David realizes that King Saul is determined to kill him and that all attempts to appease him have come to naught. He therefore flees on his own, without any food or weapons. Ahimelek, one of the local priests in Nob, is surprised to see David. David tells Ahimelek that his unannounced visit is part of a secret mission and asks him to bring him food and weapons. All that Ahimelek can give him to eat is consecrated bread, which David gladly accepts. David then asks for a weapon and is given Goliath’s sword. David is in danger and completely alone, but he doesn’t give up. During times of difficulty and hardship, he takes action to rise again.
Once he is fed and armed, David leaves Nob and goes to the Philistine city of Gath. The locals recognize him as the Israelite who killed Goliath. David continues to act quickly in order to avoid danger. He tricks Achish into thinking he is a madman and escapes. David’s forced exile is a divine test, designed to help him stand on his own against all adversities. David doesn’t give up. Instead, he faces his destiny with courage.
“Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women” (1 Samuel 21:3-4)
“And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste” (1 Samuel 21:8)
“Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?” (1 Samuel 21:14)
Mental strengths are the inner resources providing us with the strength necessary to face obstacles and challenges.
