“Now one of Saul’s servants was there that day, detained before the Lord; he was Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s chief shepherd. 8 David asked Ahimelek, “Don’t you have a spear or a sword here? I haven’t brought my sword or any other weapon, because the king’s mission was urgent.” 9 The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one.” David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” 1 Samuel 2.7-9
David was a national hero. He defeated the Philistine giant named Goliath and everyone knew that. He couldn’t go anywhere without someone knowing him. Ahimelek the priest knew David on site as did one of Saul’s servants, Doeg who was an Edomite, who was Saul’s chief shepherd.
Now when David arrives at Nob, he really doesn’t have anything with him. No food, no friends and no weapons. Food is taken care of by the priest who offers him the mostly forbidden bread of the Presence. Friends might come find David eventually. But what about a weapon by which to defend himself?
So David asks, “Don’t you have a spear or a sword here?” Why did he have to ask? Why wasn’t the priest forthright in saying to David, “I have your sword. Here!” But he didn’t. Maybe he wanted to hold on to this sword of great value and renown, like a treasure or a souvenir. Maybe it didn’t occur to him until David asked, which I find unlikely. But regardless, David needs a weapon and asks for one not expecting to find the sword which made him famous.
So the priest replies, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one.” Ahimelek names the previous owner of the sword, the place where it was taken, and the location it is now which was behind the Ephod — a priestly garment worn for worship. It almost suggests that with the proximity of the sword next to the garment that there is a holiness attached to it. A righteousness attributed to the Lord. And upon finding out about the sword, by which David defended the armies of the Lord against the enemy he says, “There is none like it, give it to me.”
I never condone weapons of war unless it’s a just war, God’s war, a holy war. The weapon the Goliath had been used to attempt to defeat and defy the armies of the Lord. But here David has conquered and killed it’s owner, when he himself was just a teenager, and now is reclaiming it as a sign that the favor of the Lord is upon him.
When one walks with the Lord, as David is doing, things just fall into place. God’s favor rests upon him.
I just made a list of a new ministry initiative I am engaging in at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary’s Wesley House of Studies and it’s extensive! God’s favor is truly upon us in this endeavor as things are falling into place with resources, personnel and influence. It’s so exciting to see! (For a copy of this list email me at [email protected]).
But back to David — God was showing favor to him as he was providing for his needs and he will do the same for us. When we walk with the Lord, the Lord walks with us. When we put in the time and attention it takes to be holy and obedient, then God rewards us by his Presence and his favor.
Are you enjoying God’s blessing of favor today? Why not?
“O Lord God, you are good. I thank you for allowing me to walk with you, a sinner saved by grace. Help me walk with courage, strength and boldness in your favor all the days of my life. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon all that I do that I might reflect your glory and your nature. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen