1 Samuel 30:7-8
Verse 8 … and David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?”
There may be times when we think about what we would do if something bad were to come into our life. Whether a life-changing diagnosis, a tragic event that would shatter our world or the loss of someone we hold dear, there are things we could imagine ourselves doing in those moments. One thing we probably haven’t imagined about the situation is not putting up a fight. If someone was to kidnap our children we wouldn’t stop to decide if we should try to get them back, we would do everything possible to make sure they were back with us, safe and sound.
With his wives taken captive and all the women and children of his 600 men being whisked away as well, it may seem odd to us that David doesn’t just charge after them, he is a warrior by nature after all. But David had matured a little bit from his impulsive nature and learned that he needed to seek the Lord’s advice before doing anything.
Since this was a time before Christ’s death and resurrection, people didn’t have the personal access to God that we enjoy today. To know what God was wanting them to do in a certain situation, they needed to contact the priest to have him inquire of the Lord His will in the issue. This was not the same as seeking out some special spiritual guide that could speak to spirits, this was the man God had chosen as his special tabernacle worker, seeking God through the means that He had commanded.
The ephod was a chest plate that held a precious stone for each of the tribes of Israel but also held the items that were called the Urim and Thummim. The identifying details of these two items is unknown. We don’t know their shape, make up or color but what we do know is that they were given to Moses from God for use by the priests in finding out what God wanted. They seemed to give some indication of yes or no as the questions asked would only require one or the other of those answers.
David knew that to trust his emotions right then could lead to a decision that would actually hinder the rescue of his wives and those of his men. The best thing to do is not act rashly, but to see what God says is the best way to go about the rescue. David’s questions weren’t about whether or not to rescue the loved ones but rather, how to go about it.
Making It Personal
When have you made a rash decision and later regretted acting in haste? What do you think would have been a better way of going about it? What decision do you need to be asking God about today?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever made a quick decision and then wished you had chosen differently? Why do you think the other way would have been better? Do you ever ask Jesus to help you choose what is best?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for being willing to help us through life by guiding us with Your wisdom. Please help us seek Your wisdom in every decision and humbly obey Your leading. In Jesus’ name, amen.