Sparing Saul
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Introduction
Introduction
This morning we are continuing our study of David, former shepherd and future king. However, in between, a fugitive running for his life. Yet, despite his many ups and downs, David maintained a strong faith in God and a conviction to always please God. So much was his faith and conviction that God noted David as one after His own heart. Therefore, our purpose in our study is to learn from David’s life so that we to might be Men of God.
The last time we were together, we found David and his men caught on the side of a mountain surrounded by Saul and his men. As you may recall, God intervened and saved David by forcing Saul to abandon his position and defend the nation from Philistine invasion. Our text this morning is 1 Samuel 24. However, let’s set the scene once more. Ever since God anointed David to be the future king, Saul’s life filled with jealousy. Saul determined that he would hunt David down and kill him. And, with great malice, spent most of his time left as king doing just that. As we pick up the story, note 1 Samuel 24:1
1 And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.
Obviously Saul was quite successful in turning back the Philistine invasion. Without a doubt, God was still using Saul as protector of the entire nation. Equally true is the fact that Saul still not recognize the fact that God was the one who enable us to achieve such victories. Instead, Saul ignores God’s hand in turning back the Philistines and is once again consumed with jealous and rage towards David.
2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily.
As noted, Saul desire to pursue and kill David has intensified. He chose 3000 of his best warriors for one purpose alone - find David. Also note that David is now living in the most extreme locations in his effort to avoid Saul. Scripture says they were “upon the rocks of the wild goats.” It is said that this section of Israel contains large caves. Many of them created by the forces of nature as the wind beat them with rain causing erosion. Others were created by men for sheltering sheep from the scorching heat of the sun. Such man made caves were known as sheepcotes. It was in one of these spacious caverns that David and his men had sought shelter. It was this same cavern to which Saul also was drawn so that he too might rest. Thus, in what seemed like strange carelessness, Saul unknowingly placed himself completely at David’s mercy. Immediately, David’s men noted their advantage and opportunity. What is interesting is that even David’s men know of God’s promise to David. Note how they quoted God’s promise.
4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily.
Saul arriving in that cave at the same time David and his men were there was no accident. And as such, David’s men felt that God allowed this to happen as an opportunity for David to end this feud once and for all. With one stroke of the sword, David could rid himself of this evil man who stood between him and the throne. Suddenly, David stands to his feet. He slowly and stealthily eases over to where King Saul is sleeping. All of his warriors are watching with eager anticipation. With his dagger in his hand, David kneels beside Saul. Ah, the moment as arrived, the end is near. Perhaps, many of his warriors are set to erupt in joy as David plunges the knife into Saul’s chest. They watch as David moves the knife. Then, to their absolute amazement and confusion, David doesn’t plunge the knife into Saul. Instead, he reaches over and cuts off just a small portion of Saul’s robe and quietly moves into the darkness of the cave.
I can only imagine the thoughts that must have begun running through minds of his warriors. What a missed opportunity! Why would David do such a thing? Perhaps David is more a coward than we thought! What has happened to this might man who constantly refused to kill the man who hates him?
Note now David’s response as I am sure he knew what everyone was thinking.
6 And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.
Later, Saul leaves the cave completely unaware of just how close he had come to death’s door. As the story unfolds, David runs out after him in the open and confronts Saul holding in his hand the piece of Saul’s robe he had removed. Saul could not deny that David has spared his life. Additionally, David proved that he had not desire to harm Saul. He then says to Saul.
14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
Late in chapter 25, Saul once again is pursuing David with the same 3000 warriors. However, this time, Saul along with Abner, his captain, and the entire army camp for the night and forget to post a sentry. David, along with Abishai, go together down into the area of the Saul’s camp. Again, with great stealth, they creep into the middle of the camp all the way to where Saul is sleeping. Abishai says to David.
8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
Note David’s reply is the same as before.
9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?
With that, David and Abishai take Saul’s spear and water bottle. They ease back out of the camp. Then, from across the valley, they shout at the sleeping army awakening them. David then taunts Abner for not protecting the king.
