David joins Achish in his campaign near the mountains of Gilboa. The king is wary of David’s intentions – will he fight alongside him or betray him? Regardless of Achish’s decision, the other Philistine kings demand that David be removed from the battlefield, as there is a great chance that he will join the Israelites – or, at the very least, provide them with some intelligence. Despite Saul’s ungrateful attitude, David has successfully helped him to win against the Philistines in the past. However, David is unable to help him this time. He is forced to leave the battlefield and return to Ziklag. This is a measure that will seal Saul’s fate. Saul is paying the price for his reprehensible behavior. Every sinner has a window of opportunity to repent. Saul’s window has closed.
“And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle” (1 Samuel 29:9)
Whether from teachers or experience, the lessons we learn guide us toward leading a masterful life.
