By Michael Hopkins
The story of David sparing Saul’s life, as recounted in 1 Samuel 26, is a powerful testament to David’s faith, integrity, and respect for God’s anointed. This article will delve into the narrative, drawing on various scriptures to provide a comprehensive understanding of the event.
The Setting
The Ziphites informed Saul that David was hiding on the hill of Hakilah, which faces Jeshimon1. In response, Saul took three thousand select Israelite troops to the Desert of Ziph to search for David1. Saul made his camp beside the road on the hill of Hakilah facing Jeshimon, while David stayed in the wilderness1.
David’s Courageous Act
David, upon learning that Saul had arrived, went to the place where Saul had camped1. He saw where Saul and Abner, the commander of the army, had lain down1. Saul was lying inside the camp, with the army encamped around him1.
David then asked Ahimelek the Hittite and Abishai, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?”1. Abishai volunteered to accompany David1. They went to the army by night and found Saul asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head1. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him1.
A Test of Integrity
Abishai, seeing Saul defenseless, suggested to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.”1. However, David responded, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?"1.
David continued, "As surely as the Lord lives, the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”1.
The Aftermath
David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left1. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up1. They were all sleeping, because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep1.
David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the hill some distance away1. He called out to the army and to Abner, “Aren’t you going to answer me, Abner?”1. Abner replied, “Who are you who calls to the king?”1.
David then rebuked Abner for failing to guard Saul, saying, “What you have done is not good. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men must die, because you did not guard your master, the Lord’s anointed."1.
Saul’s Recognition
Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice, David my son?”1. David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.”1. He then asked Saul why he was pursuing him and what wrong he had done1.
David concluded by saying, "Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the Lord has incited you against me, then may he accept an offering. If, however, people have done it, may they be cursed before the Lord!"1.
Conclusion
The story of David sparing Saul’s life is a profound lesson in faith, respect for God’s anointed, and the power of integrity. Despite being presented with an opportunity to kill Saul, David chose to respect God’s anointed and leave Saul’s fate in God’s hands. This act of mercy and respect for God’s authority is a powerful testament to David’s character and his deep faith in God.
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