Podcasts about Doeg

Psalms 52:1-9

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. TranscriptGood morning, my name's Chet, I'm one of the pastors here. If you will grab your Bible and go to First Samuel, chapter 21. We're going to be in chapters 21 and 22 today. We're looking through both of those chapters.When I was growing up, probably three to five, I think I watched Mary Poppins 42,000 times. I'm pretty sure that we only had like a handful of VHS that my grandmother had recorded from her television. So I also have a lot of commercials really, really memorized. But I watched that on a regular basis. And there's this scene towards the end of the movie where the children had been in a bank and there was some bank trouble. And I don't want to get into a whole discussion of finance, but they had to run out of the bank and they get lost in London. And thus begins a series of back to back to back to back moments that were utterly terrifying to me.It was like they took all the vulnerabilities of a four year old and just pummeled them. So they're lost in a city. Terrifying. Just not knowing where your parents are for like 12 seconds when you're four and five is scary. They're running through a city. This is, you know, it's awful. Then they come around a corner in an alleyway and an old lady pops out and goes, come with me, children. And it's like, why would she do that? And you don't know if she was intending to be helpful. They run away. She seemed scary. So they take off. Then they come around a corner and a dog jumps out and starts barking aggressively at them. When you're a child, a dog is the size of a bear. Like, I mean, you know. Then they turn and they run and they go down an alleyway and a shadowy figure grabs them. Turns out that that's their friend, but you don't know it at the time.I just remember like this seared in my brain, this series of events. And I remember even as a little kid, like, I'm pretty sure there were times where I just stopped watching the movie before that I was like, well, let's move on. I know they make it at the. And I think there were other times where I just left the room and like waited till I heard the song start back up, you know, because it's a children's movie where things are supposed to be happy. And then I returned, but it was really this interesting peek into things that made me feel very vulnerable and very alone. And this real dive into fears that I had.As we're reading through this text today, we're going to see how Saul, David and a handful of other people deal with fear. What it does to them, where it takes them. There's a reality to fear, that it drives us towards something, towards someone, it exposes us in a way. And so what I hope we see in this text is we're going to see them as they interact with it. They're going to see how they handle it. And what I hope we'll learn together is the scariest place to be and the safest place to be as we study this text together.So let's pray quickly for us and then we'll move into chapter 21 of First Samuel. Lord, we ask for your help. We ask for your Spirit to speak in a way that we can understand, that you would help us to deal with our fears and to see what fear does to us in a way that draws us to you. In Jesus name, amen.So David's on the run. Saul wants to kill him. Saul's the king. David was very close to Saul, was a general, was his bodyguard, was all these different things. And he's now having to flee for his life. And that's what we saw last week as Jonathan, Saul's son, helped David escape.Chapter 21.Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. So he goes to Nob, and we're going to find out that Nob is a whole city of priests. It seems as if after everything, after Shiloh was destroyed and the ark was taken, they get the ark back, and it seems like now the center of the priesthood is here. It's unclear whether the ark is also here, but the priests are. And this is where priestly activities will be taking place for the people of Israel, the sacrifices and all that.So he goes there to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him,"Why are you alone and no one with you?"So it's odd for David to be by himself. Ahimelech knows David, but David usually has like a whole crew. He's either with the king, he's with his military units that he's overseeing. For David just to show up is what business does he have? Did something terrible happen? What's going on?So he comes out, that's why he's trembling. And he says, what? What's going on? And David said to Ahimelech, the priest,"The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, 'Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you and with which I have charged you.' And I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread or whatever is here."So David just says, secret king business. And I've got some people that I'm definitely meeting who are real at a very specific place that you can't know about, and I need bread. None of that is true, except for that David wants bread, but he's on the run and he is just trying to get out of here.And the priest answered, David,"I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread if the young men have kept themselves from women,"which just has to do with sexual activity, makes you unclean in the law. So that's what that is. It's not just like women, some mean thing about them. It just has to do with sexual activity.David answered the priest,"Truly, women have been kept from us. As always, when I go on an expedition, the vessels of the young men are holy, even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?"So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there, but the bread of the Presence which is removed from before the Lord to be replaced by hot bread on the day that it is taken away.So the tabernacle seems to be here, the bread of the Presence is here. They would set it out on the Sabbath before the Lord as a picture of the meal, the connection, the communion that we have with the Lord, that they have with the Lord. And then they would rotate it out on the Sabbath. And the old loaves were allowed to be eaten by the priests. And Ahimelech breaks that rule to give to David in a time of need.Jesus references this and says that he did right, that this was correct to do, to break a ceremonial law for the sake of caring for someone. And he says this in this argument with the Pharisees about the Sabbath, saying that some things were built for our good and our blessing, and therefore, if there's opposition, we can bless others in those moments. And that's what he's talking about.So David takes that bread and he now has five loaves of bread that was the bread of the Presence, but the priest is allowing him to have it.Verse 7.Now, a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg, the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen, he's detained before the Lord. It may be a Sabbath if they've just swapped the bread out. So it's possible he wasn't allowed to travel very long. It's also possible he's doing some sort of thing because he's an Edomite to become a follower of God. It's also possible that he has some sort of sickness or skin disease and he's having to be watched because there's all these. These are several of the reasons why you might be detained before the Lord. He could also just be there doing some, basically, some holy days for himself as he worships the Lord.But that's it. That's all it tells us about him. It just in the middle of this story goes, hey, Doeg, the Edomite is here. And it's going to go right back to the story. And that's foreshadowing. So remember him, he'll show up later, but he doesn't do anything here.Verse 8.Then David said to Ahimelech,"Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me because the king's business required haste."And the priest said,"The sword of Goliath, the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah. Behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the Ephod, if you will. Take that, take it, for there's none but that here."And David said,"There is none like that. Give it to me."So David says, I was in such a hurry, I don't even have any weapons. Do you have any weapons? He says, you gave us Goliath's sword. It's still here. And David says, great, that sword is awesome. I will take it. And so he has a nice, probably fairly large sword that he leaves with.Verse 10.And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish, the king of Gath.Okay, David doesn't have any options. That's what this just told us. The plan that he's come up with is, I'm going to show up to Gath with Goliath of Gath's sword and see how that goes. It seems like he's intending to maybe be like a mercenary. He's just going to go there and serve there. He's absolutely on the run from his home, his people, his everything.And the servants of Achish said to him, to Achish,"Is not this David, the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances? Saul has struck down his thousands and David his ten thousands."So if David was planning on being undercover, he shows up and they're like, mmm. And they go to the king and they're like, I'm pretty sure they have a song about how good he is at murdering us. I'm pretty sure that's him.And David took those words, these words to heart. So he somehow overheard this. In this situation, was much afraid of Achish, the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them, pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard.So somehow, on his way before the king, he just starts acting insane, drooling, marking up the walls. That's the best disguise he can come up with on the fly, you guys. And it works.Then Achish said to his servants,"Behold, you see, the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? Do I lack mad men that you've brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?"So they're like, hey, we've got David. And then he goes, you brought a crazy person here. Thank you so much. Did you think that was what I really needed? I needed those.Some of y'all like to memorize verses for specific situations that you can remind, you know, rehearse yourself or say to other people. Maybe this one for, like, when your family's coming over for vacation or something, or your in-laws are coming and you can just quote to your spouse,"Do we lack mad men in their house? Are we gonna let this fellow in just for y'all?"Bible memorization, you're welcome. Probably won't be one of our monthly verses, but it's a good one.All right, chapter 22.David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam.So David then leaves. He heads back over into Israelite territory and hides in King Achish's. So his plan to go to Gath does not work and he escapes. Now, an interesting thing happens as we get to follow this story and as we have the whole revelation of the Scriptures, because this text doesn't tell us a lot of what's going on with David, what he's thinking. We just hear what he's doing. We hear some of what he says, but we don't get to see what's going on with him.And so far, in the midst of fear, he's just run and he's come up with what arguably is an ill-advised plan to run to Gath. But that's all he comes up with. He ends up in this cave. But in the book of Psalms we have songs and poems and worship that David writes. And there's one that has this inscription above it. It says, this is Psalm 34. It says of David when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out and he went away.Now this text calls him Achish, which seems to be a title, and Abimelech seems to be his name. So like if you said he was in front of Caesar and then later it says Nero, it's the same guy. So Achish and Abimelech.So we actually get to hear what, how David responds after this moment when he gets to escape. And so it seems like he wrote this while in the cave or on his way to it. He starts off in the first four verses, worshiping, praising. He says,"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them."So he says, I had fear and he rescued me. And those who fear the Lord he protects. So David's interaction with fear is shifting here. He's saying, in my fear I began to go to the Lord, and now I fear him. He's the most fearful, so he's been on the run. It doesn't seem like he's handled everything so well so far. But now, as everything slows down, as he's trying to process through this, and he's worshiping the Lord for rescuing him out of Gath, this is what he's writing.Verse 8,"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack."He keeps going.Verse 18,"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."In verse 22 he says,"The Lord redeems the life of his servants. None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned."This is how he ends it. So he says, I'm hiding in him. I'm taking refuge in him. My hope is in him. That's David as he deals with this fear.So chapter 22, let's pick back up in the text.David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him.David on the run, hiding in a cave, trying to figure out what he's going to do, trying to lay low, writing some songs from his expert hiding place. He looks out one day, keeping a good lookout, and he's like, mom.Because his whole family shows up. They all come to him, which makes sense. And maybe he had to go out for supplies. Maybe word spreads at some point where David is, but his whole family comes to him, which makes sense, because if David's on the run from Saul, they're probably not that safe from Saul. And Saul may go look to them to find David.So they all go to David. Then it says this."And everyone who was in distress and everyone who was in debt and everyone who was bitter in soul gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about 400 men."So his mom, his brothers, his dad, they all show up. Then other people just start showing up. And it's like, why are you here? I am stressed beyond belief. Everything out there is terrible. I heard David was in a cave, and I thought, I'm gonna go get in that cave. Somebody else shows up. Why are you here? I owe so many people so much money. Cave started sounding pretty good. Everyone who's bitter in soul, so the most frustrated, angry people who are, they're not going to read, they're not going to vote for Saul when reelection time comes back around like, this hasn't worked for them. That's who's showing up to David. And then it says he becomes commander of them. So they showed up and they were like, everything is awful. And he's like, okay, do some push ups. It's time to start training. I guess y'all are gonna have to listen to what I say if you're hanging out in my cave. And they do. So now he has 400 distressed, bitter in soul people who owe a lot of money to other people. They're all with David now, plus his mom and his brothers and his dad, okay?And David went from there to Mizpah of Moab. So now he leaves again. He takes all these people with him, it seems. And he said to the king of Moab,"Please let my father and my mother stay with you till I know what God will do for me."And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.So reading some commentaries on this, there was a couple of different ideas as to why the king of Moab would let him do that. Some of the things they put out were housing fugitives because the Moabites were enemies of the Israelites. So the king to house fugitives that are against Saul seems like maybe that's a good idea.There's also just a general cultural thing of hospitality. So it's possible they're just doing what their culture does, which is show hospitality in these sort of situations.There's a theory that it's possible that one of the reasons they went to Moab was that Jesse is the grandson of Ruth, who was from Moab. So there's some family connection here.And I've come up with my own theory, which is that David showed up with 400 desperate men and said, hey, will you watch my mom? And they were like, sure. You and your friends gonna leave? He's like, we're gonna hang out a little bit, but just keep an eye on them until we figure out what's gonna happen.So any one of those is possible as to why they've said yes to this, but they do say yes to this. David leaves his parents with the king of Moab, and he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.Then the prophet Gad said to David,"Do not remain in the stronghold. Depart and go into the land of Judah."So he says, we're not going to stay in Moab. The Lord wants you to go back to Judah. And he does. And we're going to see Gad show up periodically through the story of David.So David departed and went to the forest of Heref.Now the story is going to shift to Saul. So we've seen David dealing with fear. We've seen him on the run, and we've seen him as this process is happening, growing in worship and saying, he's going to trust in the Lord.And now we're going to see Saul as he deals with fear.Verse 6.Now, Saul heard that David was discovered and the men who were with him.If you're playing hide and seek and someone finds you, you may not have had the best hiding spot. If your entire family finds you, plus 400 strangers, you don't have a good hiding spot.So David now is discovered. They know he's out. They know kind of where he is. And he's got 400 people traveling around with him. And this news makes it to Saul. So he's no longer incognito. He's known.Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand. And all his servants were standing about him, which first of all, of course he has a spear in his hand. He seems to always be holding a spear. But also what is happening in this text, it says he was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear. And all his servants, all of those things are markers of leadership and kingship. That you would sit under an obvious tree, they would hold court there, they would answer questions there, they would judge there that he's on a height, that he's got servants, that he's holding his spear. So in some ways this text says Saul the king was out kinging in a very kingly way. That's kind of what that text is doing. It's building him up as much like he's super kinging. Right now. We got David hiding in a cave, wandering around other places, trying to figure out what he's going to do, hiding in a forest. And now we've got Saul, the kingiest king that ever did king.And Saul said to his servants who stood about him here now,"People of Benjamin."Okay, that's interesting. Benjamin is the tribe that Saul is from. He's been king for a long time. He's been king over all of Israel for a long time. It's possible that he only always has kept just Benjaminites the closest to him. Or as he's grown more and more paranoid and more and more fearful, he's gotten rid of everybody who doesn't belong to his tribe and now has perfectly surrounded himself with Benjaminites. But either way, he's paranoid and fearful.And we're going to hear from his speech how far that goes.But these are only people from his clan. He's suspicious, fearful."Hear now, people of Benjamin, will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards? Will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, that all of you have conspired against me?"So he stands there and says, you just are so certain that David's gonna bless all of you, that he's gonna care for all of you, that you're all gonna be so important when he becomes king, that you've all conspired against me? And that's not true. But he now doubts everyone that's around him.Still, in verse 8, he says,"No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me to lie in wait, as at this day."He is correct that Jonathan did make a covenant with David, but it was because they loved one another. It was a covenant of friendship to care for one another. They make a covenant that they're not going to harm each other. And Jonathan goes out of his way to keep his dad from sinning against David.But he is not helping David lie in wait against Saul.David isn't lying in wait against Saul. David's not out to get Saul. Saul's out to get David. Saul is actually not in danger, not from David, but he thinks he is. And he's saying, everyone's against me.And Saul's entire world has shrunk to just him. It's just him. Everybody's an enemy. Everybody's in on it. Everything's a secret. Everything's falling apart.Then answered Doeg, the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul,"I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."We actually don't know if he inquired of the Lord from him. Our text doesn't tell us that. But Doeg says he did. But that's something you do before military stuff. He doesn't say he gave him five loaves of bread. He calls it provisions, just militarizing it up a little bit. And he gives him a sword. He basically says, hey, Ahimelech's in on it.Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub and all his father's house. The priests who were at Nob and all of them came to the king. It would have taken a couple miles away, so to go get them to come back. This took a couple hours, but they all come.And Saul said,"Hear now, son of Ahitub?"And he answered,"Here I am, my lord."And Saul said to him,"Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me to lie in wait as at this day?"Then Ahimelech answered the king,"And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law and captain over your bodyguard and honored in your house? Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No. Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of this, of all of this. Much or little."So Ahimelech just says, it's David. David, your bodyguard, your son-in-law. I've done this. I do this. I would do this for him anytime he comes. I'm not in on something. I didn't know any of this. Don't add that to me. Don't add that to my family. That's not the case.Aside from those noises, that's what he said. He may have said it really calmly, I don't know, but he just kind of lists out like five things in a row where he's just like, I didn't have anything to do with anything, and this is normal for me to do whatever David asks.Verse 16.And the king said,"You shall surely die, Ahimelech. You and all your father's house."And the king said to the guard who stood about him,"Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David. They knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me."But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord.You got to hear the sentence that Saul said. He looks at his servants and says, that's it. Kill all the priests of the Lord because they're on David's team. Priests of the Lord. They're on David's team.And then I don't know if y'all can see the fear and the frustration. And Saul's face turned purple as all of his soldiers are just like, nope, I'm not.I love his soldiers in this moment because they all know there's going to be a day I stand before the Lord and it won't be Saul. There's a day that I will stand before my king and it isn't Saul. And I'm not going on record as killing a priest, it's not happening. You can kill me. That's fine. Then I'll go stand before the Lord and go, do you see me not kill that priest? Do you see what I just died for? Like, they just don't move.And again, I'm sure this just confirms in Saul that everyone is against him. His whole world has shrunk down to his center of gravity and Doeg.Then the king said to Doeg,"You turn and strike down the priests."And Doeg, the Edomite turned and struck down the priests. And he killed on that day 85 persons who wore the linen ephod. Doeg is an Edomite. He doesn't care.So he kills them, 85 of them. They brought all the males from that household. They kill all of them. And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep. He put to the sword.Saul does to the city of the priests what he was not willing to do to the Amalekites when it was for the Lord and it was holy war, he was unwilling to do it. When it's for him and it's his trying to keep his seat of power, he's willing to.Verse 20.But one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to David.Alright, so something very interesting has happened in this passage.In chapter two, a man of God comes to Eli and says the priesthood is not going to stay with your family because you've dishonored me. He says they're going to be wiped out. There will only be left one who will cry his eyes out. That's what just happened. Abiathar is that one.And eventually it's taken from him. He doesn't get to carry on serving the Lord. So the curse of God is poured out on this family through the wicked choices of Saul.So Saul is very wrong to do what he does. But we also see the hand of God at work in fulfilling his promises. It's a very interesting thing that happens here. But it doesn't mean that Saul's right to do what he does. It just means that when God says something, it happens.And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord.And David said to Abiathar,"I knew on that day when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul, I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house."David's response is, that's on me. While David was on the run, while David was doing what he did, he said, I knew that. I knew he was going to tell him. And I don't know if David fully understood what was going to come from that. I don't see how he could have. But he just says, yeah, that's. I'm the one to blame for this.Verse 21,"Stay with me. Do not be afraid for he who seeks my life seeks your life with me. You shall be in safekeeping."So that's his response to Abiathar.There's a very interesting call it a social phenomenon that's happening in this text. But everybody who's absolutely desperate is going to David. If everything has fallen apart, if you have no hope of a future, if everything has fallen around your ears, they go to David.And I can't help but see that and see that that's exactly what happens in the New Testament with Jesus. That when Jesus is on earth, the people who flock to him are the poor, the destitute, the sinners, the weak, the small, the outcasts.This actually is one of the things that he and the religious leaders get into arguments over all the time. They're like, you hang out with absolute human garbage. And Jesus is like, right, because the sick need a physician, not the well.And there's this thing where if you really know that you're in need, you start looking for somewhere to go, some bit of hope, someone to run to.And so we see in this story as it plays out that you have fear, legitimate, real, terrible fear, actual bad things.And David, as we follow this out, he runs to the Lord and there's all of these people that run to David. And then there's Saul who tries to handle everything in his own strength.And I told you earlier that we would see. I'm trying to tell you the scariest place to be.The scariest place to be is where you are the biggest person in the world.The scariest place to be is where you are utterly, completely, absolutely self-sufficient.The scariest place to be is where the center of existence has boiled down to your center of gravity, where it's all up to you.That's where Saul is.Trust, no one believes, no one hopes in nothing, just whatever he can tooth and nail and claw and grab, whatever he can get done, all up to him.And I don't know if you know it, but that's what our culture has told you over and over again is what you need to go do.Express yourself, find yourself, succeed, accomplish, win, earn.It's up to you.The most powerful snowflake in the world that you've got to on your own. Be sufficient, be capable, be good.That's what religion shows up and tells you so often is be good, be moral, do it. It's up to you.That's terrifying.The guards around Saul know something that we need to know is that one day you're going to stand before the real Lord, the real King.And on that day you do not want to stand in yourself self-sufficient.You do not want to stand before the King and say, judge me, evaluate me, I am big enough, I am good enough, I am capable.That's terrifying.You don't want to live your life that way.And you certainly don't want to end your life that way.We get to do with Jesus what Abiathar does with David and we get to have the same response.We get to run to him and say, I have no hope anywhere but with you.And what David says to Abiathar is what Jesus says to us.Your life is connected to my life and with me you'll be in safekeeping.That we get to hide ourselves in Christ.That when he died for sins, he died for us.That when he was buried, we were buried.When he rose, we rise.We get to be hidden in Christ and what he has accomplished.And we get to stand before the Lord in Christ and not in ourselves and not in our sufficiency.But we get to say, I have hidden in him.And no one is put to shame who takes refuge in the Lord.David prophetically says it at the end of his psalm."The Lord redeems the life of his servants. None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned."And then we get to live like that in all the fears of life.You get to go to the Lord. You get to do what David did. He's in the, he's in the cave and he's rehearsing.You know how long it takes to write a song? It's possible that this just came out, but I think a lot of it is he's working on, he's rehearsing, he's remembering and he's reminding himself over and over and over and over again.My hope is in you. My trust is in you. I have no good apart from you.Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.Nobody who is condemned, who places their hope in you.Nobody who runs to you in refuge, oh, let me hide in you.Over and over and over and over again.And then we get to do the same thing that we don't in the middle of fear go, I must act, I've got to do something.But we get to in the middle of the fear go, okay Lord, if you don't help, I'm in trouble. If you don't show up, I'm in trouble.I see so often in my own sin. I'll talk to the Lord and I'll say, Lord, if you aren't merciful, if you don't forgive sinners, I have no hope.But oh thank you that you do. And let me hide in you.Let me. Let the righteousness of Christ be applied to me.Let his life and death and burial apply to me.Let me hide in him.It's one of my favorite songs is Rock of Ages.And just at the end it says,"Let me hide myself in thee, let me hide in you."And let it be about you.And so if you've never seen that you actually are not capable enough, strong enough, good enough, if your whole world is about you and you still think you are strong enough, I would say no, come to the Lord.But if you know you're in debt, in sin, you're destitute, you're distressed, you're bitter, come to the Lord, run to him and say, I need to hide in you.And for the Christians in the room who are struggling with fear, rehearse for yourself what's true about him.Start with Psalm 34.Read it, pray it. Sit. Remind yourself my hope is bound up in you.That's what Colossians 3 says,"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."We are hidden with him.His life and our life, our life is bound up in him.And with him we are in safe keeping.Let's pray.Lord, I pray right now in the name of Jesus, for every person in this room who is self-sufficient. For every person in this room who, when it all boils down, it's just them. Just them and their wisdom, just them and their morality, just them and their strength, just them and their ingenuity, that it's just them.Lord, I pray that you would, through your Spirit, help them to see how small and how vulnerable and how scary that is, that they might run to you.Lord, we pray for the person in this room who already sees that, who already feels debt, distress, destitute, desperate, that they would run headlong to you and say, oh, let your life cover me, let your righteousness apply to me. Let me hide myself in you.And Lord, may the Christians in this room rehearse that over and over and over again. That in fear we might fear you more and know that no one is condemned who takes refuge in you.In Jesus' name, Amen.The band's going to come back up. We're going to respond in communion and worship.

