RPG Adults
THE DEATH OF KING SAUL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
2 Samuel 1
Matthew 5:43-48
“…do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you.”
THE DEATH OF KING SAUL
The news of the death of Saul came to David after three days while he fought the Amalekites at Ziklag. Saul lost in the war against his enemies and was compelled to commit suicide. A talebearer assumed that David would reward him for reporting to him of the death of Saul. He lied in his report because he was expecting a reward. David, however, punished him by death. He composed a song of tribute to Saul and Jonathan who had perished in the war, expressing his love for them.
David had won the war against the Amalekites and was set for his next move. Earlier, he was prevented from fighting against Saul when the princes of the Philistines had objected to his presence among them. He departed to his place and was expecting some news about the war. A talebearer came to report to him three days after Saul’s death in the war. He told of the demise of Jonathan and all the sons of Saul. David asked him for details of that battle. The man told David what had happened but he added a lie. It was true that Saul had died. Saul had killed himself because he could not escape and he resented dying under the hands of the uncircumcised. Also, his armour bearer refused to kill him when he asked him to do so. These were very important news to the whole nation of Israel because they had to have a direction on the fate of the nation. There was now a vacant high office in the land.
Since the Lord brought Israel to Canaan from Egypt, the Lord Himself ruled among them, mostly through the hands of judges. However, after more than three centuries, the people were not satisfied and they wanted to have a king, just like the other nations. Though it was offensive to the Lord, He granted them their request and gave them Saul. David recognised this as important. On two occasions he had the opportunity to kill Saul. However, he exercised great restraint because he was a man of principles; and he stood upon the truth of God’s law.
THOUGHT: Love extends kindness even to one’s enemies.
PRAYER: Father, give me a heart of love to love all around me.