Curses, Watch out! 1 Samuel 21

This chapter deals on how David escaped from Saul’s prowl and reached Nob. There he meets Ahimelech, the priest. David does not reveal his actual situation but lies to him that he is on a secret mission from the king. So Ahimelech welcomes him, gives him bread and also the sword of Goliath since David did not have a sword for himself. This whole incident is being watched by Doeg another warrior in Saul’s army.

Later when David left, Saul came in search of him to Nob and Doeg narrated the entire incident. Saul flared with anger and inquired Ahimelech. Ahimelech explained why he helped David but Saul was not convinced. Saul ordered all the priests and their families, including children, to be killed. Are you able to digest what Saul did to the priest and his family?

This is nothing but the curse of God upon the generation of Eli’s sons who sinned against God in His Holy Temple. Their sin was so great in God’s sight (1 Samuel 2:17), God cursed Eli’s generation that all his descendants would die in the prime of their life (1 Samuel 2:33) which means that no one in their family would grow old. Ahimelech was in the same family line and honestly helped David achieve his mission in whatever way he could. But the curse of his fore-fathers was upon him and his family. Ahimelech and his innocent children had to die to fulfill God’s curse!

Isn’t it amazing how we need to watch our lives? If only Eli and his sons had lived carefully his generations would not have to suffer. We need to understand that our God is not only a God who blesses but also who curses if we grieve Him. We need to make sure we live a holy life atleast for the sake of our children.

Dear Lord, please help us to carefully live according to your word so that we don’t stack up curses for our children but keep blessings for them. Please wash us so that we are pure as snow. Amen.