“For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? Wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.”
Context:In this chapter, we find David, who was anointed by God to be the next king of Israel, being pursued by Saul, the current king. Due to Saul’s jealousy and fear of David’s rising popularity, he sought to kill him. David, on the other hand, respected Saul’s position as king and did not want to harm him.
“For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away?”: Here, David is expressing a common sentiment that when someone encounters their enemy, they usually do not let them go unharmed. David is highlighting the fact that he spared Saul’s life when he had the opportunity to kill him. This act demonstrates David’s righteousness and respect for Saul’s anointed position as king.
“Wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.”: David acknowledges that he has done a good thing by sparing Saul’s life. He recognizes that his actions were pleasing to the Lord, and he expects God’s blessings and rewards for his righteousness.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- Respect for authority:Despite being anointed as the future king, David did not take matters into his own hands by killing Saul. He respected Saul’s position as the anointed king of Israel, even though Saul had become David’s enemy. This teaches us the importance of honouring and respecting those in authority, even when they mistreat us.
- Mercy and forgiveness:David’s act of sparing Saul’s life demonstrates his mercy and forgiveness. Instead of seeking revenge or taking advantage of the opportunity to eliminate his enemy, David showed grace. This reminds us of the biblical principle of loving our enemies, practising forgiveness, and leaving vengeance to God.
- Trust in God’s rewards:David expresses his confidence that God will reward him for his righteous actions. This highlights the principle of trusting in God’s justice and provision. It reminds us that when we honour God and act in accordance with His will, He will bless us and reward us in due time, even if it doesn’t happen immediately.
Overall, 1 Samuel 24:19 teaches us important lessons about respect for authority, mercy, forgiveness, and trusting in God’s rewards. It showcases David’s character and highlights his righteousness in the face of adversity.
