1 Samuel 23:9

When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod."

Study Bible

When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him
David, the anointed future king of Israel, is in a precarious situation as King Saul, driven by jealousy and fear, seeks to kill him. This phrase highlights the ongoing conflict between Saul and David, a central theme in 1 Samuel. Saul's pursuit of David is relentless, reflecting the spiritual decline of Saul and his disobedience to God. David's awareness of Saul's intentions demonstrates his vigilance and reliance on God for protection. This situation is reminiscent of the broader biblical theme of the righteous being pursued by the wicked, as seen in Psalms and other scriptures.

he said to Abiathar the priest
Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, is the sole survivor of Saul's massacre of the priests at Nob. His presence with David signifies the transfer of priestly support from Saul to David, symbolizing God's favor shifting towards David. Abiathar's role as a priest is crucial, as he provides spiritual guidance and access to divine counsel through the ephod. This relationship between David and Abiathar underscores the importance of seeking God's will in times of crisis.

“Bring the ephod.”
The ephod, a priestly garment, is used for seeking God's guidance, particularly through the Urim and Thummim, which are believed to be sacred lots or stones used for divination. David's request for the ephod indicates his desire to seek God's direction in response to Saul's threat. This act of seeking divine guidance contrasts with Saul's earlier disobedience and lack of reliance on God. The ephod's use here foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on seeking God's will through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. David's reliance on the ephod can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest, providing access to God and His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The anointed future king of Israel, currently on the run from King Saul. David is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating reliance on God for guidance.

2. Saul
The current king of Israel, who is consumed by jealousy and fear of David, leading him to plot against David's life.

3. Abiathar the Priest
The son of Ahimelech, who escaped the massacre at Nob and joined David. He serves as a spiritual advisor and intermediary between David and God.

4. The Ephod
A priestly garment used in ancient Israel to inquire of God. It symbolizes seeking divine guidance and direction.

5. Keilah
A city in Judah where David had just delivered the inhabitants from the Philistines, only to learn that Saul was coming to capture him there.

Teaching Points

Seeking Divine Guidance
David's immediate response to Saul's threat was to seek God's guidance through the ephod. In our lives, we should prioritize seeking God's will in times of uncertainty and decision-making.

Reliance on Spiritual Leaders
David's interaction with Abiathar highlights the importance of having godly counsel and spiritual leaders who can help us discern God's direction.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the threat from Saul, David trusted in God's plan and protection. We are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire.

Prayer as a First Response
David's instinct to inquire of the Lord teaches us to make prayer our first response, not our last resort, in times of crisis.

God's Faithfulness in Deliverance
Just as God delivered David from Saul's plots, He is faithful to deliver us from our own trials when we seek Him earnestly.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to Saul's plot in 1 Samuel 23:9 demonstrate his faith and reliance on God?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the practice of seeking God's guidance in our daily decision-making?

3. How does the role of Abiathar the priest in this passage inform our understanding of the importance of spiritual mentorship and guidance?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How did seeking God's guidance impact the outcome?

5. How can the account of David and Saul in 1 Samuel 23 encourage us to trust in God's protection and plan for our lives, even when we face opposition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 30:7-8
David again seeks guidance from God through the ephod, showing a pattern of reliance on divine direction.

Exodus 28:30
Describes the Urim and Thummim, which were placed in the breastpiece of the ephod, used for discerning God's will.

Psalm 18:6
David calls upon the Lord in distress, reflecting his consistent practice of seeking God in times of trouble.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord and seeking His guidance, aligning with David's actions in this passage.