"God Said: Hands Off!"

The encouragement presented in this message is based on the story mentioned in 1 Samuel Chapter 23. 1 Samuel 23 highlights David’s transition from a fugitive to a protective leader. In this chapter, David seeks God’s guidance and successfully rescues the city of Keilah from the Philistines. Despite Saul’s relentless pursuit, David continues to evade capture, demonstrating his faith and leadership under pressure. Additionally, Jonathan, Saul’s son, provides David with encouragement and support.

The specific passages of Scripture that will be of interest to us are verses one through fourteen of First Samuel Chapter 23. The Bible states… “1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. 2 Therefore David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.”

Let’s stop here for a moment to explain the significance of the city of “Keilah.” The name “Keilah” translates to citadel or fortress, symbolizing strength and protection. This city is mentioned in several key biblical events:

1.??? In the Book of Joshua, Keilah is listed among the cities conquered by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land.

2.??? In 1st Samuel, David rescued Keilah from the Philistines, highlighting its strategic importance and protection it offered.

Keilah’s role as a fortress underscores the idea of God being a stronghold and a refuge in times of trouble.

There are three very familiar Scriptures that we all will recognize that bears witness to this attribute of God, and they are:

Psalm 46:1… “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 62:7… “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.”

Jeremiah 16:19… “O Lord, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.”

David like so many others made it a regular habit to take everything to God in prayer. They are our examples, and instead of handling situations without any clear guidance it would be in our best interest to take all our concerns, issues, and problems to the LORD for He cares about us, and wants what is best for us (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:38, Proverbs 3:5-6).

The King James Version of the Bible verse Philippians 4:6-7 says, “6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This verse is interpreted as advice to turn worries into prayers, and to trust that God works for our good in His timing.

The next three verses read… “3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4 Then David enquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.”

When initially reading these passages I wondered how can this situation be applied in our lives. After meditating and seeking the Face of God the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost, if preferred) shared this: “We can find ourselves in the midst of being under spiritual attack, and the LORD will direct us to help, provide service to, or intercede for others who are going through their own ‘go throughs’.” It can seem overwhelming because we are dealing with our own dilemmas, but God utilizes them in a unique manner to minister to others while seeking and waiting on our own deliverance. The Spirit further shared: “When we minister to others the LORD is orchestrating a corporate victory and deliverance.” In essence when we are helping others – God is also helping us. What is happening in this situation is the “Principle or Law of Reciprocity” becoming active and taking full effect in our lives.

“The Principle or the Law of Reciprocity” in the Bible is the idea that what people give or do will be returned in some ways. This law or principle is demonstrated in many Bible passages including Luke 6:31, Matthew 7:12, Galatians 6:7, Matthew 5:7, Luke 6:38 and Proverbs 11:24.

In essence, the “Law or Principle of Reciprocity” encourages us to live righteously, show mercy, and be generous, as these actions will ultimately return unto us in kind.

When we give, or serve, we set spiritual forces in motion and we’ll experience the results, whether we receive in kind or not. Selfishness and greed are inappropriate, so they will limit the results we receive. On the other hand, as we develop godly character and learn to serve God and people in humility, He is free to bless us with far more than we need, to excel in every good work and increase our resources, so we can be generous in every occasion (2 Corinthians 9:8,11).

Skipping verse six, and will read verses 7-12… “7 And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. 8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. 9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. 10 Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. 11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down. 12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up.”

It has been established when we minister (serve) other people in our times or seasons of hardships that God is setting us up for our victories, deliverances, and breakthroughs that will come about through the “Law or Principle of Reciprocity.”

Now when the enemy of our soul’s becomes aware of this fact – satan will commission his minions to launch an attack against us; and in many times or in most instances manipulate individuals in our circle of influence or those we just helped (assisted) in some way.

In scenarios like this it amazes me how through the leading of the Holy Spirit (or, if your prefer, the Holy Ghost) will provide a warning to the individual concerning the pending offensive attack being orchestrated against them. Paul informed us of this when he said in 2 Corinthians 2:11… “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices..” But there is a condition that must be met in an individual’s life before the issuance of any warning or foreknowledge of an attack.

What is that condition? An individual must possess an active prayer life daily that includes fasting as well as being disciplined in the reading of the Bible (God’s Manual for living). Again, Paul makes these exhortations in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18… “16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” He further instructs us in Philippians 4 to do the following in verses 4-7… “4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Then Solomon summed it up by saying… “4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:4-6).

