events in Saul’s life and parallel events in the life of David. The contrast between the two is as stark as darkness and light. Chapter 28 of 1 Samuel narrates the darkest period of the book, as King Saul, abandoned by God, sank into the deepest darkness of his career. Saul’s rebellion turned to witchcraft as he sought a medium to bring back Samuel from the dead. He said to the ghost of Samuel, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams.” (28:15). David too was greatly distressed; but unlike Saul, he strengthened himself in the Lord his God (30:6) and the Lord promised and delivered victory. Saul’s 42-year career as Israel’s king was about to end without him making much progress. Just as they had 4 decades earlier (see 4:1), the Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek (29:1) against Israel. Meanwhile, God orchestrated the events in David’s life so that he would not have to go into battle against either the Philistines or the Israelites.
As David increases and the sun rises on “Twilight Kingdom,” David, though far from perfect, will not become a king like Saul. Unlike Saul who lost his father’s donkeys, David shepherds his family and people well. Unlike Saul, whose best idea was to call on a witch, David goes to the right person, using the right means, for the right purpose (see 30:6-8). As the man after God’s heart, David finds himself in the Lord’s favor – his steps divinely guided. Chapter 30 is a celebration of David right after Saul’s darkest time and right before chapter 31 reports the demise of Saul.