“And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?”
In this passage, David has the opportunity to kill Saul, who was pursuing him out of jealousy and insecurity. However, instead of taking revenge, David demonstrates mercy and respect for the Lord’s anointed king. David sneaks into Saul’s camp with his nephew Abishai while Saul and his men were asleep. Abishai proposes to kill Saul, but David intervenes and prevents him from doing so. David takes Saul’s spear and water jug as evidence of his nearness to the king. He then calls out to Saul’s general, Abner:in order to address the situation.
Respect for authority:Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David had deep respect for the office of the king and the anointing Saul had received from God. He recognized that it was not his place to take matters into his own hands and harm the king, even when Saul was unjustly pursuing him. This teaches us the importance of respecting and honoring those in positions of authority, recognizing that God has established them for a purpose.
Mercy and forgiveness:David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul, who sought his life. However, he consistently chose mercy and forgiveness instead of vengeance. David understood that it was God’s prerogative to judge and remove Saul from the throne if necessary, and he trusted in God’s timing and justice. This reminds us of the power of forgiveness and the call to extend mercy, even when we have been wronged.
Trusting in God’s sovereignty:Throughout his trials and difficulties, David maintained a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. He knew that God had anointed him as the future king and believed that God would fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. David’s actions in sparing Saul’s life reflected his faith that God would bring about justice and deliverance according to His plan. This encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in challenging circumstances, and to rely on Him rather than taking matters into our own hands.
Exercising wisdom and discernment:David’s actions in this passage also highlight his wisdom and discernment. He knew when to act and when to hold back, recognizing that it was not the right time or circumstance to take Saul’s life. David’s decision to call out to Abner rather than resorting to violence showed his ability to navigate a complex situation and exercise restraint. This reminds us of the importance of seeking wisdom from God and exercising discernment in our own lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions or conflicts.
Overall, 1 Samuel 26:14 and the surrounding verses provide valuable lessons on respect for authority, mercy, forgiveness, trust in God’s sovereignty, and exercising wisdom and discernment. It serves as a powerful example of David’s character and his reliance on God’s guidance, encouraging us to emulate these qualities in our own lives.
