Bible Studies

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…Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah [dark], south of Jeshimon [desolation]?……Then Saul broke off hispursuit of David…that is why they call this place Sela Hammahlehoth[rock of escape]
1 Samuel 23:19,28



Whenever I stumble upon a passage like this, full of names, I can’t help but wonder at the treasure hidden within waiting to be searched out. What does this verse say to me about my own journey? About God and how He will meet me here?

When Jonathan came to help David find strength in the Lord, David was hiding in the hills of darkness, just south of desolation. Isn’t that just like me. But why had Jonathan found him here?

David had just achieved a victory and inflicted heavy losses on an enemy. But staying there, he soon learned of a new enemy’s approach, and asked God a question. “If I remain here, will I be turned over to my enemy?” God answered with a resounding “Yes!” So David ran.

Where did he run to? To darkness, just this side of desolation.

So what had happened? David had sought God’s leading, clearly heard His voice, and his obedience had brought victory. Isn’t that what God asked of David? Asks of me?

In part. But David, like me, rested in his victory. Looked to it as a stronghold, a citadel, and stopped moving. With a new enemy advancing, learning he would be turned over to them if he remained, ‘sight’ – ‘his own understanding’ – led David to flee, into darkness. Nearly into desolation.

How I love God’s mercy, His compassion. Not only does He send Jonathan to strengthen David in the Lord, He then leads David to Sela Hammahlekoth, the Rock of escape.




Ah, Sovereign Lord, Almighty God of my heart, Delighter of my obedience, thank You for Your mercy. Thank You that nothing separates me from Your love. You long for my obedience, Lord, and in it You find pleasure. Yet my eyesight can be so limited. And my misrouted rejoicing in victories brought me by Your hand can cause me to forget. To forget that I am merely Your vessel through which You work. To forget that my only strength, my only fortress is You. You call me to sojourn with You, Lord, not to lean back on earlier victories. Not to plant my feet in present ones.

Oh, Lord, how well You know me. When I have forgotten, when I see another enemy advancing while I felt so secure, how readily ‘sight’ will cause me to run, into darkness, even desolation. But always, Lord, Your love will seek me out. Will come to me to strengthen me in Your truth. And always, Lord, always when You come, You will lead me to the Rock of Escape.





© 14 April 2005
DeAnna L. Brooks

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