IT WAS TIME TO TESTIFY!

  

I wonder how I would feel if I had been running from the threat of death for seven years. The man I’m writing about today was not a career criminal and had not broken the law. His only crime was being a good soldier and supporter of his country and his leader. His skill and faithfulness made him popular—and that’s when the trouble began. His leader was a jealous man and he grew increasingly envious of the young warrior’s popularity. One day in a fit of rage, King Saul tried to kill David and he had to flee to preserve his life.

David ran for his life for about seven years. Not only were Saul and his mercenaries on David’s trail but so were Israel’s archenemies, the Philistines. Israel was in a protracted war with the Philistines, and David’s rise to fame began when he killed one of the Philistines’ all-time bad guys. At times during the years of flight, David was able to forge temporary truces with the Philistines for him and his small band of warriors. These truces never seemed to last, however, because the Philistines never trusted David, nor did David trust them.

Imagine seven years of pressure, of expecting that at any moment Saul’s killers might strike. Seven years of constant moving and looking over your shoulder, wondering if someone might betray you.

I believe it was during these years that David’s character and integrity were forged. At one point David and his men were hiding in a cave (1 Samuel 24) and Saul and some of his soldiers came to rest in the same cave. David and his men were hidden deep in the back of the cave and Saul did not know they were there until after he left. David had a perfect opportunity to get the pressure off by killing Saul—and who would have faulted him? The depth of David’s character showed in this encounter as he restrained himself and his men from harming Saul in any way.

David showed respect when Saul demonstrated jealousy. David was truly a king and Saul was a disobedient failure. It was during these turbulent years that David’s walk with God was deepened and expanded. David was waiting for deliverance to come and he didn’t waste the waiting (see Psalm 119:67.)

When Saul died by his own hand, David was able to come out of hiding—finally removing the pressure of being hunted. God had protected David and his men, and with the threat of death from Saul finally gone, David wanted to praise God for His faithfulness. He needed to “testify”—and so he did.

“I love you, O LORD, my strength.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
       my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
       He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
       and I am saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3)

The whole of Psalm 18 (and the parallel passage 2 Samuel 22) is David’s testimony of God’s faithfulness, provision, protection and guidance. It was written to express his praise for being released from the nightmare of being hunted down.

The word “strength” is speaking of prevailing, of being made strong. The Apostle Paul understood this well and said, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Strength comes from the Lord who bares His arm on our behalf.

One of the descriptive words that David uses twice in these verses and four times in the chapter is “rock,” as in, “The Lord is my rock,” meaning that God is our secure refuge. “The Lord is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (v. 2).

“Fortress” refers to a strong castle and speaks of our security. God is our fortress and our defense!

“Deliverer” is a word rich in meaning and refers to God providing a way of escape, a way of deliverance from our pain, suffering, hardship or death (see 1 Corinthians 10:13.)

“Refuge” speaks of a place of shelter and also speaks of trust. We are to trust God and His refuge. If we don’t trust Him, there is no refuge.

“Shield.” The Lord is the protector of His people so that the adversities of life cannot destroy His child.

“Horn” is a symbol of strength, power and victory.

“Stronghold” is a highly fortified defensive or military structure. One of the words frequently used to describe a stronghold is security and this speaks of the security that we have in Him.

David is giving thanks that the season of his life of running and hiding is over. He is giving thanks for all the ways he experienced the care and love of God during this difficult time in his life. There is almost a euphoric element to his testimony and, frankly, it sounds good from here. 

Thank you, Lord, for preserving David and thank you, David, for sharing your testimony. It encourages me!