In the biblical narrative, King David stands as a prominent figure who, despite his human flaws, often exemplified a commitment to avoiding alliances and societies with the enemies of God. His life provides instructive examples of discernment and faithfulness in maintaining the sanctity of his relationship with God and His chosen people, Israel.

David and the Philistines

One of the most notable instances where David avoided forming an alliance with the enemies of God is found in his interactions with the Philistines. During a period of fleeing from King Saul, David sought refuge in the land of the Philistines, specifically with Achish, the king of Gath (1 Samuel 27:1-2). While David lived among the Philistines, he was careful not to compromise his loyalty to Israel or to God. He conducted raids against Israel's enemies, misleading Achish to believe he was attacking the Israelites (1 Samuel 27:8-12). This strategic deception allowed David to avoid direct conflict with his own people and maintain his integrity as the future king of Israel.

When the Philistines prepared to battle against Israel, David found himself in a precarious position. Achish trusted David and intended to have him fight alongside the Philistines (1 Samuel 28:1-2). However, the other Philistine commanders distrusted David, fearing he might turn against them in battle. Consequently, they insisted that David and his men be sent back, thus preventing him from fighting against his own people (1 Samuel 29:4-7). This providential intervention allowed David to avoid an alliance that would have placed him in direct opposition to God's chosen nation.

David's Refusal to Harm Saul

Another significant example of David's avoidance of forming alliances with the enemies of God is his consistent refusal to harm King Saul, despite having multiple opportunities to do so. Saul, though rejected by God as king, was still the anointed leader of Israel. David recognized the sanctity of God's anointing and refused to take matters into his own hands by forming alliances with those who sought Saul's life.

In 1 Samuel 24, David spared Saul's life in the cave at En Gedi, cutting off a corner of Saul's robe instead of killing him. David declared, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6). Again, in 1 Samuel 26, David refrained from harming Saul when he found him sleeping in the camp, taking only his spear and water jug as evidence of his presence. David's actions demonstrated his commitment to God's authority and his refusal to align himself with those who would harm the anointed king.

David's Loyalty to God

Throughout his life, David's loyalty to God and His commandments remained a guiding principle. His psalms often reflect a deep trust in God's protection and guidance, emphasizing the importance of remaining separate from the wicked and those who oppose God's will. In Psalm 1, David writes, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor set foot on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers" (Psalm 1:1). This sentiment underscores David's understanding of the dangers of forming alliances with those who stand against God.

David's life serves as a testament to the importance of discernment and faithfulness in avoiding alliances with the enemies of God. His actions and decisions reflect a deep commitment to God's purposes and a desire to uphold the sanctity of his relationship with the Lord, even in the face of personal danger and political pressure.Psalm 101:4-7
A fraudulent heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:115
Depart from me, you evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Footnotes
... life, Mrs. Binning became connected with the Society people. ... company, because when
on earth he walked with God. ... countenance to the views of the enemies of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... midst of the eddying tide of enemies assaulting the ... Accordingly he accepted the alliance,
and imagined himself the ... in which the true man of God, working for God ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

part ii
... the soul or the ship of human society; and pray ... heavenly crowns and eternal life
with God and His ... endure injustice, abuse, etc., and to pray for our enemies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... A characteristic feature of Roman society, which affected the ... I call God of heaven
and earth to witness ... to win over the Donatists and their alliance with fierce ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

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