May the Lord judge between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you. 1 Samuel 24:12 NLT
Read 1 Samuel 24.
In any team sport, well-planned strategy is paramount if you want to defeat the opposing side. You look for weaknesses or holes in the other team’s defense, and that is where you strike. This is true in soccer, football, basketball, tennis, etc. The goal is to win, and you do everything in your power to make that happen.
Similarly, when a general implements his plans for war, he maneuvers his troops ever so carefully to ensure the best possible odds for winning the war. Again, strategy is vital, and the enemy’s weaknesses are exploited. It’s the ugly truth of war.
David, on the other hand, while being a war hero who was very well acquainted with winning strategies and fiercely defeating his foes, used a much different approach against his enemy Saul. He had dodged Saul’s attacks and had been living on the run merely to survive. His very life depended upon being rid of the threat of Saul’s very existence. He understood the necessity of taking advantage of any opportunity he could get to finally defeat Saul once and for all.
Soon, David would get his chance. He could possibly be rid of the madman who had attempted to murder him on more than one occasion, and the man who had been chasing him from one end of the country to another. It was like Saul was being handed over to David on a silver platter, and what could be a more vulnerable position to find your enemy in than for him to be using the bathroom in a cave with no knowledge that he is being watched.
David was close enough to touch Saul and could have ended this chase on the spot. He could have humiliated his enemy by slaying him right in the middle of one of the most personal and humble moments possible. His men kept nudging him and exclaiming that God had given him this very chance. So, do something, David!
What does David do instead? He reaches forward, ever so stealthily, and slices off a section of Saul’s robe with his sword. He then disappears into a dark crevice of the cave. Saul was none the wiser. He finished his business and exited the cave, having no idea of how his life had just been spared.
David then became unsettled in his heart. He felt guilty for disrespecting the king by cutting his robe. He had just spared Saul’s life, but he was remorseful for the minor act of damaging the king’s clothes. This is a perfect example of David’s character and his heart for God. Even though his life was in danger, he still had utmost respect for God’s anointed, Saul. He had enough faith to leave this threat in God’s hands, and he refused to do anything that would harm his enemy.
David’s next act of humility and courage has always surprised me when I have read it. David follows Saul out of the cave and shouts, “My Lord the king!” He then bows low before him. Instead of running, he bows with the highest respect.
I am reminded of my attitude toward others who have intended to harm me. It is easier to respond in kind with the same anger and malice toward them that they have shown me. However, it takes humility to try to understand the other person’s perspective instead of making assumptions and hurling retribution their way. We can do it because we can leave it in God’s hands. He will right every wrong, and in faith, we can trust that God’s ways are always best.
David didn’t have the advantage of Paul’s writing on the subject, but let’s look at this passage and really let it sink in:
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”[a]
says the Lord.20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:17-21 NLT
As David stood there waving the piece of cloth from Saul’s robe, he had the perfect opportunity to finally talk some sense into Saul. He explained that if he was really trying to harm Saul, he would have. This is proof that he intends him no harm! David also pledged to Saul that there was no way he was going to do anything to hurt him. He pleaded with Saul to just let it go!
Big, burly Saul began crying like a baby. He was so touched by what David did. If David had acted out of anger, he would have fueled Saul’s hatred and caused the situation to become even more heated than it already was. However, David knew the humility and kindness will go a long way to touch a person’s heart. This made a true impact on Saul.
May we learn from this example as well that humility and kindness will accomplish far more than revenge or bitterness ever will!
A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 NLT
Saul said a blessing to David instead of a curse. See what humility and kindness can accomplish? Even if it is going to be short lived! Anyway, Saul say, “May the Lord reward you for your kindness today.” Saul finally accepted and admitted that David will certainly someday be king. He asked David to vow that when he does become king, he will protect Saul’s family.
David promised him, and then they both went their separate ways. Problem solved? It seems like it. However, jealousy and hatred don’t die quickly. David was spared for the moment, but there is much more to come!
Today’s Daily Word is chock full of lessons in wisdom from David’s example. Let’s allow these to sink in deeply and apply them to our own relationships. See what a difference it makes when we submit to God’s ways instead of indulging our emotions. It will be worth it!