The incidents in these two chapters reveal David at a low point in his life. They reveal his despair and exasperation which were to cost the lives of those associated with David. David has fled from Saul in fear of his life and the lives of the men who are with him. David's first thoughts are of food and a weapon to protect himself. He goes to Nob to the high priest - Ahimelech - seeking sustenance and a sword. David's trust should have been in his God. In Yahweh he would have found provision - as Israel had for 40 years in the wilderness - and he would have found protection. The high priest was fearful at David's arrival. So many throughout Israel knew of Saul's envy of David. To help David will be extremely dangerous. Yet Ahimelech also knew that Yahweh was with David. David commences on a course of deception that will be his pattern for years. Once you start lying it will become a habit that will be hard to break. David requests the shewbread which had just been changed that Sabbath day: Luke 6 verses 1-4. Verse 7 of 1 Samuel 21 notes, almost as an aside, that Doeg was there and that he was a chief cattle herder of king Saul. Doeg was a vile and violent Edomite as chapter 22 records. Verse 8-9 tell us that Ahimelech gave Goliath's sword to David. David received it with great anticipation not knowing the grief that the possession of this sword would cause him. Verses 10-15 speak of David's folly in fleeing to Gath with the sword of the giant champion - Goliath of Gath. David's fame proceeds him and his folly exposes him to great danger. David is brought into the presence of Achish king of Gath to explain what he is doing in Gath. In terror David feigned madness but also silently prayed intensely for his God's rescuing of him. Other accounts tell us that David was imprisoned in Gath, but later inexplicably released. The reason David was released is told us in Psalm 34 - recording his prayer in his extremity and from that what he would teach to his band of men: Psalm 34 verses 1-22. Slowly read these words aloud and contemplate the lessons for each of us. That Psalm, due to the vital lessons it teaches, is one of the most frequently quoted Psalms in the New Testament.: eg 1 Peter 3 verses :8-17. 1 Samuel 22 speaks of the snowballing consequences of lying. Verses 1-5 tell us that David fled from Gath to the cave of Adullam where he first sought to educate his followers in the need for truth and trusting in the Almighty. Next he arranged for the rescuing of his mother and father who were sent to Moab and remain there whilst David was a fugitive. Many people who felt oppressed by Saul's ways fled and came to David for leadership, protection and security. David would do this for them and more as he would guide theme in the way of Yahweh their Sovereign. The prophet Gad urged David to flee from Adullam. Verses 6-8 tell of Saul appealing to the Benjaminites, his own tribe, to betray David. Saul says that he will enrich his tribesmen and that David would not do this. The Benjaminites are reluctant despite being offered a bribe to betray David. Verses 9-10 describe Doeg's enthusiasm to tell Saul of Ahimelech's support of David. Verses 11-19 tell of the high priest being interrogated by Saul; his being sentenced to death for supposed treachery. We are told of the reluctance of Saul's soldiers to slay the priests and Doeg's single handed slaying of 85 priests at Nob. In addition Doeg slew the women, children and livestock of the town. Verses 20-23 speak of Abiathar's escape and his relating the incident to David, who offers him asylum. Isaiah 65 verses 1-7 tells us of God's lament at the unholiness of His people who refuse to obey His voice. Israel commit every imaginable abomination despite the LORD's continual pleadings with them. They were like an irritating smoke in God's nostrils. Yahweh cannot be ignored without consequences. The Almighty will punish them for their contempt towards Him. Verses 8-10 present a contrast with the attitude of the majority. The remnants of the LORD's people - His servants - will experience abundance of blessings from Him. Even the curse that Achan brought upon the nation of Israel when he took from the devoted things of Jericho will be reversed. The valley where he was buried will become an oasis for sheep and as the prophecy of Hosea says - 2 verses 15 - will become "a door of hope" (Hebrew' Peta Tikva' the words of Israel's national anthem composed in 1882). There is always hope for those who wholeheartedly turn to the LORD: Joel 2 verses13-14. Verses 11-12 describe the punishments that Yahweh would bring upon His people. Verses 13-16 also contrast God's obedient servants with His disobedient nation. When Yahweh blesses His servants those rebels will experience want. Our Omnipotent Creator promises that the time will come when those who are blessed acknowledge that their blessings come from the "God of Truth" - Hebrew' Eduth here translated as "Amen". Verses 17-25 talk of the blessings of the kingdom age under the rule of Jesus Christ the Messiah. Verses 17-19 are quoted in 2 Peter 3 verses 11-13. Peter says we are looking for God to fulfill His promise to the faithful. The new heavens and earth speak of the administration of Christ's kingdom. Note how Revelation 21 verses1-5 speaks of a change of government and although this vision is of the time after the millennium the figure still stands that the heavens relate to rulership and the earth to those peoples who are subject to the heavens: see also Deuteronomy 32 verses1; Isaiah 1 verses 2,10. Verses 20-25 describe the longevity which will prevail during the millennium - 1,000 year - reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mortality still exist, but life will be prolonged so that one dying at one hundred years of age will be considered to be but a child. However the persistent sinner dying at 100 years will still be considered to be cursed. There will be a  harmonious relationship between animals commencing in Mount Zion and eventually throughout the entire world: Isaiah 9 verses 1-7; 11 verses 6-9. This is also symbolic of the peace between the nations of the earth. But this is only possible under the government of our Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 65 verse 25 reminds us that the curse from Adam and Eve's disobedience in Eden has been rolled back when we are told that the serpent - snake - will still eat dust. The blessings apply to productive farming and long occupancy of houses because the wicked have been restrained. How this contrasts greatly with what we see in our world in this troubled age. Matthew 10 verses 1-4 tell of our Lord Jesus' selection of his 12 Apostles. Their mission is described and their names given. In verses 5-15 they are sent forth with a commission to preach solely to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel". Mark 16:15-16 tell us that the Lord's ambassadors after his resurrection were to be sent into all the nations of the known world. The Apostles' message was to repent because the kingdom was at hand. Accompanying miracles were to be done to demonstrate that the work was from God. A failure to respond to the preaching was to be met with a curse upon those refusing the invitation from the Almighty through His Son and His Son's emissaries. Verses 16-25 tell us that those carrying the good news - ie the gospel - could expect to receive persecution just as Jesus their Master was experiencing. In verses 26-33 Jesus says to those Apostles that they must preach without any fear of human authorities as they could only take away their life until God would resurrect His faithful witnesses. Jesus' witnesses must not put their light under a bushel: Matthew 5 verses 14-16. The same remains true today. Although we are respectful of human government our allegiance is to our Sovereign Omnipotent Creator: 1 Peter 4:1-11. Verses 34-39 teach us that in our witness for Christ we will often find that this proclamation will bring division within families. We must not be overzealous in pushing our message upon anybody including our family; and we need to be kind in the way we present our views to them. We need individually to pick up our stake and deny ourselves in following our Lord Jesus Christ. In so doing we will in the kingdom receive the blessings of the faithful. Verses 40-42 tell of the blessings for showing kindness now - even in the smallest of ways.

