Big Idea: When his chosen servants find themselves in a precarious position, the Lord is able to deliver them by his providence and renew their faith through his guidance and protection.

Understanding the Text

In 1 Samuel 29 the focus shifts back to David as the story continues where chapter 27 left off. A chronological flashback comes in chapter 29. According to 28:4, the Philistine army was encamped at Shunem when Saul visited the medium in Endor. The next day the Philistines and the Israelites fight on Mount Gilboa (31:1; cf. 28:19). But 29:1 has the Philistines assembling at Aphek, on the coastal plain about forty miles southwest of Shunem, before marching northeast “up to Jezreel” (29:2, 11). So the events of chapter 29 must have occurred before Saul’s visit to Endor, located two mi…