DAVID AT HIS BEST (1 Sam 24:1-22)

David was called ‘a man after God’s heart’ (Acts 13:22). He became famous when he killed Goliath. But he became great when he did not kill King Saul. Here we see a story we can call: the Cave, the Robe and the Character. Here, David rises to the height of his godly character.

We shall study two kings. King Saul was a man of hate. He represents the Kingdom of darkness. David is a man of love, peace and mercy. He represents the Kingdom of God. David could have easily killed Saul. But he did not. This story happens at an oasis in the desert called En Gedi. King Saul, with an army of 3000 soldiers, are looking for David to kill him. Saul left his army behind and went alone into this cave to relieve himself. David and his men of valor were resting at the back of a big cave. How safe the king must have felt not knowing that he was so close to death. David’s men urged him to take advantage of this situation and kill Saul. But David refused. He restrained his servants, telling them not to harm Saul. The only thing he did was to cut a piece from Saul’s robe. David’s men may have been disappointed at their leader, not understanding his love for his enemy. Later, David calls Saul and shows him the piece taken from his robe. Saul sees that David spared his life. He repents superficially. He withdraws from pursuing David but not long after this incident, he comes back. David spares his life the second time. Eventually, King Saul and his sons die in battle. David becomes King in his place. Lessons: God is merciful! God is sovereign! People will misunderstand your Love! Do what is right before God! He will reward you!

David could have killed Saul. But he only cut a piece from his robe. Even for doing this, David felt guilty about it. Why? Next to the crown and the scepter, the robe of the king signifies his authority. When King Saul disobeyed God’s command, as Samuel was leaving him, Saul tore the prophet’s robe (1Sam 15:26-29). Samuel interpreted the tearing of his robe as prophetic. He told Saul that he had lost his authority as king. The throne will be given to his neighbor, a better man than he. This man is David. By cutting a piece from King Saul’s robe, David saw it as a rebellion, claiming some part of Saul’s authority. It is true that God had already said that David will succeed Saul as king. But David did not want to claim the throne, through rebellion. He did not want to take what was promised to him, through illegal means. He wanted that God’s promotion and blessings should come to him in God’s way and in God’s time. He cherished his relationship with God more than any other gift. But Saul was the opposite. He rebelled against God who set him on the throne. Samuel fiercely condemned that rebellion: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king” (1Sam 15:23). David felt convicted of sin just by cutting the royal robe. His conscience was very sensitive to sin. Lessons: Authority and blessings relate to obedience to God’s Word. Keep your conscience pure!

It is true that King Saul was a wicked man. He killed all the priests at Nob. If he could get David, he would have no mercy. David was not deceived. He knew that Saul was lying even when he tried to repent. David did not ask Saul for assurance that he could come back to the palace. David extended mercy to Saul even when Saul did not extend mercy to him. How did he do that? He obeyed the Law of Agape Love. David loved his enemy. David did not respect Saul as a person. But David respected Saul’s office as the King of Isreal, anointed by God. It was the same Prophet Samuel and the same oil that was on David’s head. David knew the power of that anointing. He was afraid to kill Saul because even in his backsliding, Saul was God’s choice as king. David bowed to Saul and spoke respectfully. Love “does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil” (1Cor 13:5). David could have killed Saul in that cave and could have taken over the throne. But he did not. Lesson: Believers are good citizens. God tests us, our hearts and motives. God may open a door for us to claim a promise by our own power, in our own way. It is a test of self-control, patience and love. Like Joseph, David refused to be God! Not even a throne is worth the grieving of the Holy Spirit. Faith and Love must wait! Love never fails!

Saul disobeyed God’s Word and lost his throne. What power kept David from sinning against God? David obeyed God’s Word. He knew that vengeance belongs to God. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord” (Rom 12:19; AMP). The main reason why David did not kill King Saul was because he saw him as ‘The Lord’s anointed’. “David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?” (1Sam 26:9). David knew God’s Word: “Do not touch My anointed ones and do My prophets no harm” (Ps 105:15). King Saul was a wicked man. But David saw him as God’s servant, God’s property. He refused to touch it!

Looking at this story: Who is the true King of Isreal? Is it Saul who is anointed, seated on the throne, or David who was waiting to be king? God gave the promise to David that he will be the next king. But God did not give David the power to fulfill the Promise. David speaks respectfully to the king. Even when he pleads his case, David does not rebuke the king directly. He rebukes his counsellors. David behaves as a peacemaker. “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger” (PV 15:1). Because of David’s humble attitude and kind, wise words, Saul is defeated in his wickedness, at least for now. He weeps in public. Saul acknowledges that God is good, that David is good, that himself is bad, and that David will be the next king. David learned to wait for God to do what only God can do! King Saul repents but not in humility. He still claims some ‘righteousness’ for himself. Touched by David’s love, Saul asks David to protect his descendants after his death. At the end, David calls God to judge this case between King Saul and himself. See in David the power of a clean conscience, a new maturity, wisdom and growth in grace. Lessons you learn only in the wilderness: There are no short cuts to godly success in life! There is always a temptation to rush ahead. God can use even your enemies to encourage you! Amen!

If you study the lives of Saul and David, in many ways, both men are the same. They both started well and were chosen by God to be kings in Isreal. Both were courageous soldiers and had victories in battle. Both had dedicated followers. What then is the difference between them? It concerns two areas: repentance and worship. When David sinned and he was made aware of his sin, he broke down and repented deeply. When Saul sinned, he blamed others. He did not humble himself. David had a godly sorrow that led to repentance and salvation. Saul had a worldly sorrow leading to death (2Cor 7:10). During his last night on earth, Saul went to see a witch for counsel. David repented deeply for his sin. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise” (Ps 51:17). In His Sermon of the Mount Jesus defines who is a citizen of God’s Kingdom: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:3). Lesson: True repentance attracts God’s grace on you! Sin can be dealt with only thru a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Now you see why David is called ‘a man after God’s heart’.  David’s wise behavior points us to Jesus, our Savior and Lord. God the Father sent Jesus to live and die for sinners. By His death, Jesus is now the King of God’s Kingdom. The devil tempted Jesus to become the King of kings by offering Him the kingdoms of this world. He told Jesus that He can be king if he can fall at his feet (Matt 4:8-11). The devil offered Jesus a crown without a cross. But Jesus rejected the offer. He took God’s way: the Cross before the Crown. By His death and resurrection Jesus is now the King of kings, reigning supremely and forever. Question: if the devil offers you an easier way to become successful in business and ministry, will you take his offer? As we follow Jesus, we take our cross daily, we deny self from every selfish and rebellious desire. We suffer with Jesus, we die and are buried with Jesus, and we rise with Jesus to be seated in glory with Him. This is the Gospel that saves! There is no other Gospel! May we have the courage to Love and Obey God to the end. Worship the Lord!