Day 5

ON THE RUN BUT NEVER A REBEL

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." Psalm 37:7

Imagine being on the run from a king who has sworn to kill you. He is determined and has all the resources of the state at his command. You know that you are to be his successor - if you survive. Then you find his life in your hands, the opportunity is there to kill the king and claim his throne for yourself. What would you do?

David had this choice twice, once in the caves of Engedi (1 Sam. 24:3-22) and then again in the wilderness of Ziph (1 Sam. 26:2-25). Both times David left the king unharmed but each time he showed Saul that he had spared him, In Engedi by cutting a piece of Saul's cloak and in Ziph by taking Saul's spear and water bottle.

Both times David swore loyalty to Saul and Saul acknowledges David's love, declares his own for David and admits his sin in pursuing him. Furthermore Saul proclaims his conviction that David will succeed him as God had said.

Why would David not harm or capture the king?(1 Sam. 24:5,7;26:8-11)

Was he right? After all Saul had been rejected by God and was clearly mentally unstable; no fit ruler.

Does David's choice hold a lesson for us? Consider Jesus' teaching about our reactions to enemies and those who abuse us in John 15:18-20; Matthew 5:38-48. Look up Romans 12:17-21 as well.

Finally read carefully Psalm 37 - David's experience as he waited for God to act for him.