“And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD’S anointed?”
Context:The book of 2 Samuel records the events following the death of Saul, the first king of Israel, and the rise of David as the second king. In this particular verse, David is speaking to an Amalekite who claims to have killed Saul.
Respect for God’s anointed:David’s question to the Amalekite reflects his deep respect for Saul, who was anointed by God to be the king of Israel. Despite the strained relationship between David and Saul, David still recognised Saul’s anointing and understood that it was not his place to harm the Lord’s chosen leader.
The importance of God’s anointing:Throughout the Old Testament, the anointing of a person with oil was a significant symbol of God’s selection and empowerment for a specific role or purpose. In the case of Saul, he was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). David himself was anointed by Samuel to be the future king (1 Samuel 16:13). Both instances highlight the sacredness and significance of God’s anointing.
David’s reverence for authority:David’s question to the Amalekite also demonstrates his reverence for authority and his commitment to honour God’s appointed leaders. Despite the injustices and difficulties he faced at the hands of Saul, David did not take matters into his own hands or seek to overthrow Saul by force. Instead, he waited for God’s timing and trusted in God’s sovereignty to bring about his own ascension to the throne.
Lessons for us:This verse reminds us of the importance of respecting and honouring those in authority, even if we may disagree with them or face mistreatment from them. It is not our place to take matters into our own hands or seek personal vengeance. Instead, we should trust in God’s sovereignty and seek His guidance and direction in all circumstances.
Application:In our lives today, we can apply the principle from this verse by respecting and praying for our leaders, whether they are political leaders, spiritual leaders, or other authority figures. We can trust that God is ultimately in control and will bring about His purposes according to His perfect will.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 1:14 showcases David’s respect for God’s anointed leaders and his commitment to honour the authority appointed by God. It teaches us to reverence those in authority, trust in God’s sovereignty, and seek His guidance in all situations.
