This chapter details an opportunity for David to kill Saul, yet David has mercy and leaves vengeance in the Lord’s hands.
“Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. He said to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.’ So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, ‘My lord the king!’ And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. And David said to Saul, ‘Why do you listen to the words of men who say, “Behold, David seeks your harm”? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you.’ ” (v4,6-7a,8-10a abr)
Approximately 1045 years before Jesus’ ministry on earth, David was already living out one of Jesus’ most controversial teachings: love your enemy. This is the same thing Joseph modeled in Gen 42-50, when he had mercy on his treacherous brothers. Joseph, David, and Jesus all believed in mercy and forgiveness, letting God be judge/jury/executioner, rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Joseph said: ” ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…’ ” (Gen 50:19-20a)
David says: ” ‘May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, “Out of the wicked comes wickedness.” But my hand shall not be against you.’ ” (v12-13)
Jesus says: ” ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.’ ” (Mt 5:43-45)
And for good measure, Paul says: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ ” (Rm 12:17,19)
Revenge may be our first thought when someone wrongs us, however, the Bible is quite clear that evil should not be repaid with evil, that we are to honor God in all things. Just as Jesus was merciful and forgiving of His betrayers and executioners (” ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ ” [Lk 23:34]), and Joseph forgave his betraying brothers, and David relented from killing Saul, we too should treat our enemies with love and forgiveness.
I encourage us today to ponder any unforgiveness (grudges) in our heart, and truly forgive that person, just as God has forgiven our sins. If God determines that person is deserving of judgement, then let Him judge them, that is not our role. We are called to be peacemakers, which means creating peace where it did not previously exist (like in an unforgiving heart). Let’s fulfill the law of love we are called to live out.
Father God, the progenitor of grace, mercy and love, holy and awesome is Your name. Jesus, you modeled turning the other cheek when we have been wronged, thank you for such a powerful lesson. Holy Spirit, please grant us the strength and guidance to fulfill that teaching, for our first instinct is vengeance. Please help us to choose the path of forgiveness, for it leads to life, rather than choosing the path of unforgiveness which leads to death. Father we fully rely on You, for You alone are our source of true strength. May we honor, glorify and praise You with every word and action, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training