David and the Holy Bread 21[a] Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, Why are you alone, and no one with you? 2And David said to Ahimelech the priest, The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you. I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. 3Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here. 4And the priest answered David, I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy breadif the young men have kept themselves from women. 5And David answered the priest, Truly women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition. The vessels of the young men are holy even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?6So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the Lord, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away. 7Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen. 8Then David said to Ahimelech, Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. 9And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it to me. David Flees to Gath 10And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11And the servants of Achish said to him, Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, Saul has struck down his thousands,and David his ten thousands? 12And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.13So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. 14Then Achish said to his servants, Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? 15Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?

In David’s diss track against Doeg we see there are two paths in life, one that leads to life and the other to destruction. Our text in this study is: Psalm 52 Series: Psalm Sundays Gene Pensiero Jr Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/psalmsundays Subscribe on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford Read the notes at: […]

In David’s diss track against Doeg we see there are two paths in life, one that leads to life and the other to destruction. Our text in this study is: Psalm 52 Series: Psalm Sundays Gene Pensiero Jr Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/psalmsundays Subscribe on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford Read the notes at: […]

How are the righteous to respond when they and others experience evil because of the wicked? In such times, what are God's people to do, say, and pray? What are we to sing? This worship song captures David's response to Doeg, an evil man whose wicked words and actions caused great harm to many. Here, those who trust in the Lord are given an example of what to do, say, pray, and sing in response to the wicked.

Teacher: Dave Brown Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.—1 Samuel 18:7; 21:11 Saul was very angry; “they have credited David with tens of thousand,” he though, ‘but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.— 1 Samuel 18:8-9 David went to Nob, to Ahimelek the priest. Ahimelek trembled when he met him, and asked, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” David answered Ahimelek the priest, “The king sent me on a mission and said to me, ‘No one is to know anything about the mission I am sending you on.' As for my men, I have told them to meet me at a certain place.”— 1 Samuel 21:1-2 The king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Does the Edomite turned and killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep.— 1 Samuel 22:18-19 But one son of Ahimelek…named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David. He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord, Then David said to Abiathar, “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family.— 1 Samuel 22:20-22 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.— John 15:18-20 The story of David isn't set before us as a moral model to copy. David isn't a person whose actions we're inspired to imitate. In the company of David we don't feel inadequate because we know we could never do it that well. Just the opposite; in the company of David we find someone who does it as badly as, or worse than, we do, but who in the process doesn't quit, doesn't withdraw from God.— Eugene Peterson God's will for our lives can be divided into two parts: 1 - General will — Loving God and loving others 2 - Specific will — “The place were your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” David isn't an ideal life bit an actual life. We imaginatively enter the company of David not to improve our morals but to deepen our sense of human reality: this is what happens in the grand enterprise of being human. Reentering through my believing imagination the world of David, I'm more myself—free to be myself and able find God in the middle of what's going on right now.— Eugene Peterson

Saul starts to crack under pressure and becomes increasingly paranoid, imagining that David could strike at any moment. He accuses his men of not caring about him and conspiring against. Doeg the Edomite speaks up, remembering that he had seen David get supplies from Ahimelech. In a rage, Saul visits Ahimelech, accuses him of treason, and assigns Doeg the task of slaughtering an entire city of priests and their families. Only one priest escapes the massacre, and he flees to David. Later, Jonathan visits with David in Horesh and renews his covenant with his friend. 1 Samuel 22 - 1:03 . 1 Samuel 23 - 7:54 . Psalm 90 - 13:51 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In this episode, we're joined by writer, podcaster, and Judaic Studies teacher at Jewish Leadership Academy in Miami, Olivia Friedman for a deep-dive review of the hit Amazon Prime series House of David. Going character by character, we explore what the show gets right—and where it diverges—from the biblical narrative, paying close attention to the scriptural peshat, Midrash, and Talmudic interpretations. We examine how key figures like David, Saul, Michal, Samuel, Doeg, and the Witch of Endor are portrayed, and where those portrayals align with or stray from the text. Olivia helps unpack why certain liberties were likely taken—from narrative pacing to character development—and how the show weaves in motifs and echoes from elsewhere in Tanakh to fill dramatic or emotional gaps. Whether you're a fan of the show, a student of Tanakh, or just curious how biblical stories get adapted for the screen, this episode offers an honest, engaging look at the balance between staying true to the text and telling a compelling story.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Olivia Friedman is a Judaic Studies teacher at the Jewish Leadership Academy. She loves literary analysis, pop culture, and the Bible. Fascinated by the weekly Torah portion, she created the podcast Parsha for Kids so children can learn the weekly Torah section while commuting to and from school. A passionate reader, Olivia shares book reviews on Instagram at @thebookrave. She currently teaches Tanakh, Jewish Law, and Oral Thought, and serves as the Educational Technology Coordinator at Ida Crown Jewish Academy. She previously taught at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD. Olivia holds a Master's in Teacher Leadership with a concentration in Gifted Education from Northwestern University, a Master's in Bible from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and a Bachelor's in English from Yeshiva University's Stern College for Women. Most recently, she completed the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Fellowship—and enjoyed an incredible tour of Israel as part of the program.---• Check out her podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-for-kids/id1650704738• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

