TWednesday, June 5 – 1 Samuel 24, Psalms 7 – Additional Reading: “Patriarchs and Prophets,” Chapter 65, “The Magnanimity of David”
What evidence did David present to Saul in the cave at En Gedi to demonstrate that he could have killed him but chose not to? (1 Samuel 24:4)
Commentary and Reflection
“May the Lord keep me from doing such a thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed.”
David could have quickly followed his men’s advice when he found Saul, his pursuer, alone and vulnerable in that cave. He could have allowed them to act as they wished and then placed the blame on them. He could have also believed their assertion, “Look, this is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.'”
David’s actions on that day reveal several significant traits:
- Respect for God: Not just respect for Saul as a man, but reverence for God who anointed Saul.
- Trust in God: David did not intervene or take matters into his own hands; he waited on God. God had not instructed him to kill Saul. Since God appointed Saul as king, David trusted that God could remove him in His timing.
- Faith in God’s Timing: David demonstrated patience and understanding that God operates on His schedule. He believed in God’s power to fulfill His will at the appointed time.
- Principle-driven Action: Instead of acting out of convenience, David acted guided by his principles. Though killing Saul might have seemed a quick fix, David chose the morally upright path.
David’s humble and devoted character is evident in this action. He even regretted cutting Saul’s cloak. Indeed, there’s much to learn from his example in handling our own challenges.
“Because of unconsecrated workers, things will sometimes go wrong. You may weep over the result of the wrong course of others, but do not worry. The work is under the supervision of the blessed Master. All He asks is that the workers shall come to Him for their orders, and obey His directions. All parts of the work—our churches, missions, Sabbath schools, institutions—are carried upon His heart. Why worry? The intense longing to see the church imbued with life must be tempered with entire trust in God; for “without Me,” said the great Burden Bearer, “ye can do nothing.” “Follow Me.” He leads the way; we are to follow.” 7T 271
“There is no need to doubt, to be fearful that the work will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and He will set everything in order. If matters need adjusting at the head of the work, God will attend to that, and work to right every wrong. Let us have faith that God is going to carry the noble ship which bears the people of God safely into port.” Review and Herald, Sept. 20, 1892.
Psalm 7, which David composed during this challenging period, is a lamentation known as “Shiggaion” in Hebrew. The identity of “Cush, a Benjamite,” mentioned in the Psalm’s heading, remains uncertain.
David found solace in expressing his trials through writing and singing while reaffirming his trust in God. Ventilating fears and sorrows can be therapeutic, whether through journaling, seeking therapy, or creative expression; finding an outlet is crucial.
The Bible’s chronological reading offers a deeper insight into its passages’ meaning. May this Bible reading plan enrich your spiritual journey.