Wednesday, March 20
Read 1 Samuel 26
Think About It:
Saul had learned to appreciate David’s skill as a tactician, so he took his 3,000 soldiers to search for David in the wilderness. The Lord kept David safe and delivered him whenever Saul was near. “He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me” Psalm 18:17. That night because of the supernatural sleep sent by the Lord, David and his nephew Abishai were able to penetrate to where Saul and Abner lay. As usual, Saul’s spear was at his hand, the symbol of his office and authority. Abishai looked at Saul and saw an enemy, but David look at him and saw “the Lord’s anointed”. David took his spear and his water jug, just so he could prove to Saul a second time that he didn’t have plans for the king’s life. David didn’t respect the man, but he did respect the God who gave that office to Saul.
When David revealed that he had taken the spear and jug, it was obvious that someone had been in the camp and had gotten very close to the king. Saul recognized David’s voice and responded by calling him “my son”. David, however, did not call him “my father” as he had done in the past, but called him “my lord, O king”. Once again, David tried to reason with Saul and show him how wrong he was in his thinking and acting.
- Because David did not kill Saul, what did the Lord reward him with?
- What did Saul’s officers learn?
- What did David’s Nephew learn?
Family Time:
- Look up “mercy” in the dictionary and write down the definition.
Once, David came upon Saul’s camp and found Saul sleeping. He quietly took Saul’s spear and water jug to prove to Saul how close he had been. After walking a long distance away, David called to Saul and told him that he could have killed him but chose to show mercy. (Mercy is showing kindness even though we have the power or opportunity to hurt someone.)
- David did not kill Saul even though he had the power to do so. What is that called?
- Why do you think Abishai takes Saul’s spear and water jug?
- To David, God’s perfect timing matters more than his own desire to reign. David’s example is one we can follow as we replace our own desires with a yearning for God’s plans and God’s paths.