At this juncture of events occurring with David and his men, King Saul was provided with some strategic information concerning David’s position, and with this vital piece of intel – Saul believed that he had the upper hand on David and his men. But did he?

In similar fashion, our soul’s enemy (satan) also is under the impression that he has us penned in with no possible means of escape, but he soon finds out that our God will prove without a doubt that He is “El Shaddai” and “Jehovah Jireh.” “El Shaddai” means “God as protector or help;” and “Jehovah Jireh,” which translates to “The LORD Will Provide.” Both names emphasizes God’s protective and sustaining nature. The Psalmist gave us a detailed picture and description of these attributes of God in Psalm 46.

There’s an awe inspiring scene from the Bible that depicts God’s ability to protect, help, provide as well as create a pathway of escape from the enemy. The scene that is being referenced is located in 2 Kings 6:15-18…

“15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.”

We, as Followers of Jesus Christ, can take consolation and be assured of this fact that when our soul’s enemy along with his minions believe we are surrounded the truth of the matter is that they are the one’s who are fenced in and surrounded. Again, let’s receive confirmation and hope from God’s Word that declares… “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16). Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph also encouraged us with these words… “15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17).

Brothers and Sisters isn’t it comforting knowing that when we are faced with any number of issues that life can bring our assurance and confidence is solely in Christ Jesus to fight our battles. To the spirits operating in the demonic realm it appears the saints of God are defenseless because we are waiting on God, but it doesn’t mean we are just standing still!! In actuality, we are being “strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). Each day, we are arming ourselves with “the whole armour of God,” that we may be ready to and capable “to stand against the cunning tricks of the enemy” (Ephesians 6:11).

There are a few things as the workmanship of God’s own hands that we recognize, and they are:

1.??? People are not our enemies.

2.??? Our true adversary operates from the demonic realm.

3.??? The weapons we employ are spiritual (prayer, praise, fasting, worship, and serving others).

4.??? Any weapon satan devises will be formed, but they won’t prevail against us.

5.??? When accusations are lodged they are going to be proven to be false.

6.??? We can trust that God is working all things out for our good according to His Riches and Glory by Christ Jesus.

Let’s listen to Peter’s exhortation in 1 Peter 4:12-13… “12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

The last two verses we will be considering and reading in this discussion are: “13 Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. 14 And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.”

Brothers and Sisters the forces of evil are on a persistent, constant, strategic, and orchestrated pursuit to cause us to stop depending and trusting in the God of our salvation. Even though those demonic spirits are in hot pursuit and determined to kill, steal, and destroy – we have a word of exhortation from the author of the Book of Hebrews. What did he say?

“35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:35-39).

Viewer, hearer, and reader of this message it is acknowledged that a great deal of information has been shared. It’s a possibility that the spirit of listening has long departed, but if anyone has continued to follow on the obvious question might be: “Brother Robert, what is the point of this message?”

I appreciate your time, patience, and indulgence. Well the passage that caught my attention while reading 1 Samuel 23 was in the latter clause of verse 14, which states, again… “And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.”

The title of this message is “God Said: Hands Off!”

“God Said: Hands Off!” should be considered from two perspectives. The first perspective is where God is informing satan and his cohorts to keep their hands off His children (the workmanship of His Own Hands), their families, relationships, finances, health, endeavors, aspirations, material stuff, callings from God, and outreach ministries planted in local communities throughout the world.

The second perspective is where God is saying to the redeemed of the LORD to keep our hands off of situations, circumstances, and issues that we are not in a position or possess the right attitude to handle appropriately in those moments. We have to take our hands off until God orchestrates and strategically places things in their proper order, so that the end result is God receiving all the Glory!

In other words, Brothers and Sisters, we have to learn to practice and operate in the divine ministry of “Be quiet” or in the words of my god sister (Minister Cindy Moore-Brown) – “The Ministry of Shut-Up.” This reminds me of something Moses spoke to the children of Israel. He said… “13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:13-14).

Even though the devil’s aim is to steal, kill, and destroy: trust in the LORD with all our hearts, and understand as a matter of fact that we are never alone neither are we forsaken because God is for us; and will complete what He has started in us until the Day of Jesus Christ.

How do we keep our hands off? Peter provided concise and specific instructions in 1 Peter 5… “6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

Beloved, “God Said: Hands Off!”