1 Samuel 26:13-25 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is 1 Samuel 26:13-25. As usual, I encourage you to open your Bible and read the passage yourself first. See what you can glean with the Holy Spirit’s help. Then read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
1 Samuel 26:13-16 (NIV)
13 Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the hill some distance away; there was a wide space between them.
14 He called out to the army and to Abner son of Ner, “Aren’t you going to answer me, Abner?” Abner replied, “Who are you who calls to the king?”
15 David said, “You’re a man, aren’t you? And who is like you in Israel? Why didn’t you guard your lord the king? Someone came to destroy your lord the king.
16 What you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD lives, you and your men deserve to die, because you did not guard your master, the LORD’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?”
On verses 13-16: Here David boldly calls out Abner, the commander of Saul’s army on his failure to protect Saul because he was fast asleep.
Why was David able to call Abner out this way? It’s because David knew that he was righteous before God in this situation. When you know that you are righteous before God, you can have a confidence in front of people – not a prideful arrogance but a humble confidence. On the other hand, when you are not confident that God sees you as righteous, your interactions with people will be marked by fear, timidity and worry. As Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Praise God that because Jesus Christ has cleansed us of all sin, we can live with a humble confidence before God and people.
Here’s another lesson: Just as Abner missed David because he was sleeping, sometimes we can be so into our slumber and comfort that we miss when Jesus the Son of David is around and working in our midst. May we always have ears to hear what God is saying and eyes to see what God is doing.
1 Samuel 26:17-20 (NIV)
17 Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice, David my son?” David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.”
18 And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?
19 Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the LORD has incited you against me, then may he accept an offering. If, however, men have done it, may they be cursed before the LORD! They have now driven me from my share in the LORD’s inheritance and have said, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
20 Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea–as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”
On verses 17-20: After getting the attention of Saul and his army, David once again pleads his innocence before Saul. His message to Saul is basically: “Saul, what wrong have I done? (v18) If God has caused you to act this way toward me because I’ve done something wrong, then let me sacrifice an offering to make things right (v19a). But if your own men have incited you against me, then may they be cursed (v19b), for by inciting you against me I have been effectively cut off and unable to worship with God’s people (v19c). Please do not let me be cut off this way (v20a). You’re going after a harmless and helpless flea, not someone who is bent on hurting you (v20b).”
Much respect to David for trying to work things out diplomatically with Saul this way. Truly the way you handle conflict and misunderstanding is a measure of your maturity and wisdom. I pray that you would handle conflict like David does here: wanting to talk things out rather than punch people out.
1 Samuel 26:21-25 (NIV)
21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have erred greatly.”
22 “Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of your young men come over and get it.
23 The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed.
24 As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”
25 Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed, my son David; you will do great things and surely triumph.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.
On verses 21-25: David could have chosen to spear Saul; instead he chose to spare him. As a result, Saul admits the error of his ways and vows not to harm David again (v21), a vow he would end up keeping. Saul’s last recorded words to David would be words to bless David (v25). David’s kindness led to Saul’s repentance.
Likewise, Jesus the Son of David could have shown us wrath, but instead He showed us mercy. God’s kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that while You could have speared us, instead You spared us. You could have shown us wrath; instead You showed us mercy. Because Jesus’ blood makes me fully righteous, may I live with a humble confidence before You and before people today. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2022 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
