029. Prayer Of David Under Trying Circumstances.

Prayer Of David Under Trying Circumstances. The Prayer as recorded.—1 Samuel 23:1-2. The Lord’s Answer.—1 Samuel 23:2.

David continues his prayer.—1 Samuel 23:10-11. The Lord’s Answer.—1 Samuel 23:11.

David still prays.—1 Samuel 23:12. The Lord’s Answer.—1 Samuel 23:12.

David was at this time an inspired writer of the Holy Scriptures; yet the Lord spoke to him by his prophet and then by the high priest, for the honor of his own institutions. Saul had neglected the protection of Israel, and the depredations of the Philistines were extremely distressing.

David is called in the Scriptures the man after God’s own heart; and it is with feelings of peculiar interest we review his prayers; they are songs from the “sweet singer of Israel,” and come from the heart of him whose life was one of deep devotedness to God and his cause. In his youth he says, “Thou art my trust,” and in age, “Now when I am old and grayheaded, O Lord, forsake me not.” A man of prayer, we find him always at the mercy-seat in times of trial or of rejoicing. From the throne of God came down the strength that filled this good man’s heart. When David could not divine clearly his duty, as in the present instance, he called to the high priest to put on the Urim and Thummim, and by him asked God to direct him in all his decisions.