Lesson 4
 El Olam – Eternal God (John 15:15; see Genesis 21:33)
“Help Others Find Strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16)
Read 1 Samuel 22:6 – 25:1a, Psalm 52, 54, 57, 63 www.bible.com/bible/59/1sa.22.esv

King Saul complained to his soldiers that Jonathan, his son, was protecting David. He commanded the eighty-five priests in Nob be killed because of Ahimelech’s kindness to David. One priest managed to escape, Abiathar, who ran to David and told him Saul had murdered the priests of God. David took him into his army, promising to protect him.

David asked God whether he should fight the Philistines who were attacking Keilah and looting their grain. God told him to rescue Keilah, and when his men were fearful and questioned him, David asked God again. God assured him He would deliver the Philistines into their hands. David and his men saved the town of Keilah.

When Saul heard David was fighting in the walled city of Keilah, he thought he had David trapped. David was told Saul and his men were coming to kill him, and he prayed. David escaped from Keilah as the Lord had told him, and Saul called off his raid.

David and his men took refuge in desert hideouts and in the wilderness, always on the move to escape from Saul. The Eternal God, El Olam, never allowed Saul to harm David.

Jonathan, Saul’s son, visited David in the desert and helped him find strength in the Lord. He encouraged David to not give up. Jonathan reminded him his father couldn’t lay a hand on David, because the Eternal God was protecting him. He assured David he would be Israel’s king, and Saul knew it. Jonathan promised he’d be right at his side to help. Jonathan is a picture of our eternal friendship with El Olam. The Eternal God is our rock-solid stability in the midst of the ever-changing circumstances of life.

One time, when David and his men were in full retreat, running from Saul and his army, Saul received word the Philistines were attacking Israel. The Israelite army had to hurry home to defend their country. El Olam once again protected David, the future King of Israel.

After this, Saul was informed about David’s current hiding place, and went out with the best soldiers in Israel to hunt him down. Saul went into a cave to relieve himself, and David’s men excitedly told David God had placed his enemy into his hands. David crept silently into the cave and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. He immediately felt guilty for touching the Lord’s anointed king, and restrained his men who wanted to kill Saul.

After Saul left the cave, David stood at the mouth of the cave and called out to Saul, showing him the corner of the robe he had cut so Saul could see David spared his life. King Saul was temporarily sorry he had been pursuing David, trying to kill him, and went home.

Apply God’s Word to your life:
*What did David learn about El Olam, the Eternal God, through suffering?
*Who might God want you to help find strength in Him?
*What verses from Psalm 52, 54 and 63 could you use to encourage someone in the Lord?