SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 26
DAVID AGAIN SPARES SAUL’S LIFE (vs. 1-25)
The Ziphites went to ASaul at Gibeah and reported to him that David was hiding on the hill of the Hakilah. So Saul chose 300 men to go with him to search for David. They arrived and camped beside the road on a hill of Hakilah facing Jeshimon but David stayed in the desert. When David went out with Abishai, they saw Saul and Abner, the commander of Saul’s army lying fast asleep. Abishai wanted to kill Saul but David forbid him to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. They only get the spear and took the water jug and left.
Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on the top of the hill with some distance away. He called out to Abner reprimanding him for not able to guard Saul. Then Saul recognized David’s voice and said: “Are you David?” David answered: “Yes, and why are you pursuing me” What wrong have I done and was guilty of” (vs. 17-18). Saul admitted his fault and promised not to harm him again. Then David told him to send his men to get the spear. So, David went on his way and Saul returned home.
THOUGHTS:
Abishai showed great courage when he volunteered to go with with David into Saul’s camp. He wanted to kill Saul to protect David but David restrained him because David had respect for God’s anointed king. We cannot do wrong to execute justice. When our closest friends counsel us to do something that seems right, we must always put God’s command first.
David refused to kill Saul because he did not want to run ahead of God’s timing. When we have leaders in church or government who are unfaithful or incompetent, determine not to do wrong. We should work for righteousness and trust everything to God.
Saul’s tearful words was superficial for he continued to pursue David. But David was kindhearted. He had another opportunity to kill Saul, but he knew that God should be the one to strike Saul, not him.