“The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.”
This verse comes from a narrative in the First Book of Samuel, which tells the story of David, who would later become the renowned King of Israel. At this point in the story, David was being pursued by King Saul, who saw him as a threat to his own reign.
Context:In this chapter, David and a select group of his men had the opportunity to ambush Saul while he was sleeping. They crept into Saul’s camp, and David’s men encouraged him to strike Saul down, assuring him that God had delivered his enemy into his hands. However, David’s response in verse 11 shows his unwavering respect for the Lord’s anointed, despite the intense persecution he was facing from Saul.
The Lord’s Anointed:David refers to Saul as “the Lord’s anointed.” In ancient Israel, kings were anointed with oil as a symbol of God’s choice and blessing upon them. David recognized that even though Saul was pursuing him unjustly, he was still the king appointed by God. David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king, but he respected the anointing that Saul had received earlier.
The Principle of Non-Retaliation:David’s words reflect a deep reverence for God’s sovereignty and the principle of non-retaliation. Despite the opportunity to rid himself of his enemy, David refuses to harm Saul. He believes it is not his place to take matters into his own hands and take the life of someone whom God had anointed. Instead, he chooses to trust in God’s timing and plan for his own kingship.
Demonstrating Restraint and Trust:David’s actions reveal his trust in God’s providence. He approaches Saul’s camp, takes the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s side, and then retreats to a safe distance. Later, when Saul wakes up, David calls out to him from a distance, showing that he had no intention of harming the king. This interaction provides another opportunity for David to demonstrate his loyalty, respect, and trust in God’s timing for his own reign.
Application:The story of David and Saul holds several lessons for us. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of respecting authority, even when mistreated. David’s refusal to harm Saul sets an example for us to honor those in positions of authority, even if they act unjustly. Secondly, it teaches us to trust in God’s timing and not take matters into our own hands. David trusted that God would fulfill His promise of making him king in His own way and time.
In summary, 1 Samuel 26:11 showcases David’s unwavering respect for Saul as the Lord’s anointed, his adherence to the principle of non-retaliation, and his trust in God’s timing. The passage reminds us to honor authority, trust in God’s plans, and exercise restraint even in the face of injustice.
