Fugitive: A King David Novel (The Davidic Chronicles Book 3) by Greg Baker

Author:Greg Baker [Baker, Greg]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

1 Samuel 22:1-3

S lipping out of Bethlehem proved easier than David expected. Since Dodo’s house was built next to the outer wall, the family had access to one of the smaller, less-used gates that allowed for quick egress beyond the walls. And because of their trade, the family was well-known to the guards stationed there, so when David and Elhanan walked through the gate as evening fell, the only notice the guards took of the pair was a hearty warning to be back before the gate was closed for the night.

Elhanan waved jovially but kept right on walking. David walked at his side, a woodcutter’s axe hefted over one shoulder and his new sword concealed under his cloak. The sword was a gift from Abinadab who had slipped into Dodo’s house once word had reached him of David’s arrival. It had been good to see his second eldest brother. Eliab was a warrior, but Abinadab was a leader of men. And if there was anyone David trusted to help him in the coming days, it would be Abinadab.

Half a league from the city, Elhanan stopped. “This is as far as I need go, my lord,” he said, bowing awkwardly.

Curse Joab! Now he had Elhanan bowing to him. Forcing a smile, David handed over the axe and then placed his hands on Elhanan’s shoulders. “Thank you, Elhanan, son of Dodo. Your help has been invaluable. Please convey my gratitude to your father.”

“Aye. I will do that.” The young man hesitated, fingering the shaft of the axe nervously. “And if my lord will permit, I will be joining you at Adullam.”

David’s eyebrows climbed nearly into his hair. “But why? You have it well here in Bethlehem. What need is there for you to leave your father and live in the wilderness—for as surely as the Lord lives, that is what we will be doing. I have no illusions about my fate. If Elohim allows, then one day perhaps…but until then, I fear, my life will be one of constant peril. I advise against this course of action.”

The squat young man struggled with a response, and his wide eyes narrowed nearly to slits as he considered. “I do not believe I have a choice in this matter, my lord. The decision feels…right. I have no other way to say it. I am compelled, my lord.”

David fought to understand. He had never felt that way—wait, yes, he had. The first time he had met King Saul a similar emotion had gripped him. The revelation shifted the world under David’s feet. Ideas and truths reordered themselves in his mind, and for the first time, he truly understood what being anointed by the Lord meant. Jehovah had not forsaken him, had not left him alone. Men would come to him at Adullam as surely as sheep would heed a shepherd’s call. When God called, there was a compulsion that resonated deep in one’s soul. Satisfaction and peace could only come by heeding that call. That is what Elhanan felt—and likely Joab too.

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