He was running for his life, away
from home, and suddenly was filled with an idea that popped into his head on
the spur of the moment. And, how must he have felt when this kooky notion actually
worked? We can read David’s thoughts, rather than try to imagine them, as he
records his feelings in Psalm 34’s first three verses, which have been put to
music in “Glorify the Lord with Me” by Ken Young. David was still a youngster
really, but with followers and a reputation belying his age, due in large
measure to his defeat of the giant Goliath (see the 1625 masterpiece by Tanzio
da Varallo here). Nevertheless, he might have seemed like a young punk to some
people, namely the king who kept him on the run until his own death. Yet, David
wouldn’t act like a guy who necessarily looked for a way out of this chronic
condition…how come?
David was really at the beginning of
a journey as he scurried to Gath following the threats from King Saul. He was
perhaps in his late teens or early 20’s, and was the anointed future king. He
was already a hero, bathed in the glory he’d earned in battle. Yet, his was
also the heart of a poet-musician, with a harp as comfortable in his grasp as a
sword. He won others’ hearts with his own heart, even calming the jealousy of
Saul for a time with his melodies. He listened to the Spirit’s voice inside
himself, obviously. So, as he jumped from the frying pan (Saul and his home in
what would later be called Jersusalem) he found himself in the fire in Gath,
where another king who knew of this youth alarmed David. He must have thought
he’d be safe there when he chose it as his escape hatch, only to quickly
surmise the opposite. That’s when he reacted with one of the more unorthodox
behaviors of his young life. ‘Act like a nut’, something whispered in his
brain. To a guy used to gracefully wielding a weapon or a musical instrument,
this must have seemed like a desperate ploy, yet he obeyed. It worked! With froth
running down his chin, David’s escape hatch opened again, showing that God’s
rescue can emerge in a most eccentric way that defies reason. You think that’s
by accident? If it had been a more conventional method, how might even the most
devoted follower have greeted the result? This was one of the first getaways
for this fugitive-poet, who’d experience so many more confrontations and
providential rescues that he must have indeed felt he was blessed even while
being chased. God could be counted upon
in the most dire circumstance, with a method quite unique to His nature.
One wonders if Saul ever heard the
words that David composed in Psalm 34. It’s not too much of a stretch to say
that David’s trust in God solidified that day in Gath, perhaps more than ever
before. It was significant for him, since he put together words to remember the
moment. Is it too much to suggest that David played his life over the next
several years to rediscover moments like that one in Gath? He was hounded by
Saul through many episodes, yet David sought no end to his adversary’s life,
even when he had opportunities (1 Samuel 24 and 26). No, David’s obedience to
his divine Protector was true, even when it didn’t make sense to his cohort.
Maybe the insanity act in Gath had crystallized something for him about life
and its Creator. He is also Controller, Preserver. That realization could make
someone bold, fearless even to a fault. “..extol the Lord at all times.” You’re not crazy for
believing this, but you are if you don’t.
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