1 Samuel 26
-At this time the Ziphites returned to Saul and convinced
him to go and seek David out again because he was hiding in the hill of
Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon (or the desert). So Saul arose with 3,000
chosen men of Israel and went down to the wilderness of Ziph to search for
David once again with the intention of killing him. His party camped in the
hill of Hachilah beside the road, fully exposed to David and his group of men.
Therefore, they quickly knew he was coming after them as they hid in the
wilderness. David sent out some spies, and soon he, himself, came to the place
where Saul had camped. He observed Saul laying down and Abner, Saul’s army
commander, with all the men of war camped around their king. David astutely
convinced one of his men, Abishai, who was the son of Zeruiah and Joab’s
brother, to go down with him to Saul in the camp. So David and Abishai came to
the people of this camp by night. A sound sleep from the LORD had fallen on
these weary men, thereby allowing David and his companion to go straightway to
the king. Abishai declared to David in amazement, “Today God has delivered your
enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to
the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him a second time.” But David
had other intentions, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand
against the LORD’s anointed and be without guilt?” David then confessed his
faith in the Almighty to handle every situation, “As the LORD lives, surely the
LORD will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down in
battle and perish.” This last one was actually what happened (1 Samuel 31).
David was assured of God’s promises unto him and rested in that with no
animosity or revenge on his mind. What fear of God! What trust! What character!
He then continued, “The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against
the LORD’s anointed; but now please take the spear that is at his head and the
jug of water, and let us go.” He wanted to make a point to his enemy, and this
was the perfect opportunity. They went away without a single person seeing them
or knowing about what they had done (1 Samuel 26:1-12). It was like the sci-fi
freeze ray or something. Truly a miracle. And truly David had shown kindness to
his enemy.
-David crossed to the other side and stood on top of the
mountain at a safe distance now with a large gap of space between them. He then
called to the people, especially singling out Abner, rebuking him for not
taking better care of the LORD’s anointed ruler of His people as they had every
opportunity to kill him. He asked them to note the loss of Saul’s spear and
water jug for a proof that they had easily trespassed on their camp, but with
no ill intent. Saul, by now, recognized the voice of his nemesis and
son-in-law. David verified that it was his voice, which by now was presumably obvious.
Then he once again defended his innocent lot, “Why then is my lord pursuing his
servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?” He went on, “Now
therefore, please let my lord the king listen to the words of his servant. If
the LORD has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering; but if it
is men, cursed are they before the LORD, for they have driven me out today so
that I would have no attachment with the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go,
serve other gods.’ Now then, do not let my blood fall to the ground away from
the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to search for a
single flea, just as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” Saul once again
realized his mistake, and that David sincerely meant neither him nor his
kingdom any harm. He admitted his sin and told David to return with the guarantee
that he would not harm him again since his own life was precious in David’s
sight that day (or really night). Saul went on to confess that he had “played
the fool” and had “committed a serious error.” On David’s part, he invited Saul’s
young men to come and take back the king’s spear, which may have been the very
one hurled at him a couple of times (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:9-10). The summation of
this whole scene is worth noting in the text as it was David and Saul’s last
known interchange. “The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his
faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to
stretch out my hand against the LORD'S anointed. Now behold, as your life was
highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the
sight of the LORD, and may He deliver me from all distress.” Then Saul replied
to David, "Blessed are you, my son David; you will both accomplish much
and surely prevail." So David went righteously on his way, and Saul
returned humbled to his place (1 Samuel 26:13-25).
-*Application* Our testimony to God’s goodness and grace are
important to think about after observing this Scripture passage. We are to fear
God like David, trust Him, and display the kind of character to respond in
every situation with resolve. Are we passing the test of demonstrating forgiveness
to those who have wronged us and pursued us with a vehement hatred? When Christ
came, He had some strong words on this exact subject as He was teaching His
disciples (and us) to pray (Matthew 6:12-15). When we choose forgiveness and
extend it others, God will take care of our life situations and deliver us too
with miracles and favor. We can count on that.
Verses to Memorize:
1 Samuel 26:10-11, 19, 23-25
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