Are we willing to submit to God’s plan for our lives, even in severe trials? David was a man who proved in the trials of life that God could trust him. 1 Samuel 26
Once again some people, the Ziphites, went to Saul and told him where David and his men were staying – they betrayed him. Saul took his 3000 chosen men and despite his previous encounter with David in the cave, set out to kill him. Saul wouldn’t allow David to live and be a threat to his kingship, even though David had vowed not to harm his family. Sometimes people will do anything to hold on to power – but true power comes from God alone.
12 Wealth and honour come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29
The words of David when he made preparations for Solomon to build the Temple.
David would eventually be the man God used to initiate the building of His Temple in Jerusalem, (the first place on earth for men to worship the living God) but first he had many trials and much opposition to endure.
David and his 600 men were in the desert of Ziph, not trusting in walls and gates to protect/trap them. They stayed in the open where they had freedom to move quickly. Saul and his army had camped by the roadside, near the hill of Hakilah and during the night had fallen asleep.
David and Abishai went down into the camp and found Saul sleeping, surrounded by his army. Once again Abishai wanted to kill Saul with his spear but David refused to ‘raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed’. 1 Samuel 26:11 Instead they took his spear and water jug and went to a nearby hill, some distance from the camp. They began to call out to the army from there and Saul recognised David’s voice. Saul realised that David had been right beside him in the dark and could have taken his life.
12 They were all sleeping, because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep.
God gave Saul into David’s hands a second time. It was as if He was saying, are you sure you won’t take matters into your own hands, against this man who’s hunting you down, but David didn’t touch Saul. He left the situation with God.
23 The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord gave you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. 24 As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.’
The account ended with Saul blessing David. It could have ended with Saul lying with Abishai’s spear in him and bloodshed. Soon after this David left Israel and lived in the land of the Philistines for over a year, but God eventually brought him back to reign as king over the whole land.
Just because God allows an opportunity for us to get back at someone doesn’t mean we should. Much better to let God fight for us and accept His outcome.
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