Day 86 - 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalm 86

In 1 Samuel 28, we see Saul desperate and terrified of the Philistine army. He seeks guidance from the Lord, but God is silent. He turns to a medium at Endor, and his fears are confirmed: the kingdom is lost, and he will die in battle. Just like when a mother refuses to repeat herself, God had already been clear with Saul. His repeated disobedience had made him deaf to God’s voice. In the silence of our rebellion, where do we go for answers?

Meanwhile, in 1 Samuel 29, David—who had been living among the Philistines—is spared from having to fight against Israel.

In 1 Samuel 30, David returns to the Philistine town of Ziklag, a town given to him by the Philistine ruler, King Achish of Gath. He finds it has been raided and his people taken. David had 600 loyal warriors with him in exile—approximately two to three thousand people including their families. With God's help, he recovers everything that was lost.

In 1 Samuel 31, Saul’s worst fears come true. He and his sons die in battle against the Philistines. Saul takes his own life. A life marked by constant disobedience ends in tragedy.

In Psalm 86, a prayer of David, he begins with a plea for help, trusting in God’s character. He calls out to God because he feels overwhelmed by his troubles and asks for mercy.