Driven out

They have now driven me from my share in the LORD's inheritance and have said, 'Go, serve other gods.' 20 Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. 1 Samuel 26:19(b)-20

We are likely to dismiss this statement today, but for someone in the OT this is huge! Here is a very brief explanation:

When God created Adam and Eve He put them in a special place, the Garden of Eden. When they sinned they were driven out of this incredible place to somewhere "east of Eden".

When God chose Abraham, He told him to go to a land in which He chose and He would dwell among them. Jacob's deception virtually forced Israel to leave that special place. In fact, God spoke to Jacob in a dream to remind him that Canaan was place that God
dwelt in a special way.

David knew of God's command as they entered into the Promised Land.

5 But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.

 8 You are not to do as we do here today, everyone as he sees fit, 9 since you have not yet reached the resting place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving you. 10 But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety. 11 Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD. 12 And there rejoice before the LORD your God, you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levites from your towns, who have no allotment or inheritance of their own. 13 Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. 14 Offer them only at the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you. Deut 12:5-14

To David this pursuit
drove him away from the land (inheritance) that the Lord had given. It forced him to flee from a place God had provided for men to worship Him. Basically it was like telling David "Go serve other Gods". To a man after God's own heart this would be the greatest punishment!

What drives you away from being in that special
place with God?

Occupation?

Family?

Recreation?

Your past?

Others?

Don't you think it's time to come home?

Maybe you've never been there. God told Abraham to get up, to go, and to leave and He would show him where to go…seek
after Him and He will show you that place.