Shaul concerns and fears are now overtaking him and he can no longer hold them in. He is taking more of a stance with his servants of “if you're not with me, you're against me” which motivates Doeg to tell Shaul where he last saw Dovid. Tonight we will see the ramifications of that incident and how far Shaul is willing to go to kill Dovid.For the original course page please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://webyeshiva.org/course/king-davids-diaries/

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 45 minutesSynopsis: This morning (4/24/25) we had Q&A! We discussed the following six questions: (1) If perfection of middos is a prerequisite to perfection of the intellect, how do we explain individuals like Achitophel and Doeg ha'Edomi, who were great chachamim who did evil things? (2) Anti-Israel activists have engaged in malicious editing of Wikipedia articles to promote their cause. What do we think of this tactic, and should we use it as well? (3) What do I think of Rabbi Zimmer's "World of Midrash" approach? (4) What do I think about the reliability of the Zohar, in terms of theoretical ideas and practical halacha? (5) How do we account for someone knowing that something is true but acting against that knowledge? (6) Is there any imperfection in rejoicing when someone receives Mishleic consequences? -----מקורות:ירמיהו ד:כב; ט:ה,כב-כג; כב:טז; רמב"ם - פירוש המשנית לאבות א:ורבינו יונה - משלי א:כבמשלי יא:י; כד:יז-יח-----The total cost of producing my five podcasts in 2024 came to $1,455—an expense I would have otherwise had to cover myself. I'm deeply grateful to the generous sponsors who helped shoulder that cost and supported my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/Patreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y72CSP86S24W?ref_=wl_sharel

In today's readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our hearts are deeply wounded when trust is broken. Today we read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

sanhedrin 106: bilam and doeg by “Dafsplaining”: daf yomi made simple

Worrying about Doeg

Sanhedrin 106 : Marc Chipkin: 2025-04-02 Bilaam's evil advice that caused the Jewish people to sin grievously. Wicked people don't live out half their days. Doeg's tremendous wisdom was only lip service and didn't penetrate his heart.

Do you know the story of Doeg the Edomite and the slaughter of Israel's priests at Nob? According to its superscript, this horrific incident is the backdrop to Psalm 52's important message about the wicked.----------------------------Please follow us on these platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JointhesearchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jointhesearchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointhesearchtodayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointhesearchtoday

Welcome to Day 2590 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2590 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 52:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2590 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2590 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we'll finish our study of Psalm 52, focusing specifically on verses 6 through 9. In the first part of this Psalm, we saw King David boldly confronting the arrogance and destructive speech of Doeg the Edomite—a man who used his tongue as a weapon, betraying David and slaughtering innocent people. David declared confidently that God would bring justice to the wicked. Now, in verses 6-9, David turns his attention to how the righteous will respond to God's judgment. This portion contrasts the secure fate of those who trust God with the tragic end of those who rely on their own power and wealth. Let's read Psalm 52:6-9 from the New Living Translation: 6 The righteous will see it and be amazed. They will laugh and say, 7 “Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.” 8 But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love. 9 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. The Amazement of the Righteous (Verses 6-7) Let's begin by looking closely at verses 6 and 7 again: “The righteous will see it and be amazed. They will laugh and say, ‘Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.'” These verses describe the ultimate reaction of the righteous when they see God's judgment finally unfold upon the wicked. David paints a picture here of surprise, astonishment, and even a kind of ironic laughter—not because they rejoice over someone's suffering, but because justice has triumphed after appearing delayed or even absent. In the Ancient Israelite worldview, such amazement came from witnessing God's sudden reversal of what seemed inevitable. The wicked, like Doeg, often appear to have the upper hand for a time. They boast about their power and wealth, seeming untouchable. They become more arrogant, trusting in their own resources rather than in God. However, the righteous know a profound truth that escapes the wicked: security built apart from God is always temporary. This idea resonates throughout Scripture. In Proverbs 16:18, we read, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” The righteous understand that no matter how powerful someone appears, without God their foundation is fragile and ultimately doomed to collapse. Illustration: Consider the story of the Titanic—hailed as “unsinkable” because of its impressive engineering and luxurious design. Yet, as history tells us, on its maiden voyage, it tragically sank. Passengers and crew placed their complete confidence in human innovation, wealth, and strength, only to discover painfully how quickly it all could fail. In a...

Welcome to Day 2588 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2588 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 52:1-5 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2588 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2588 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we're stepping into Psalm 52, specifically focusing on verses 1 through 5. This Psalm provides a vivid contrast between those who boast in wickedness and the righteous judgment of God. In these verses, King David boldly confronts a man whose pride, deceit, and misuse of power have brought harm upon others. Let's first read Psalm 52:1-5 from the New Living Translation: 1 Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don't you realize God's justice continues forever? 2 All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you're an expert at telling lies. 3 You love evil more than good and lies more than truth. 4 You love to destroy others with your words, you liar! 5 But God will strike you down once and for all. He will pull you from your home and uproot you from the land of the living. As we begin, it's helpful to understand the context behind this Psalm. Psalm 52 was written during a particularly dark moment in David's life. According to 1 Samuel chapters 21 and 22, David was fleeing from King Saul, who was jealous and desperate to kill him. During his escape, David sought refuge from Ahimelech, the priest at Nob. Ahimelech provided food and the sword of Goliath to David, unaware that David was fleeing from Saul. Unfortunately, this act of kindness was witnessed by a man named Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman. Doeg maliciously informed Saul about Ahimelech's aid to David, deliberately misrepresenting the priest's intentions. Saul, in his paranoia and rage, ordered Doeg to kill Ahimelech and the priests—an action so brutal that Doeg slaughtered eighty-five innocent priests and destroyed their families and their entire town. This event left a deep scar on David's heart, leading him to pen the words of Psalm 52 as an expression of grief, anger, and ultimate trust in God's justice. A Heart of Arrogance (Verse 1) Let's look again at verse 1: “Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don't you realize God's justice continues forever?” Here David directly confronts the arrogance of Doeg. Notice how David ironically calls him a “great warrior.” It's a stinging sarcasm. Doeg's “bravery” wasn't noble or heroic—it was wicked, cowardly, and unjust. He had used his position of trust and authority not to protect the innocent, but to destroy them. Doeg's boasting reflects a deeply distorted worldview—one in which power and manipulation appear to triumph. But David's question is piercing: “Don't you realize God's justice continues forever?” From an Ancient Israelite perspective, this is a profound truth. They deeply believed that while wickedness might temporarily succeed, God's righteousness and justice ultimately prevail. Evil men might think they've gotten away with their crimes, but God sees...

This chapter highlights David's response to the evil of Doeg.

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A reflection on Doeg and (perhaps) the ability to self-deceive.

This podcast is a ministry of the Bonners Ferry Baptist Church and Pastor Nevin Neal.  If you have any questions, you can reach us by email at answers@bfbaptist.com.

El título del Salmo nos dice que fue escrito por David, cuando los zifitas fueron y dijeron a Saúl: "¿No está David escondido entre nosotros?" Esta es una referencia a los eventos que tienen lugar en 1 Samuel 23. El trasfondo inmediato del Salmo 54 tenía a David dentro de la ciudad amurallada de Keilah, que liberó de los atacantes filisteos. Aunque se beneficiaron de la protección de David, los keilaítas consideraron a David una amenaza para la monarquía y trataron de entregárselo a Saúl. Al ser advertido por el Señor, David salió de la ciudad y buscó refugio en el desierto de Zif. David estaba en peligro incluso en esta zona remota e inhóspita, ya que los zifitas también buscaban entregarlo al rey Saúl. Se podía esperar la traición de Doeg el edomita contra David, pero aquí David se encuentra traicionado por su propio pueblo: los judíos de Zif. Al no tener a quién acudir y casi nadie en quien confiar, David se dirigió al Señor en oración y escribió una canción al respecto: las palabras del Salmo 54. Este Salmo es para cualquiera que se haya sentido abandonado, rechazado o denunciado públicamente por un amigo. Cuando uno puede sentir que "a nadie le importa", el Salmo 54 revela a un Dios que no sólo se preocupa sino que es poderoso para liberar a su pueblo de su aflicción. El Salmo sirve de modelo de oración: invoca a Dios para que escuche su lamento (2-3); se anima recordando quién es Dios (4); hace su petición (5); y ofrece acción de gracias demostrando una firme confianza en que Dios realmente lo libraría. Habiendo llevado su ansiedad al Señor al comienzo del Salmo, David recupera su tranquila confianza al final del mismo.

David's suffering became a template of Jewish history until the arrival of Moshiach. His prayers for salvation and rescue from enemies are therefore relevant to every generation, especially ours. Doeg the Edomite symbolizes our national nemesis, the offspring of Esau, from the Romans to Haman to the Nazis. Ultimately, they all disappear.

église AB Lausanne ; KJV 1 Samuel (1 Kings) 22 David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold. And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth. When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;) Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine. ...

église AB Lausanne ; KJV 1 Samuel (1 Kings) 21 Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place. Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women. And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul. And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me. And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. ...

