DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
OCTOBER 6, 2026
READ: 1 Samuel 21 (Focus vs. 10-15)
MEMORY VERSE
“The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:22
BACKGROUND
In the semifinals of his high school wrestling tournament, Dave cracked a rib on his right side. He won the match but wondered how he’d survive the championship with a damaged ribcage.
In the finals, Dave limped out to the mat on his left, uninjured leg. So his opponent targeted Dave’s left leg throughout the match. Dave protected his right side and won.
Another “Dave” used deception to extract himself from a tough situation. David had been fleeing a murderous King Saul. He found refuge among Israel’s enemies, but word soon got to the enemy king that David was a Hebrew war hero (1 Samuel 21:11).
Fearing for his life, David “pretended to be insane . . . making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard” (v. 13). The ploy worked (vv. 14-15).
Good people can debate such tactics and arrive at different conclusions. But Psalm 34 sheds light on David’s experience. There, David credited not his deception but God for his deliverance.
He sang, “I sought the Lord, and he . . . delivered me from all my fears” (v. 4). And again, “This poor man called, and the Lord . . . saved him out of all his troubles” (v. 6). David had sought safety with the Philistines, but he found his only reliable refuge when he turned to God (vv. 8, 22).
Tim Gustafson
INSIGHT
When “the Lord sent a tormenting spirit that filled [Saul] with depression and fear” (1 Samuel 16:14 nlt), David was enlisted to soothe him by playing the lyre (v. 23).
The king “liked him . . . and David became one of his armor-bearers” (v. 21). But Saul’s admiration for him was short-lived. After David defeated Goliath (ch. 17), Saul was overtaken by jealousy and tried to kill him (18:6-11).
In chapter 21, David is on the run from Saul and hiding among the Philistines, Israel’s enemies. He “pretended to be insane” (v. 13) because it was believed that harming someone who was insane would bring misfortune.
Even as David took desperate measures to escape death, his psalms exhibit his trust in God. He wrote, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). When trouble strikes, we too can put our trust in God.
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
When have circumstances caused you to take desperate measures you regretted? How does turning to God first change your response?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“We find our only reliable refuge when we turn to God.”
PR’s TAKE
“But now thus says the Lord, He who created you…He who formed you…“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God…” Isaiah 43:1-6
PRAYER
“Dear Father, when I rely on my own cleverness, I get into trouble. Please help me see my challenges as an opportunity to turn to You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“DELIEVER ME O LORD” Bible Chantee
In the shadow of my fears, I call Your name
Deliver me, O Lord, from the wicked’s flame
They gather for the battle, their hearts filled with strife
But You are my shelter, my strength, my life
O Lord, hear my cry, hear my plea
Preserve my soul, set me free
You are my refuge in the storm
In Your presence, I am reborn
Their tongues are like serpents,
They plot in the night
But You are my fortress, my guiding light
Let not their desires, take root in my way
For I trust in Your mercy, Lord, come what may
O Lord, hear my cry, hear my plea
Preserve my soul, set me free…
You cover my head in the day of the fight
With burning coals fall upon those who blight
I know You’ll maintain the cause of the meek
In Your arms of compassion, it’s Your face that I seek
O Lord, hear my cry, hear my plea
Preserve my soul, set me free
You are my refuge in the storm
In Your presence, I am reborn
Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name
In the arms of the Savior, we’ll never be the same
O Lord, my Deliverer, I lift my heart high
In Your love forever, I will abide
