Ziklag

Pursuing Amalekites
With the image of their
Scorched village
Still fresh in their minds.
And angry, so angry
With the leader
Who had bade them depart from Ziklag.
Families left vulnerable.
Forgotten the times
Of his mastery,
His music,
His memories of
Meadow, stream and flock.
Of how he gathered them,
Some distressed, some in debt
Some discontented.
The trail and the camp
Had knit them.
He ever offering
Counsel and courage,
Just leadership,
Command with example.
Stores never failed.
Their shield and portion.



Receiving their rebuke,
He withdrew silently.
Alone with the
God of his sheepfold.
Gentle music perhaps.
Refreshment arrives.
Hope against hope
Glowing in his face.
There is nothing
But to follow him.
(Though murder had been
In their hearts.)
He also sorely misses
Wives and loved ones.
“There might yet be victory.
Let us be up and active.”



1 Samuel 30:6 – And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.