Scripture

But Achish insisted, “As far as I am concerned, you are as perfect as an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders afraid to have you with them in battle.”

Observation

David and his men join the Philistine army as it prepares to fight against Israel. While Achish is happy to have David and his army, the other Philistines fear that he may turn on them and fight in support of Israel.

Achish summons David and tells him that he trusts Davi,d but the other commanders refuse to have him with them. He sends David home, as the Philistine Army moves on to Jezreel.

Application

Achish seems perfectly oblivious to the lies that David has been telling him. He trusts David totally, even though David has been pretending to conduct raids on Israel.

People are often willing to be deceived. They see what they want to see in other people and in current events. Politicians and marketers rely on our gullibility.

It seems that God was blessing David’s deception.

All through the Old Testament, the Lord blesses the use of deception in war. We must not deceive each other in business deals and in our and relationships, but misinformation is a valid tactic in military operations.

Prayer

Lord, please open my eyes to see your truth. May I never be sucked in by the lies of other people. Amen.