I Samuel 24 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson
If a person was chasing you, trying to kill you, and attempted to kill you previously, and then you had a chance to kill that person to save your life, wouldn’t you? I think most people would. However, I Samuel 24 is not that simple. David had just escaped a near miss in 23:16ff. What pressure that must have put on David. He knew some people were more than willing to give David up to Saul (23:10-12, 19). In chapter 24, David hiding from Saul’s 3,000 men. Saul seems to be looking but not finding in this book. A careful observer will also notice everyday events that have big significance. That same reader will discern the importance of dialogue in this book and in this chapter.
First, David is hiding in one of the many caves in the area. You can imagine the cave: dark, cool, and yet who knows what lurks in those dark corners. David’s men are resting or hiding, well, we really don’t know why they were there. Just dumb luck, maybe? So, Saul comes in to go the bathroom. He takes off his robe, at least, and relieves himself. Is this a golden opportunity for David? David’s men think Saul’s presence is a gift. They also conclude that Saul being unaware of David is a sign from God They want David to kill Saul. After all, this looks like God is almost directing David to kill Saul, so they no longer must be on the run. David cuts a piece off Saul’s robe.
David tears the men apart with his words is what the original says. He doesn’t persuade, he sharply reprimands them and will not allow them to touch Saul. David has a clear and uncompromising stance on God’s anointed. Even cutting off a bit of Saul’s robe bothered David’s conscience. They are having quite the theological debate in this cave.
In v. 8ff, David is far enough away from Saul that he can speak to Saul at a safe distance. David pays homage to the King who is trying to kill him. David appeals to Saul to not listen but look. Trust his eyes. David claims he could have killed Saul but refused. David holds up that piece of Saul’s robe he has in his hand. Look! Stop listening to lies and trust your eyes.
David clearly states that his hand will not be against Saul. As wrong as Saul is, David still treats him as the Lord’s anointed. In keeping with His understanding of God’s anointing David pleads His case to Saul and more importantly to God. David never claims Saul is right, innocent, or safe. David asks God to judge Saul. David knows Saul will try to kill him, so David appeals to God for protection.
In v. 16, the good Saul reappears. He now admits David is right, more righteous than himself, and agrees with David that David will not hurt him, as evidenced by what Saul just witnessed. Furthermore, he also affirms that he knows David will be king. Like his son, Saul asks only that David will “not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house” in v. 21. This request reveals the violence surrounding both Saul and David.
In 16:18, one of the servants of Saul describes David as “prudent in speech.” David’s speech contrasted with Saul is fascinating. Pay careful attention to David’s words. He can be deceitful 27:10; 29:8 employ double meaning 28:2; and deeply spiritual as we see in this chapter. Speech is used by the narrator to be a clear indicator of a person’s character.
As you reflect on verses 1-7, you will understand that although David was tempted to take a shortcut to the throne, he refused. Those times of testing were tempting for David to end this seemingly meaningless cat and mouse game. But not only did David not kill Saul, David was steadfast in his unwavering commitment to God’s anointed taught his followers to respect God and His king. Our Lord, the true King was tempted by Satan to take a shortcut, but our sinless Lord never did.
David certainly many strategic moves during this time. Some are questionable (27:1-9) but he would return to trusting God. This is a theme in David’s life. He is an example because David was a sinner yet a believer in His God. But no one trusted God like our Lord. Jesus was treated shamefully, brutally, violently, and yet He was kind, a model of faith, and lived a sinless life of obedience. No one will ever be like Him. He is the faithful Son, the great High Priest, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Father, help me to never take a shortcut in my obedience to You. May I be the same person in private that I am in church. Keep Your hand on me when I am tempted to do wrong. Remind me to tell others to follow You and not take shortcuts. Lord, I do have a hard time trusting You if I am honest with You. I get mad, or jealous, or complain, or want things or people that are not mine. Remind me to wait for You and trust You from the deepest part of my heart. Thank you for the stories of the Bible that remind me to trust You. In the name of the One who never sinned. Amen.