September 14, 2021
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Reading along with us in 1 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Samuel 24 (NIV)
David Spares Saul’s Life
1 After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.” 2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.
3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave........Continue Reading
I am sure it was hard for Saul to admit both to himself and aloud that David was more worthy to be king. He witnessed first hand that David was honest and trustworthy and most importantly obedient to God in that he had the opportunity to solve his problem with Saul by just killing him in that cave, however, he knew that was not what God wanted and he showed great restraint especially when being pushed by his man to take advantage of the opportunity that they saw as from God. David knew God did not wish for him to kill Saul but rather God used this situation to make peace with him.
I was struck by verse 12: “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.” This attitude of David’s is worth emulating. Oftentimes, it is tempting to avenge myself but I think God would rather have me surrender it to him.
David shows great character and respect for his position by refusing to kill Saul. Seems David is treating the king as he would want to be treated when he is king.
1 Samuel 24
Certain scenarios show character and leadership more, and this one shines a glowing light on David’s. Who couldn’t understand David just getting rid of this one who was pursuing him relentlessly? But he shows great restraint (another important quality of leadership) based in the conviction of what God would want. Even the men that David doesn’t listen to would value the greater character expressed here. Even Saul is moved to this great confession of God’s reality because of David’s noble actions. It is amazing that God gives Saul this clarity even in the midst of his seeking vengeance on David. What a good sentiment to have when we find ourselves in disagreement with someone to say to say let the Lord judge between me and you. It is always better to leave things in God’s hand than to take matters into our own.
1 Samuel 24
It is interesting how David’s heart is revealed.
“Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe.”
and his humility: “And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down.” He seemed to truly view Saul as more worthy than him.
Saul finally humbles himself…or should I say, is humbled by David and the Lord.