Bible Verse Synopsis 6-10-25
1st Samuel 26
The Ziphites again tell Saul that David is hiding in the wilderness. What the Ziphites had against David must have been a bad deal. This is the second time they have told Saul where David is. And the second time Saul has chased David into the wilderness. It seems as though this fight will never end between them two. After the last interaction between the two men in chapter 24, wouldn’t this conflict be resolved? This shows the evil that possessed Saul and how it can harm our lives. When we are controlled by the sin nature and not by the spirit, we are weak and stubborn like Saul. Have you been like Saul? Or like David?
David and his men came to where Saul and his men had set up their camp. They were able to see where Saul lay his head. They must have been above them on a mountain or hill to be able to see this well. Abishai and David went alone and went by the night. They found Saul lying on the ground asleep and troubled no one as all were sleeping. Verse 8 says - “Then said Abishai to David, God has delivered your enemy into you hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray you, with the spear even to the Earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.” Abishai promises to kill Saul on the first thrust of the spear if David grants it. Will David spare Saul again? Yes he does, and because God chose him those many years ago. “David said furthermore, As the Lord lives, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle and perish.” David puts God in charge of the whole situation. When would we be better off giving God the keys to the car? Are you a better driver than the Lord? I know His route would be straighter than mine.
David was forbidden by the Lord to take Saul in chapter 24. No surprise this holds true still now. “So David took the spear and cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they got them away and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were asleep; because a deep sleep of the lord was fallen upon them.” - Verse 12. David trusted in God’s ways completely. Have we ever done this ourselves and what happened? Do we see the events that transpire to keep David safe? Do we trust in God to provide us with similar events to bless our lives?
Verse 13 says - “Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off: a great space being between them.” Is this not a reminder of the 2 sides of the mountain will the valley in the middle from earlier in 1st Samuel when David defeats Goliath? It is a similar scenario. The spirit and eternal life resides on on hill and the other resides sin and the nature of man. The valley between is barren. Which hill have you chosen to plant your flag? Have you been intentional about where you put it or lackadaisical?
David calls out to Abner. Abner answers and said “who are you who cries to the king?” - Verse 14. David pokes fun at Abner in return for he has not kept the king. Abner did not know what had happened the night before. “As the Lord lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept your master, the Lord’s anointed.” - verse 16. And David showed Abner the spear and the cruse of water that belonged to the king. David embarrassed Abner with this action. When are we like Abner and asleep at the wheel while God is busy working in and around us?
Saul heard David’s voice and comes out to meet him. David asks Saul “Wherefore does my lord thus pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?” - verse 18. David is again confused why Saul has come against him. He wants an explanation. Wouldn’t you and I also want that if we were in David’s shoes? In verse 19 david asks a very important question. Is the Lord inspiring Saul or the gods of man? If it is other gods, then the pursuit and the whole group are cursed before the Lord. Anything done not in the name of God is cursed. Do you pursue life in the name of God or in the name of greed or desires of the flesh?
David appeals to Saul as a flea in verse 20 and there are partridges to pursue instead. David is effectively saying that there are bigger fish to fry than him. Which there are! Our true enemies hide and lurk but pull at us all the time. Are you focused on the flea like Saul or on the partridge? God will show us the path to go as David does to Saul but it is our job to follow the path. Are you following His directions and directives?
Saul repents of his sins, again. The weakness of the easily corruptible flesh shows its head again and Saul is driven again to repent. How many times will we see this out of him? I’ve lost count. Yet somehow, God always gives him the chance, just as He does for us. How many chances has God given you to repent of your sins against Him? I’ve lost count for Saul and for myself.