The Ziphites again tell Saul where David is hiding.
Remember, the spy network is impressive. Saul takes 3,000 men with him to
pursue David and his 600 men. Saul must have been worried David could take him
down, bringing so many men against him. David’s men were the Mighty of the
Mighty and had a reputation of defeating the enemy.
Through spies, David learns Saul is near. He sends
scouts to confirm and they came back to inform David that Saul is indeed near.
The Army has set up camp and Saul is smack in the middle. The commander of the
Army, Abner, placed his bed roll beside Saul and the army circles about them.
David has a plan and asks for a volunteer to sneak into the midst of them while
they are asleep.
God put the army into a deep sleep so David and,
Abishai one of his mighty men, could walk right in. There they are, smack in
the middle of the sleeping army. Saul is fast asleep with his spear stuck into
the ground at his head. He probably put it there for a quick grab if danger
came.
Abishai is amazed they got there without a hitch.
“David, God has put your enemy into your hand. I can drive my spear through him
and pin him into the ground. I wouldn’t need to strike him twice.”
David prevents Abishai and says, “Who can stretch out
his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? The Lord will decide
when and where Saul dies.”
David crept closer and took Saul’s spear and his jug
of water that was beside his head. Not one man heard or stirred in their sleep.
The men swiftly left, crossed a wide space, and climbed
up a hill. David cupped his hands around his mouth. “Do you not answer me, Abner?”
“Who are you calling after the king?” Abner replied.
“Abner, you didn’t do your job of protecting your
king, the Lord’s anointed. Look where his spear and jug are!”
Saul recognized David’s voice. “Is that you, David?”
David confirmed it and asked him, “Why have you been
perusing me? If I’ve done evil against the Lord, let Him accept an offering but
if it is men who have told you, let them be cursed before the Lord. They want
me far away so I cannot serve the Lord. Don’t let me die far from the Lord.”
(The houses of the Lord were in Israel and not where David has had to hide out)
Saul said, “I have sinned. I will not harm you anymore
because you considered my life precious. May the Lord deliver me out of all my
trouble. The Lord bless you!”
David and his men went on their way.
Questions and things to ponder:
Saul repented for the second time. Do you think he
meant it the first time? (Probably he was relieved David didn’t kill him but
his heart was not really repentant)
Why didn’t David kill Saul? (Saul was anointed by
Samuel and chosen by God. He felt it wrong to kill the Lord’s anointed and it
was up to the Lord to decide Saul’s fate)
Why did he take his spear and jug? (Proof he was
actually there. A wake up call to the fact David could have killed him but
chose not to. Also, maybe to show how asleep they were and that the Lord wan on
David’s side)
Why didn’t the army awake while David was in the camp?
(God put them into a deep sleep)Should we try to take out our enemies or should we expect the Lord to do that? (Put it in the Lord’s hand. He may or may not do anything we know about)
David showed great self-control. He could have killed Saul and been rid of the one trying to kill him but he didn't. Do you use self-control? Do you hold in your temper and attitude with people who make you angry? We can learn from David.
We need to put out troubles into the Lord’s hand and
trust Him to make it right. Also, we need to praise Him for all He has done and
is doing for us. We need to bless His name.
David wrote most of the Psalms in our Bibles. These
were songs he sung unto the Lord. Some are about his troubles but most are
praise songs to the Lord.
Memorize: Psalm 92: 1 It is good to give thinks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your
name, O Most High.
Verses in NKJV unless otherwise stated
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