And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. So now swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father's household. (verse 20-21)
Message: David Spares Saul's Life
Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).
What the Lord is Saying: David has been somewhat of a fugitive thus far since chapter 18. Saul was threatened by David and therefore pursuing him to kill him but David continues to get away. David is now in the wilderness of Engedi. Engedi is further south, close to the Dead Sea. Saul is ready, taking 3,000 men. Upon arriving at a cave "Saul went in to relieve himself" or cover his feet. David is already in that cave and David's men say that the Lord is saying to David, "I am about to give your enemy into your hand."
"Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul's robe secretly." David was ready and could have seized and killed Saul. But he didn't. He didn't act in the same manner that Saul was acting towards him. Instead, he just cut of a little edge of Saul's robe. Even at that, his "conscience (heart struck) bothered him." Although Saul is trying to kill him. David still knows that "he is the Lord's anointed" as the Lord through Samuel had anointed him (chapter 10).
In verse 8, "David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself" before Saul. He knew he had an opportunity to kill Saul and he tells Saul this, but instead David says, "I will not stretch out my hand against you." He confirms, "there is no evil or rebellion (transgression) in my hands, and I have not sinned against you." Contrary to how Saul has sought to deal with David, David confirms that he has not sinned against the Lord or Saul in taking his life. David is different. "Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness, but my hand shall not be against you."
Saul sees the difference that David is and says, "You are more righteous than I...I have dealt wickedly with you (verse 17)." Saul says "the Lord therefore reward you with good." Saul takes a moment here and does the honorable thing. For once, he surrenders to God after he hears David having done the same. Saul doesn't initiate his allegiance to God, but it only comes after someone else has done the same. He says to David, "I know that you shall surely be king" and he asks for David's mercy and "David swore to Saul."
Summary: David shows grace toward Saul in not killing him. Instead bows to him and Saul tells David he will be king and David swears he will not hurt Saul.
Promise: Leave vengeance to the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, your grace is extended to others. I thank you for this. Thank you for David's example of how we are to live in an honorable way, letting you have vengeance as you wish.
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