Hunter brings Doeg the Edomite as a lesson about selfishness and God's justice. Jesse brings the Pharisees to talk about keeping the law and allowing tradition to take control.--Passages explored: 1 Samuel 21-22; Psalm 52; John 3 --contact@parableministries.comhttps://www.parableministries.comhttps://www.instagram.com/parable_ministries/--Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi--Jesse Turkington is the executive director of Parable Ministries and has been a Bible teacher for the last 9 years. When Jesse was just finishing high school, he started a little Bible study at his parent's house. Little did he know, this Bible study would change the direction of his life. He fell in love with the richness of the Bible and he wanted to pursue serious study. About 10 years later, Jesse still carries that passion for the Bible and from this passion was born Parable Ministries - a Bible teaching resource. Jesse believes that the Bible is a life changing book and that it can transform the way we view the world. The Bible presents a Creator God who desires intimate fellowship with us. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Through study and thoughtful meditation, the Bible works to untangle our situational worldview and elevate our hopes and desires - we are encouraged to think on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Jesse is all about this book and he wants to share it with whoever will listen.-Hunter serves on the board of Parable Ministries and as podcast manager. He grew up in Montana and now serves the Church in Albany Oregon where he works as a youth and young adults pastor. He and his wife Ana stay busy with two kids. Hunter loves studying the Bible and communicating it in a way which encourages further exploration of others. Hunter enjoys listening and making podcasts for others to enjoy.

Leaders bear the responsibility for their decisions. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, Doeg slaughtered the entire priestly line of Ahimelech. But today, we learn one priest escapes. Let's find out who that is in 1 Samuel 22:20-23: But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. And David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping." — 1 Samuel 22:20-23 Abiathar is the sole heir of Eli's house, who remains according to the prophecy in Chapter 2. If you can remember, about 20 weeks ago, when we began this series, there was a man of God who prophecied against Eli because of his wicked sons, and he said: Only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men. — 1 Samuel 2:33 That prophecy has come true for Abiathar, the final heir of Eli. But notice two details. First, Abiathar does not cast any blame on David for what has happened to his father or his entire family. He comes in peace, seeking refuge. David provides refuge for him for all the days of his life and will be a high priest in his empire. Second, even though Abiathar doesn't blame David, David takes full responsibility for the events that led to his family's death. This is quite the comparison to Saul, who takes no responsibility at all. Great leaders take responsibility for their actions and inaction and the impact they have on others, no matter how big or small. This is a fundamental principle of leadership. Today, I want to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your leadership roles. Carefully consider any areas where you may need to start taking responsibility for your actions or inaction. Bear the weight of your leadership responsibility. Then, share your conviction with the people you lead and make the commitment to step up as a leader and provide the leadership they need. #LeadershipResponsibility, #AccountabilityInFaith, #FaithfulLeadership Ask This: In what areas of your leadership—whether at work, community, or home—do you need to take more responsibility for your actions and their impact on others? How can you create an environment of openness and accountability within your team or community, encouraging others to also take ownership of their roles? Do This: Take responsibility in one area of leadership this week. Pray This: Father, help me to embrace my leadership responsibilities with humility and courage, acknowledging the impact of my actions on those I lead. Grant me the wisdom to create a culture of accountability where we can support one another in our journeys of growth and service. Amen. Play This: I Have Decided.

Ungodly influences will affect your legacy. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, we ended our reading just as Saul ordered his soldiers to slay Ahimelech and his entire priestly line. They refused for obvious reasons. Here's what happens in 1 Samuel 22:18-19: Then the king said to Doeg, "You turn and strike the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword. — 1 Samuel 22:18-19 This event is genuinely saddening on so many levels. I hope you notice that Doeg didn't merely follow the king's orders; he took the opportunity to go above and beyond, leaving a bloody trail of devastation. He is a shepherd who slays every breathing creature in Nob. What's striking is that there's no indication Saul tried to stop this slaughter of surplus. On that day, Doeg revealed who he indeed was—an Edomite enemy, betraying the Israelites and destroying their priests at the will of a possessed Israelite King. The actions taken against Ahimelech echo the kind of judgment God decreed upon enemy nations. This moment is eerily reminiscent of what God commanded Saul to do to the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:3. Except this time, Saul finally follows through. Through his ruthless henchman, he finally enacts the kind of judgment he was commanded to impose on his people instead of the Amalekites. By the voice of Doeg, Saul is tipped over the edge and has now become a failure of monumental proportions. Saul's decline is shocking. The once reluctant leader has devolved into a ruthless tyrant, completely consumed by corruption. Like Pharoah in the time of Moses and Herod in the time of Jesus, Saul's decline turns him against his people and God. All men and leaders are susceptible to the same decline. I am, and so are you. As a believer, take time to identify one ungodly influence that has infiltrated the ranks of your life. Then, eliminate this influence. There is no reason to let one ungodly influence have decision rights in those emotional times of your life. These people don't care about you. They also don't care about the consequences of their flawed advice. They may even take advantage of you as Doeg did of Saul. #LeadershipLessons, #GuardYourHeart, #UngodlyInfluence Ask This: What ungodly influences have you encountered in your life, and how can you actively remove or address them to maintain your spiritual integrity? In what ways can we ensure that our leadership, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, remains aligned with God's principles rather than succumbing to corrupt influences? Do This: Eliminate one ungodly influence. Pray This: Father, help me to surrender my fears to You and trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You are always in control. May I seek to build a strong community of faith around me, supporting one another as we navigate life's challenges together. Amen. Play This: Honest.

Are you paranoid about the present conspiracy? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, we discovered Doeg, the foreigner, sold out Ahimelech, the Priest, and that he saw him in Nob supply David with supplies and a sword. So Saul, who is now furious, commands Ahimelech and his family of priests to come to Gibeah, only a couple of miles to the west. Let's read what happens in 1 Samuel 22:11-17: Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob, and all of them came to the king. And Saul said, "Hear now, son of Ahitub." And he answered, "Here I am, my lord." And Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?" Then Ahimelech answered the king, "And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honored in your house? Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little." And the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house." And the king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord.— 1 Samuel 22:11-17 This section is deeply disturbing. Saul is now so paranoid that he sees even his closest and most godly allies as foes rather than friends. Ahimelech presents to him a four-pronged and logical defense: He understood David as a loyal servant, son-in-law, and captain of his servants. He performed his royal duties as required. He affirmed his loyalty to Saul. He declared his non-involvement in a plot against the King. But none of this is convincing to Saul. David's actions, combined with Jonathan's, Michal's, Samuel's, and now Ahimelech's, confirmed by Doeg, are too much for the paranoia stirring around in Saul's mind. The circle of the conspiracy continues to grow, and Saul cannot see it any other way. Therefore, Saul pronounces a verdict as the high prosecutor in his court, and then his men refuse to act. I am sure the inaction of his men only confirmed his fears of a growing conspiracy. God is always up to something, and it's always righteous. But his righteousness will expose unrighteousness. Sometimes, we may interpret this as a conspiracy against us, especially when we are the ones opposing God by acting unrighteous. Saul's verdict exposes his desire to play God in this situation. Note that his words are the same as God's judgment for human sin in Genesis 2:17, "You shall surely die." But Saul is not God therefore his paranoia leads to an unjust verdict and the sentencing of a line of innocent and defenseless priests. Saul is paranoid and feels like he is losing control, but the text presents no sign that he has lost any control in the kingdom. Even David perceives himself to be Saul's subject and merely wants to keep himself and his family safe. He has no desire to take the kingdom from Saul's hand. Saul still has absolute control but is now completely controlled by his fears. Fear is an essential God-given emotion designed to signal you when you perceive a threat, danger, or something unknown. Fear is designed to alert you and prepare you to respond to a challenge. But when you allow fear to control you, you are prone to making irrational decisions founded in senseless conspiracies of your will rather than the sound certainty of God's will. There are so many things to be fearful of today: the economy, war, immigrants, storms, illicit drugs, party division, and the next election. At the same time, you also have personal fears that demand your immediate attention. But you cannot let any of these fears control you. Saul is an example of a man who is in complete control of a kingdom but acts like he is out of control because his fears are completely controlling him. Don't live life this way. It will drive you mad. Instead, let your fears drive your faith in God, who is the only one to be feared. #FaithOverFear, #CommunityInChrist, #1SamuelReflections Ask This: How has fear affected your decisions and relationships, and how can you shift to trust in God's sovereignty? How can you build support among your friends and family during fearful times? Do This: Stop constructing conspiracies in your mind, confide in the Creator, and fear him. Pray This: Father, help me to surrender my fears to You and trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You are always in control. May I seek to build a strong community of faith around me, supporting one another as we navigate life's challenges together. Amen. Play This: Fear Of God.

