Such A Lovely Promise

by Rev Greg Obong-Oshotse 28 May 2021

Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”

David was a mere boy shepherding his father’s flock in the fields when he was summoned and anointed King of Israel. Between his anointing and enthronement stood about 15 years of many afflictions. Mad King Saul, jealous of young David’s prowess, sought to murder him. Especially after the teenager, too young to be enlisted in Israel’s army, had nevertheless fought and conquered Goliath, from whose challenge the experienced soldiers of Israel, including Saul himself, had shrunk in fear and cowardice. Yet Saul’s lust for David’s blood knew no bounds, even though he was David’s father in law. David had to leave his nation to seek refuge amongst the enemies of Israel, his greatest pain being henceforth denied access to the worship of Israel’s God (1Samuel 26:19).

His first encounter in exile nearly cost him his life but he was mercifully spared. It was one of many escapes, no doubt divinely ordered. Jubilant Psalm 34 is David’s grateful offering of thanksgiving and praise to God for His miraculous escape. David eventually became King aged 30 and ruled for 40 years. Although he had many more afflictions, he was delivered from them all. Well may we learn with David: the righteous are never defeated by afflictions. They must defeat God first!