1 Samuel 24 "Respect God's Elect"

“Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.” (vv.5-7)

After everything Saul had done to David, here in chapter 24 David is given an opportunity to end king Saul’s life. However, he would not take revenge against God’s elect. In fact, just cutting off the corner of his robe caused David’s conscience to be stricken. He recognized Saul as the one on whom the anointing of God had been placed. Even though David himself had been anointed as the future king of Israel, he still respected Saul. Perhaps David realized that what he does to Saul will set an example for others' behavior toward him in the future.

We too must respect whom God elects and treat them with as much respect and fear of the LORD as David did with Saul. It is no different. To slander another brother or even speak the truth that would damage their reputation, should convict us just as taking a corner of Saul’s robe convicted David. Has anyone done even half the wrongs that Saul did toward David? No? Then consider the example of David and let God deal with His elect in His timing. Even though an opportunity may arise in which to speak out against a brother (delivered into your hand so to speak), that’s a test for you. The question is, will you come away with a testimony like David's or his men who encouraged him to kill the king? I pray that it is the former, not the latter.

The Truth

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:33)

1 Samuel 23 "Saul Pursues David"

“Now David became aware that Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.” (v.15)

Here in chapter 23, David is facing real hatred and persecution. Saul had a laser-like focus to pursue David, wherever he might be found, and to kill him. However, in the middle of that persecution, we see three ways in which God protected him.

First, after David's rescue of Keilah from the Philistines, David inquired of the Lord, who told him that Saul was coming and that the citizens of Keilah would be willing to hand him over to Saul. David then exercised prudence and promptly left. Next, while staying in the Desert of Ziph, Saul searched for David repeatedly, “but God did not give David into his hands” (v.14). Moreover, God sent Jonathan to David who “helped him find strength in God” (v.16). Finally, while in the Desert of Maon, Saul was in pursuit, closing in on David and his men. Just then, a message came that the Philistines were raiding the land, and Saul cut off the chase (v.28). 

Saul never gave up his intent to kill David, but God never ceased protecting him either. Likewise, it is also given that we as Christians will face tough times in this world. However, we can rest in the fact that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Then we, like Jonathan, can be an encouragement to our brothers/sisters, strengthening those who are going through difficult days of spiritual attack or persecution for their beliefs.

The Truth
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

1 Samuel 22 "Saul Orders Priests Killed"

And the king said to Doeg, “You turn and kill the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck the priests, and killed on that day eighty-five men who wore a linen ephod. (v.18)

Today's chapter is not an easy one. Doeg, the Edomite, informed Saul that Ahimelech the priest had recently given David provisions and Goliath's sword. In his fury, Saul summoned the entire compliment of priests before him. Despite Ahimelech's reasonable defense, Saul ordered them all put to death. Doeg (the Edomite) willingly executed eighty-five priests, plus the entire town of Nob, including women, children, and cattle. Only Abiathar escaped.

This horrific slaughter was brought on by Saul’s anger and pride but carried out willing by Doeg the Edomite, an enemy of Israel and God. Yet, as terrifying as this slaughter was, it was also the fulfillment of God's word against Eli, some fifty years earlier (see 2:30-36). Even God's enemies carry forth God's will.

This should point us to another brutal execution—the cross—in which the enemies of God carried forth God's promises, this time for the purpose of redemption for the world (Acts 2:23). However, this doesn't minimize the evil of Saul's massacre or Christ's death, but it does bring the hopeful realization that God's enemies, even in their most vengeful moments, are still subject to the redeeming work and plan of God. For God's purposes will always be worked out.

It's easy to look at the world we live in and see nothing but chaos, danger, and a powerful evil force arrayed against God. But today's text should encourage us to see even in a fallen world, God is still King, and He still rules.

The Truth

“Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 2:10-12)

1 Samuel 21 "David and The Holy Bread"

“Since there was no other food available, the priest gave him the holy bread—the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread.” (NLT v.6)

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all refer to this event. They all quote Jesus using this verse to show that mercy is more important than the Law. In one case, Jesus was answering why it was alright for the disciples to pick grain to eat on the Sabbath. In the other it was to heal a man on the Sabbath.

Jesus interpreted this passage to show us a spiritual lesson. Abiathar, the priest that gave the holy bread to David and his men, was showing mercy instead of insisting on the letter of the Law. The Law clearly said that the bread was to be eaten only by priests. The men were hungry and traveling hard. What else could the priest do but show mercy and share that bread.

The immediate lesson here is, mercy is greater than the law. Mercy is an attribute of God. God’s character is greater than rules that are guidelines. David had done nothing wrong, and he was in need. The right thing to do was to feed him even if it meant breaking the law.

Abiathar the priest did the right thing. May we all see with the eyes of the Spirit in similar situations in our lives and make the right thing, the right thing.

The Truth

And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?” After looking around at them all, He said to him (with the withered hand), “Stretch out your hand!” And he did so; and his hand was restored. But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:9-11)