030. Prayer Of Dayid When The Amalekites Had Invaded Ziklag.

Prayer Of Dayid When The Amalekites Had Invaded Ziklag. The Prayer as recorded.—1 Samuel 30:8. The Lord’s Answer.—1 Samuel 30:8.

Ziklag was distant from the camp of the Philistines about three days’ march, and David did not receive an authentic account of the battle at Gilboa till two days after his return thither. The Lord had delivered him from his ensnaring connection with Achish, but his conduct had not been entirely free from deceit while connected with him; he found it difficult to avoid all insincerity, and from fear or courtesy had been disingenuous in his intercourse with the. king.

God severely rebuked him for his conduct, by the calamity that befell Ziklag in his absence. David’s fear of offending Achish had induced him to leave the city without placing a proper guard over the inhabitants; but the Amalekites were wonderfully restrained from destroying any of them, after the example which David had set them; in this God showed his intention to rebuke David alone, but protect his family and friends. His wives were led into captivity, and David and the people shed bitter and sorrowful tears over the destruction made in the city by the devouring flame. In this deep sorrow David remembers the Lord his God—remembers the promises and encouragements he gives to his children to call upon him in trouble, and immediately consults him by the high priest.