As the old saying goes, “From evildoers come evil deeds,’so my hand will not touch you.” I Samuel 24:13 (Chapters 21-28)
King Saul failed to submit himself to God’s authority, so God put an end to Saul’s dynasty and Samuel anointed young David. While David was placed in Saul’s court for a time, Saul soon became jealous of David’s successes, forcing him to become a refugee. These chapters are the story of those years in exile. Many of David’s Psalm’s were written during this period.
David and his entire family are outlawed. He must move from place to place, but he gains an army of followers, the poor and down trodden. He flees to the Philistine city of Gath where he feigns madness to disguise himself. He is aided by priests who pay for their loyalty with their lives. Twice, David has the opportunity to take Saul’s life (once while Saul is taking care of his personal digestive business in a cave!) Both times David spares the anointed king’s life, deferring to God’s authority.
These years depict a contrast of two men. One never subjects himself to God’s will, obsessing over vengeance and petty impulses. The other allows God to mold him into a strong and wise leader. David was invited to many fights with Saul, fights he would have won, but he chose to be molded into the leader God wanted him to be, rather than shaped by the circumstances of another’s sin. He chose right, when no one would have blamed him for the wrong.
God’s will takes patience, perseverance and determination, but the outcome is a life of noble character that brings glory to God
Have a Great Monday,
Gretchen