Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Goes to En-Gedi

◄ David: King of Israel: Goes to En-Gedi ►

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David, the anointed king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his faith, leadership, and complex character. One significant episode in David's life is his time at En-Gedi, a location that plays a crucial role during his flight from King Saul.

Context and Background

David's journey to En-Gedi occurs during a tumultuous period in his life. After being anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13), David quickly rises to prominence by defeating Goliath and serving in King Saul's court. However, Saul's jealousy and fear of David's growing popularity lead to a relentless pursuit to kill him. David, therefore, becomes a fugitive, constantly on the move to evade Saul's attempts on his life.

En-Gedi: A Place of Refuge

En-Gedi, meaning "spring of the young goat," is an oasis located near the Dead Sea. It is characterized by its rugged terrain, caves, and abundant water sources, making it an ideal place for David and his men to seek refuge. The biblical account of David at En-Gedi is found in 1 Samuel 24.

The Encounter in the Cave

While Saul is pursuing David, he receives word that David is in the wilderness of En-Gedi. Saul takes three thousand chosen men to search for David. During this pursuit, Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men are hiding deeper inside the same cave. This moment presents David with a significant moral and spiritual test.

David's men see this as a providential opportunity to kill Saul and end their plight. However, David, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king, refrains from harming Saul. Instead, he stealthily cuts off a corner of Saul's robe. Afterward, David is conscience-stricken for even this small act against the Lord's anointed. He restrains his men, preventing them from attacking Saul.

David's Appeal to Saul

After Saul leaves the cave, David emerges and calls out to him, demonstrating his loyalty and innocence. He bows before Saul and says:

"Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Look, David intends to harm you'? This day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave, and I was urged to kill you. But I spared you, saying, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, because he is the LORD's anointed.'" (1 Samuel 24:9-10)

David's speech is a heartfelt plea for reconciliation and a testament to his integrity and faith in God's justice. He entrusts his cause to the Lord, refusing to take matters into his own hands.

Saul's Response

Saul is moved by David's words and actions. He acknowledges David's righteousness and admits that David will indeed become king of Israel. Saul weeps and says:

"You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil." (1 Samuel 24:17)

Saul asks David to swear that he will not cut off his descendants or destroy his name from his father's house, to which David agrees. This encounter temporarily reconciles the two, though Saul's pursuit of David resumes later.

Significance of En-Gedi

David's time at En-Gedi is significant for several reasons. It highlights David's deep respect for God's anointed and his reliance on divine justice rather than personal vengeance. This episode also underscores the theme of God's providence and protection over David, even in the most perilous situations. En-Gedi serves as a backdrop for one of the most poignant demonstrations of mercy and integrity in David's life, reflecting his heart as a man after God's own heart.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 23:29
And David went up from there, and dwelled in strong holds at Engedi.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Exile --Continued.
... spiritual character of the true Israel in calling ... David seeketh thy hurt." He asserts
absolute innocence of anything that warranted the king's hostility, just ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

More and More
... In after time, when he had become king in Israel, his psalms ... At last the happy hour
arrived, the king gave his ... with the grand psalms we have of David, with the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/more and more.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... calumniators of whom we have seen David complaining to the king. ... of these are in
hymns ascribed to David, of which ... image in it of God's care over Israel, as of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vii the exilecontinued.htm

The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride
... O house of Israel, be like a burdensome stone to ... and well nigh make us dance like
David did before ... While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the incomparable bridegroom and his.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... while the twelve baskets of the tribes of Israel were filled ... of John the city of
the great king is built ... soul; both of which made her sing in David's words, "My ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

In Him: Like Him
... set before us in the gospel; even as David and his ... and without Christ, strangers
to the commonwealth of Israel. ... is the royal road thereto, the King's ascent to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... The growth in grace of every Christian goes on thus gradually ... I will surely gather
the remnant of Israel"as the ... are gone out by it, and their king shall pass ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm