David fled from King Saul who was jealous that the people loved David more than him. After all, David had killed the giant, Goliath, and now the people sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul’s pride was hurt. In his sin he thought only of self-protection. To protect himself, he would have to kill David.


Wouldn’t you want to flee from Saul too? David fled to Gath, one of the main Philistine cities, hometown of someone who was very familiar to David: Goliath. There he was recognized as the man who had slain their champion as well as many more of their soldiers. Earlier, as a young boy, David was not afraid of Goliath. But now he was in enemy territory, hopelessly outnumbered, unable to save himself, his own king trying to kill him. He may have been favored among his people, but his world was falling apart.


When your fears have you running, rush straight into the arms of the God who protected David. He will care for you. Your own victories will not save you, but God’s grace will!