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DAVID SAVED SAUL’S LIFE A SECOND TIME
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
1 Samuel 26

Mark 12:28-34

 

“…Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. There is none other

commandment greater than these.”

 

DAVID SAVED SAUL’S LIFE A SECOND TIME
 
David again cornered King Saul, sparing his life once more. Nightfall is strategically useful in warfare. King Saul and his army fell asleep when night came, and David was hiding not far from where the king’s team was camped. His informants had verified where everyone was sleeping, and informed David accordingly.
 
David then made his way to where the king slept; he was accompanied by one assistant only. When they came, the whole company was asleep. The king’s spear was stuck in the ground by his side, and his cruse of water was there too. Abishai saw this as a good opportunity to kill Saul. He saw this as a way to end the strive, but David had a different understanding. He restrained Abishai from doing any harm to the king. David feared the Lord and he knew that the Lord had sent a heavy sleep upon Saul’s company. As such, he told Abishai to take the spear and the cruse of water, whilst the Lord sent a heavy sleep upon Saul’s company. They had to prove that they had been in the camp, yet they did not kill. David believed that when the time came, the Lord would smite Saul. To submit to the will of the Lord is the best option.
 
Having the king’s spear and the cruse of water was evidence of their entry into Saul’s camp. 1 Samuel 26:12 says that it was the Lord who sent a heavy sleep upon them. David went a distance away where his voice could still be heard, and shouted to Abner and the people in the camp. According to the wisdom given by God, David chose the approach of kindness and obedience to the Lord.
 
Though Saul regarded him as an enemy, David used the opportunity to show that he feared the Lord and loved his king. He was persuaded that he had to keep the law of the Lord regardless of his circumstances. The sum of God’s law is to love the Lord and our neighbour. David knew the Law, and he demonstrated that obedience to the law of God is superior to carnality.
 
THOUGHT: The test of love is seen in how I treat my enemies.
PRAYER: Father, help me to choose to love my enemies, and not to take revenge.

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