0328 多益 Doeg by 靈修廣播站

Are you friends with too many deceptive opportunists? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, we discovered King Saul pouting in Gibeah. If you remember, Saul threw a tantrum, leaving his servants, who were mostly his family, in shock. Then, we assume this outburst was met with silence until one man breaks the silence. I wonder who that man might be? Let's read 1 Samuel 22:9-10: Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”— 1 Samuel 22:6-8 The man is Doeg. He was herding in Nob days before when he saw David, and he just happened to be here at Saul's outburst. Therefore, since he is an enemy slave, he will leverage an opportunity. He takes advantage of the silence and sells David and the priests out, leveraging his knowledge against Saul's people. You will see tomorrow that Doeg's opportunism will strike a deadly blow to Israel and its spiritual community. And it's not good. We live in very suspicious times. We are less trusting of legacy media, political messaging, social media, news propaganda, educational institutions, drug providers, and corporate policies than ever. While I don't think we need to embrace every conspiracy theory, I think it is good to be skeptical and to trust institutions and people less without abandoning them. Doeg is merely a sleeper opportunist. He is a foreigner who has infiltrated Israel because Saul has allowed it. Doeg is a skilled herdsman and will use his skill to herd the people of Israel against one another. He intentionally retained information and saw an opportunity to sell David out for his own benefit, turning the priests against Saul and his servants. Watch out for oppositional opportunists like Doeg in your life. These are people who do not care about you and will take advantage of your willingness to trust them, using that to their advantage at the cost of something in your life. They will sneak in, spy you out, and then sell you out and it is never an enjoyable experience. This occurrence here is going to turn deadly, ripping apart the house of God, as we will see tomorrow. Here is my advice: Go to a Bible-preaching church. Join a small group or form a close relationship with other believers. Marry a believer. Do business with people who are believers. Build lasting, trusting relationships with believing men and women. Stop spending time with so many Doegs, those who do not share your values, beliefs, and faith in God. Over time, they slip in and tear friendships apart, churches apart, marriages apart, and businesses apart. #CommunityMatters, #BewareOfOpportunists, #FaithfulConnections Ask This: Who are the “Doegs” in your life, and how can you better identify and protect yourself from their influence in your relationships? In what ways can you actively seek out and cultivate trusting relationships with other believers to strengthen your spiritual community? Do This: Decrease your Doegs. Increase disciples. Pray This: Father, please help me discern the intentions of those around me and build trusting relationships with fellow believers who will encourage my faith. Strengthen my community connections so that I can grow in my walk with You and support others in their journey as well. Amen. Play This: Relationship.

Are your friends really foes and, therefore, hard to trust? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 21 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." Remember, David is at Nob, at the Tabernacle, talking with Ahimelech. There is someone present this day, a spy of sorts. Listen to 1 Samuel 21:7: Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen. — 1 Samuel 21:7 Doeg is a crucial figure in the next chapter, so note this occurrence and what we learn today. There are two details about Doeg worth noting. First, he is an Edomite, a people who have been enemies of God since the time of Moses. The big question is why King Saul allowed an Edomite a place of any authority in his kingdom. Second, we learn that he does not have a minor role. He is the "Chief Shepherd." If you recall, David was a shepherd, too, and we would assume he was one of the best. However, David can not be both a shepherd and a warrior, so Saul must choose someone else with this skill. But his choice is a captured opponent, illustrating again the deteriorating discernment of Saul, which will play into his evil hands in the next chapter because Doeg is not just a captured opponent and chief shepherd but a contracted spy. Sometimes, people who look like friends may actually be foes. This principle is so hard to teach young teens. During the impressionable teen years, when teens are desperate for acceptance, they sometimes surround themselves with compromising people, which leads to compromising decisions. This was a hard-learned lesson for each of my children. But adults fall for this, too. When building new relationships in new situations, we can assume that people have our best interests in mind, only to find out later that this is not entirely true. Thus, we learn time and time again that some people who look like friends might be foes. Once we get burned, we trust less, become less vulnerable, and become more suspicious of those who might be foes. Unfortunately, one application of this reality is within a church small group. Many men hesitate to join a small church group because they perceive members as foes rather than friends. This may seem like a copout, but in small to medium-sized churches, I think their concerns are legitimate. Opening up about our hurts and hangups is risky when we are concerned that someone might breach confidentiality and share that information with others. This was David's situation. All of David's present problems were within the church and his family. He did not know who he could trust or with whom he could be vulnerable. He was suspicious at every turn. He then turned to the men of God, Samuel and now Ahimelech, only to later discover that nearby Doeg was a spy who would sell them out. When we are in vulnerable situations, we need friends, not foes. But if we become vulnerable and get burned by a friend who was really a foe, it's hard to be vulnerable the next time. If this happens too often, we can become resistant to any form of vulnerability. But here is the rub: only by being vulnerable can we test a friendship and build lasting friends that stand the test of time. Vulnerability is difficult to learn, slowly gained, quickly lost, and risky to recover. This is why so many men have many issues with vulnerability. But you need to work through this. Past issues with foes are not present excuses for your lack of friends. You need at least one believing friend you can trust and be vulnerable with in this life. And it's not exclusively your spouse. It's someone of the same gender, with grounded biblical beliefs, who can speak the truth in love and give you the spiritual direction you need. So get a Jonathan, not a Doeg, and build a friendship that will last the test of time. #TrustWisely, #FriendshipMatters, #VulnerabilityInFaith Ask This: Who are the "Doegs" in your life—those you initially trusted but later realized may not have had your best interests at heart? How can you discern true friendship in the future? In what areas of your life do you struggle with vulnerability? What steps can you take to build authentic relationships that foster trust and support, similar to David and Jonathan? Do This: Be vulnerable and build a lasting friendship. Pray This: Father, help me to discern the true intentions of those around me, guiding me to build authentic friendships rooted in trust and faith. Grant me the courage to be vulnerable, knowing that in sharing my struggles, I can find the support and encouragement I need. Amen. Play This: I Surrender All.

Preached at St Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024.Support Rev Fisk at SubscribeStarOrder Rev Fisk's books at AmazonCatch Rev Fisk on A Brief History of Power podcastFor video, visit Rev Fisk's Rumble channel Get the Mad Mondays newsletter, a round up of news from a Christian perspective with encouragement from Rev FiskFind out more about the Sons of Solomon, a prayer discipline for men

In Psalm 52 we discussed the wicked and villainous Doeg. But in this plans we ask the question, what makes a wicked person "tick"? What makes a villain a villain? But David, too, had committed the horrible sins of adultery and murder, and yet he is considered a righteous king - a prefiguring of King Messiah Himself. So, what is the difference between Doeg and David? Psalm 53 is almost identical to Psalm 14, but with some profound difference which provide some valuable insights into this question. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you visit, be sure to subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter, which will keep you up to date with news, photos, and upcoming events at Torah Today Ministries.

Psalms 51 and 52 form a pair. Both psalms resulted from a rather involved background story involving terrible sins, but the two sinners could not have been more different! David was the sinner in Psalm 51, and Doeg was the sinner in Psalm 52. How are they alike? And how are they profoundly different? What was it about Doeg that makes him one of the most despised and reviled characters in the entire Bible? For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you visit, be sure to subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter, which will keep you up to date with news, photos, and upcoming events at Torah Today Ministries.