In both instances, David had his chance. He had the chance to take matters in his own hands and right all the wrongs that Saul had perpetrated against him. Some would even argue, especially David’s own warriors, that God allowed both opportunities and thus it was God’s desire that David do so. The question for us this morning is this. When the opportunity comes to escape a tough situation, should we take the initiative or not? What is that we, as men who seek to follow the Lord, can learn from these two situations that David found himself in?
Our first thought that must consider is something Christ taught us in Matthew 5 and I believe that David understood.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
We, as men of God, are commanded to...
LOVE OTHERS, EVEN THOSE WHO SEE AS OUR ENEMIES!
Yes, Saul was David’s enemy. I don’t think anyone can argue against that fact. However, David understood that Saul was also God’s anointed. There is no doubt that Saul had fallen out of God’s favor by his own disobedience. Yet, the fact remained that God anointed Saul to be king of Israel. The world would argue that David had every right to take matters into his own hand and end Saul’s life. The world says it is okay to love your friends and hate your enemies. Yet, men of God are men who resist the temptation to do things the world’s way.
David was such a man. Think about this. Suppose David had taken that opportunity to kill Saul and seize the initiative himself, what do you think would have been the outcome? You see it was God’s time for David to ascend to the throne. Yes, it was a test. There is no doubt about that. But what kind of test was it? It was test of David’s faith. Would David take mattes into his own hands or would David wait on God’s timing? We know the outcome of David’s decision. God allows Saul to fall in battle. He spares David from having to kill the king. Had David killed Saul perhaps David’s ascension the throne would have been exceeding challenging. Yet, David’s willing to wait on the Lord and allow God to do things in His time created an atmosphere in which Davids transition to the throne was much easier and smoother.
How David pass the test? He passed the test by relying upon the principles of God’s Word and staying committed to those principles. Instead of doing things his way or the world’s way, he stayed true to God. He would not allow himself to stretch his hand against God’s anointed. He loved Saul even as an enemy.
Here is the lesson for us. There are times when we are presented with similar situations. We see an opportunity before us much like David. However, we must be cautious. How east it is for us to just jump in and handle things our way. We are most impatient people. We often act before we think. At lot of times, these opportunities are presented to us when we are experiencing some painful circumstances. Was David no different? I imagine he was tired of running, living in caves, and ready for all of it to come to an end. However, David also realized that we must be extremely careful not to take matters into our hands. He had learned a very valuable lesson already about waiting on the Lord and allowing the Lord to do His work in His time.
I am reminded of Christ’s example.
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Christ as our example personified what we are to do in such situations. We are not to seek revenge. We are to not threaten those who seek us harm. Instead, we are to commit ourselves to God the righteous Judge. We must learn to do as Moses instructed Israel.
13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
We need not fear men, but we are to stand still and watch God work.
Going back to our story, listen to David’s words to Saul.
12 The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
Here we see David’s heart. He was not going to take matters into his own hand. No, he was going to let God be the judge and His avenger. David’s faith shines forth in this situation. He simply trusted God knowing that God knew best.
Gentlemen, no matter our situation whether good or bad, we must learn to wait and watch for the Lord. We must refuse to take the initiative. We must practice loving others even if they appear to be our enemies. When we live according to God’s principles, God works and provides.
Let’s consider once again the consequences that might have resulted had David taken Saul’s life.
David would have lost his joy! It would have ended the music that was David’s heart and no more Psalms would have been written.
David would have the lost the confidence of his men! I am sure many were, at first, confused why David did not kill Saul. However, later, these men rallied around a man whose confidence was in God and not men. They were influenced by David’s love and devotion to God. Had David acted his way instead of God’s he would have lost his godly influence in their lives.
However, the greatest impact of David’s decision is demonstrated by Saul’s reaction.
16 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
25 Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.
Think about it this way! Saul was living a very miserable life. It was one filled with jealousy, hatred, and rage. Now, this poor wretched king, whose greatest battle, by the way, was with God and not David, comes face to face with a man who truly loves God. And, in that moment, God’s love and patience came shining through David’s actions toward Saul. In that moment, Saul melted. In that moment, Saul stopped being the enemy.
What am I saying? When we do things God’s way, God works in ways we cannot comprehend. Remember Christ said...
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
