We’re continuing with our review of the key events leading up to the Books of Kings.
When we last left off, David and his men had fled to the desert to escape King Saul.
During this time, we encountered what is perhaps one of the most memorable occasions in all of Scripture.
Saul is relieving himself in a cave.
At that moment, David sneaks up behind him and slices off a corner of Saul’s robe with his sword.
David had the chance to slay the man who was seeking to kill him, but he refused.
This wasn’t the only opportunity David would have.
On another occasion, one night, David and his men were able to sneak into the king’s tent and steal Saul’s spear while he was asleep.
Afterward, David announced to Saul that he could have slain him on both occasions, but he didn’t.
Why?
Because he refused to kill the Lord’s anointed.
Saul expressed remorse on both occasions.
But his words meant nothing.
He continued to pursue David until David had no choice but seek refuge with the Philistines.
There are two takeaways we can extract from all of this.
First, this is a reminder that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us.
David had two clean shots to slay Saul, and both times he walked away.
Not because he was weak or confused.
But because he refused to seize what God had promised by using methods God had not authorized.
“Who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?”
Saul was hunting David like an animal.
But David’s conscience was stronger than his anger.
That’s Godly maturity.
The second takeaway is to understand that some folks are so possessed by evil that we can’t expect them to change.
Nor should we believe their empty promises or words of repentance.
Saul did express remorse and begged for mercy when David told him he could have killed him twice but didn’t.
Yet, Saul’s murderous intentions toward David never changed.
Saul continued chasing David until he was killed by the Philistines, ironically, the very people who were harboring David at the time.
Alright, homies.
Done for today.
See ya all next time.
Leave a Reply