Daily Dose of Hope July 30, 2024 Day 3 of Week 18   Scripture:  I Samuel 21-22; I Chronicles 5; Psalm 52; Acts 15   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Let's get right into our text for today.   Our first Old Testament reading is from I Samuel, starting with chapter 21.  David is on the run.  He knows that Saul is after his life and has a lot of resources with which to pursue him.  David makes a quick stop to see Ahimelech the priest to gather some provisions but then heads into Philistine territory.  It was certainly a risk to head into enemy territory but he wasn't safe at home either.  Desperate circumstances call for desperate measures.  He is hoping to go unnoticed in the foreign land but no such luck; David's reputation precedes him.  Afterall, he is the one who killed Goliath!     In order to protect himself from Achish, the Philistine ruler of that area, he pretends to be insane.  The king may have felt threatened by David as brave warrior but he didn't worry too much about David as the insane guy.  This was clearly a low point for David.  Wherever he goes, he is a fugitive.  He doesn't know who he can trust.  He's left the people who love him and he must be incredibly scared and lonely.  We get a picture of David's intense emotions by reading some of the Psalms (we read some of these yesterday).  Scholars suggest that Psalm 34 particularly depicts this time in David's life.  It starts by stating, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”  It speaks of God saving him from his troubles and encamping around those who fear him.  We see themes of protection, deliverance, and trust through out the Psalm.  Even in this time of fear and insecurity, David is praising the name of God. People are actively hunting him down but he's never lost trust or faith.  He knows that right will prevail.   How many of you needed to hear that today?  Even in our deepest struggles, we can praise the name of Jesus and trust him with our lives.  Things may not turn out the way we want them to but we can be certain that Jesus is still on the throne and right will prevail.   Moving on to chapter 22.  David heads to the places where he feels comfortable and knows there will be some safety.  Adullam, which means refuge, is in Judah and close by was a hill that had fortifications and caves for hiding.  David couldn't have been too clandestine, however, because his family sought him out there, as did a few hundred Israelite men who were unhappy with the current regime and wanted David to be their commander.  David takes his family to a place of safety in Moab, for he knows they are at risk simply by being related to him.    In fact, anyone who helped David was at serious risk. When Saul discovered that Ahimelek the priest gave David bread and a sword, basic provisions for his journey, King Saul was irate.  His reaction was over the top evil.  He decides to kill all the priests and their families. But the king's men refuse to touch the priests.  These men were the anointed of the Lord; no Israelite would touch them.  But Doeg the Edomite was there, a pagan, and he was fine with killing them.  So Doeg strikes down the priests, eighty-five of them, and then killed all the men, women, children, and livestock in the town of Nob, which was the town of the priests.   The priestly line was almost wiped out but not quite. One of Ahimelek's sons, Abiathar, managed to escape and find his way to David.  Now, the only remaining priest has found his way to the king-to-be and they can support one another.  In this time of crisis, two men of God can lean on one another, guide each other, and protect the future of the priesthood.    Think about the events of your life.  I hope they haven't been quite as dramatic as David's, but think specifically about some of the most difficult and desperate moments.  So often, I do believe that God sends just the right person into our lives at just the right time–someone to support us, guide us, and even protect us when we need it most.  Who has that person been for you?    Our I Chronicles chapter has more lists of people who matter.  These were sons of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.  While the names themselves don't mean a lot to us, we trust that each person played an important role in some way to advance the Kingdom of Israel.    Psalm 52 is a psalm of David, written after David hears the tragic news of Doeg the Edomite killing the priests and their families.  This had to be totally devastating for David.  He writes of Saul's deceit and sin, emphasizing how eventually Saul will meet his doom.  God will only allow so much.  But I love how the psalm ends in verses 8-9, But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.  For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people.  And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.  Despite the devastation, David praises God and rests in his hope.  Our final chapter is in the New Testament, Acts 15. This is a pretty crucial moment for the young church.  Some people from Judea have gone to the churches and said that to follow Jesus, you must first be a Jew first and follow the law of Moses.  Well, Paul and Barnabas are appalled and they debate fiercely with these men.  Thus, they are invited to go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders to discuss the matter.  This is a pivotal moment.  Will the council in Jerusalem put the burden of the Law on these new Gentile believers?  Because the Law is a heavy burden.    Amazingly, it seems that the discussion at the council meeting is both civil and Spirit-filled.  Don't we wish all church meetings could be this way?  Paul and Barnabas give testimony to what they have witnessed with Gentile believers receiving the Holy Spirit.  James stands up and quotes Scripture from the prophets which points to Gentiles accepting the Lord.  Thus, they come up with a compromise to not make the burden too heavy for the new believers.  They are to avoid sexual immorality, not eat meat dedicated to idols or meat from strangled animals or blood.  All three of these were very pagan behaviors associated with idol worship.  This is where they decide to draw the line and it makes sense.    While this seems to bring resolution, we know that these issues will continue to come up.  Let's see what tomorrow brings.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

1 Samuel 21:1-15 Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” 2 And David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, ‘Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you.' I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. 3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here.” 4 And the priest answered David, “I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread—if the young men have kept themselves from women.” 5 And David answered the priest, “Truly women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition. The vessels of the young men are holy even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?” 6 So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the Lord, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away. 7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen. 8 Then David said to Ahimelech, “Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.” 9 And the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here.” And David said, “There is none like that; give it to me.” 10 And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?” 12 And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. 14 Then Achish said to his servants, “Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? 15 Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?”

Guest Speaker Mark Montague gives us insight into Doeg.

Saul starts to crack under pressure and becomes increasingly paranoid, imagining that David could strike at any moment. He accuses his men of not caring about him and conspiring against. Doeg the Edomite speaks up, remembering that he had seen David get supplies from Ahimelech. In a rage, Saul visits Ahimelech, accuses him of treason, and assigns Doeg the task of slaughtering an entire city of priests and their families. Only one priest escapes the massacre, and he flees to David. Later, Jonathan visits with David in Horesh and renews his covenant with his friend. 1 Samuel 22 - 1:03 . 1 Samuel 23 - 7:54 . Psalm 90 - 13:51 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

22 David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. 2 And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul,[a] gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men. 3 And David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother stay[b] with you, till I know what God will do for me.” 4 And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. 5 Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth. 6 Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. 7 And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, “Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, 8 that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day.” 9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to N ob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, 10 and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” 11 Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob, and all of them came to the king. 12 And Saul said, “Hear now, son of Ahitub.” And he answered, “Here I am, my lord.” 13 And Saul said to him, “Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?” 14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, “And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and captain over[c] your bodyguard, and honored in your house? 15 Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little.” 16 And the king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house.” 17 And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord.18 Then the king said to Doeg, “You turn and strike the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod.19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword. 20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. 21 And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. 22 And David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house. 23 Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”

In today's readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our hearts are deeply wounded when trust is broken. Today we read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

n our FBI, there are many good people in the field and, there is also a rot in the FBI at the very top. There are some things they can't guarantee, such as whether those coming across the southern border aren't part of terrorist organizations. On the other hand, there is a very dangerous terrorist flying on our airplanes. I know this because the federal government has labeled him a terrorist. He is not yet one year old. He is a baby but happens to be the son of a man who was near Washington D.C. on January 6th. Show me your budget and I will show you your priorities. They can't guarantee that terrorists are not coming in from our southern border, but they can make sure that Amish farmers aren't wrongly processing meat. We hear more from an Amish farmer who was sabotaged by his government and hear the statements from a Nobel Prize laureate in physics who says that the planet is not in peril. We discuss the wicked kings of the Bible and how it relates to those who seek to be wicked kings today.What does God's Word say? Wicked kings in the BibleIt is very sad that, though King Saul started well as a humble man, he degenerated later to become a tyrant and a vicious manhunter who destroyed the lives of many. King Saul was a Benjaminite and the son of Kish. His sense of insecurity and his fit of jealousy and hatred for David drove him to commit serious atrocities against innocent people. King Saul was told by Doeg, the Edomite, that David had been to Nob and the priest Ahimelech had helped him, giving him provisions and the sword of Goliath and inquiring of the Lord for him. On hearing that, King Saul sent for Ahimelech and his entire family, the household of his father Ahitub; and they came to Saul at Gibeah. And King Saul, after interrogating them, commanded Doeg, the Edomite, to kill them. And Doeg fell on Ahimelech and the entire members of his family – the household of Ahitub, killing eighty-five priests on that day. That still did not quench Saul's thirst for revenge; further, Saul attacked Nob, the city of the priests, and put to the sword both men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. Only Abiathar the son of Ahimelech escaped the massacre to inform David. Such a wicked deed makes King Saul a wicked king. Bible reference 1 Samuel 22:6-9Episode 1,238 Links:The polls keep getting worse for Biden; Trump's vote share in national polls is higher than at any time in the past year.Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman says Biden is losing support among Black Americans because there has been "no conversation at all about reparations"The FBI cannot guarantee to the American people that Hamas or members of other terrorist groups are not numbered among the estimated 2 million + got-aways that have entered our country. More from my questions to FBI Director WrayInfant Son of J6 Defendant Placed on Quiet Skies Suspected Terrorist Watchlist. This is pure revenge stuff here."There have been 66 attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups on U.S. coalition forces since October 17. Why aren't these U.S. counterstrikes working as a deterrence strategy?" Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh: "We have days sometimes where we don't have attacks"Whistleblowers: FBI Purging Bureau of Religious Conservatives, Military Vets, Trump SupportersThe raiding of Amish farms by the Federal Government is saving exactly WHO?Croatian MEP, Mislav Kolakušić, doesn't hold back in exposing the WEF's 'Great Reset' agenda, in the EU parliament:4Patriots https://4Patriots.com/Todd See this week's discounts and deals before they are gone and get free shipping on orders over $97. 4Patriots.com/Todd Alan's Soaps https://alanssoaps.com/TODD Use coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price. BiOptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/todd Use promo code TODD for 10% off your order plus up to $100 of free product with purchase. Bonefrog https://bonefrogcoffee.com/todd Enter promo code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and save 15% on subscriptions. Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskRadio.com Sign up for the final FREE Live Webinar of the year at KnowYourRiskRadio.com Space is limited. HumanN http://americalovesbeets.com Get a free 30-day supply of Superbeets Heart Chews and a free full-sized bag of Turmeric Chews only at http://americalovesbeets.com SOTA Weight Loss https://sotaweightloss.com SOTA Weight Loss is, say it with me now, STATE OF THE ART! GreenHaven Interactive Digital Marketing https://greenhaveninteractive.com Your Worldclass Website Will Get Found on Google!

In today's readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our hearts are deeply wounded when trust is broken. Today we read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.