READING THE BOOK OF First Chronicles CHAPTER Fourteen.
so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. (1 Chronicles 14:14 NIV)
Ask for advice before you act
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Historical context of the Philistines. – The strongest evidence of the origin of the Philistines are archaeological findings that point to the Aegean sea. According to Egyptian sources of the time they speak of an invading people come from the north by the sea, so they were called the “Sea Peoples”. The linguistic evidence, although very poor, seem to equally point to the Aegean world. The Philistines make their appearance in the Bible in the final period of Judges by the prophesied birth of Samson. The angel appeared to Manoah and said that despite the obstacles, his wife would have a son who would “deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines” (Judges 13:1-5).
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First time David asked for God’s advice. – David asks two questions: Should I attack? And, would you deliver the Philistines into my hands? God gives the answers: Attacks and I will deliver them into your hands. So remember: Before we do something consult and ask God for his guidance and approval. Success in life is not to walk alone, seek God to guide us.
- Second request of Advice. – The biblical text says that David inquired God’s guidance again, asking if he could attack. God now gives a new strategy: “Do not attack head-on, now you must surround them, and when you hear the noise in the trees, is because I go forward.” God not only gave him victories against the Philistines, but “made all the people to fear” (verse 17). God wants to repeat these successes in the life of His children who ask for guidance before acting.
Prayer.
Dear God of all blessings, we pray that through your holy spirit you may remind us that all our plans must bet first put on your hands and subject to your approval. We ask that our actions are framed in your will, through Jesus, amen.
By Dr. Franz Rios, Translated and adapted by Pablo J. Rios.