April 16: 1 Samuel 22:1–2; Psalm 57; Psalm 142; 1 Chronicles 12:8–18; 1 Samuel 22:3–23; Psalm 52; 1 Samuel 23:1–12

David at the Cave of Adullam – 1 Samuel 22:1–2

• David flees to the cave of Adullam. His father and brothers go to him, and everyone who is distressed, in debt, or bitter gathers there. He becomes their leader, approximately 400 men.

Let Your Glory Be Over All the Earth – Psalm 57

• David's psalm asking for God's mercy and showing his confidence in danger as well as his expectation of God's victory and vindication.

You Are My Refuge – Psalm 142

• David cries out for God, praying for protection from his persecutors.

The Mighty Men Join David – 1 Chronicles 12:8–18

• Mighty warriors from the Gadites go to David, as do men from Benjamin and Judah. David receives them and makes them officers of his troops.

David at the Cave of Adullam – 1 Samuel 22:3–23

• David takes his father and mother to the king of Moab, where they stay. The prophet Gad goes to David and tells him to go to the land of Judah, which he does.

Saul Kills the Priests at Nob

• Saul, in Gilbeah, asks his servants if David will make them commanders and give them much land, then points out that none of them told him that Jonathan had made a covenant with David. Doeg the Edomite, who had seen David with Ahimelech, tells Saul that Ahimelech gave him provisions and the sword of Goliath.
• Saul summons Ahimelech and all his sons, the priests, to him. He questions Ahimelech about David (who nothing of David's break with Saul), and Ahimelech tells him what happened. Saul instructs his servants to kill the priests, but they refuse, so he has Doeg the Edomite kill Ahimelech and all his sons (85 people). Saul also has everyone in the city of Nob killed, as well as the livestock.
• One of Ahimelech's sons, Abiathar, escapes and goes to tell David what has happened. David, who had expected Doeg would tell Saul about him, tells Abiathar to stay with him for safety.

The Steadfast Love of God Endures – Psalm 52

• Another of David's psalms about God's protection from ruthless enemies.

David Saves the City of Keilah – 1 Samuel 23:1–12

• David's men tell him that the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and David inquires of the Lord if he should attack them. God instructs him to attack them and save the city, but David's men are afraid. David inquires of the Lord again, and He says he will give the Philistines into his hand. David conquers the Philistines and saves Keilah.
• Saul learns that David had overtaken the Philistines in Keilah, and sends his army to besiege David and his men. David asks God if Saul will come after him in Keilah, and God confirms that Saul will do so.