SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 24
DAIVD SPARES SAUL’S LIFE (vs. 1-22)
After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he took 3,000 chosen men to look for David. David was in the Desert of En Gedi near the Crags of the Wild Goats.
Along the way, Saul went into a sheep pens in a cave to relive himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. He then crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. After cutting of Saul’s robe, David was conscience-stricken and told his men not to attack Saul.
When Saul left the cave and went outside, David called him and said: “Why do you listen when men say “David is bent on harming you? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, “I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed.”, See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.” (vs. 18-12)
After hearing what David said, Saul wept and confessed that David was more righteous and he had treated him badly. Then Saul told David not to cut off his descendants or wipe out his name from from his father’s family. David gave his oath to Saul and Saul returned home.
THOUGHTS:
When Saul was inside the save, David’s men saw a great opportunity for David to avenge himself, but David saw an opportunity to show kindness and mercy. Saul considered David his enemy but David considered Saul his friend.
David’s conscience was troubled after he cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. He realized that he was humiliating the king and being disrespectful. A sensitive conscience is a great treasure to guide us.
Saul’s tears were superficial and his conscience temporary. His weeping and admission of guilt were shallow with the passing emotion. He knew that David would be the king but he was not willing to transfer it to him. He continued to opposed him while telling David to spare his descendants.
David respected the position of Saul as king. We are also to respect the position and role of those to whom God has given authority. One exception is: We should not allow a leader to pressure us to violate God’s laws.
David’s men urged him to kill Saul when he had to chance. But David show courage to stand against the group and do what is right. We should not compromise our moral standard by giving in to group pressure or taking the easy way out.