Bible Verse Synopsis 6-8-25

1 Samuel 24:

After defeating the Philistines, Saul immediately turns back to hunting down David. Saul is relentless in his pursuit. The corollary I'm drawing from this is; Sin never takes a break and will always tempt us and try to knock us off of God's path. This path is straight and narrow and every little bump makes it easier to fall off next time. That is, unless we ask God for help. David has God's help on his side. We see what David is rewarded with. What will our reward be for staying on the path?

Saul, in pursuit of David, rested in a cave. The very same cave where David and his men were! "And David and his men remained in the sides of the cave." - Verse 3. David's men seemed like this was a message to David from God. "Behold, I (God) will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it shall seem good to you." - Verse 4. David arose and cut off a piece of Saul's robe. This was done at the behest of his men, not the bidding of the Almighty. We are told this in verse 6. "The Lord forbid that I (David) should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord." We know that God had a hand in helping select Saul to be king of Israel, but he was not with God, nor was God with him. Because of God's role in selecting Saul, Saul is still God's choice and His anointed. Because of this, David was not supposed to raise his hand against Saul. If the standard for raising one's hand against is at this level, think how broken Saul is/will be as he seeks to put his hands on David, a chosen boy to lead Israel to prominence in His name. Do we desire to use our hands against others in our lives, like Saul, or do we choose to listen to the Word of God and treat our neighbors as ourselves?

David arose out of the cave and called after Saul. David stooped himself to the ground and bowed himself to Saul. A sign of respect given to a man who had earned none of it, yet God demands it! Just as he demands it from us.

David tells Saul that he spared his life in the cave and shows him the skirt of his robe, which I'm sure someone had to have pointed out to Saul by this point. But in doing so, David shows the opportunity he had to kill Saul and chose to damage his robe to appease his men. Verse 11 says - "for in that I cut off the skirt of your robe, and killed you not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in my hand, and I have not sinned against you; yet you hunt my soul to take it." David continues this monologue trying to discern why Saul is chasing him so. He posits an idea of wickedness in verse 13, but quickly proclaims "but my hand shall not be upon you." David invokes the name of the Lord multiple times to demonstrate his faith to Saul as well to show his servanthood. Saul would be convinced by a man willing to serve and to recognize his power. The flesh is easily transformed in attitude when the situation benefits the flesh. Verse 15 says "The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and you, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out to of your hand." David wants to be rescued and alleviated of all this situation. God has the power to do just that. When should we pray a prayer like this in our lives? What situations would benefit from God's intervention to overcome the flesh?

Saul seems to be overcome with the spirit as he wept for his mistakes and calls David his son. Saul has been moved by this speech of David and is amazed at the power of righteousness. Sparing Saul's life when Saul would have done anything to take David's. How powerful is the call of God? Verse 19 says "For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the Lord reward you good for that you have done unto me this day." It sounds as though Saul now understands what David is doing and has done. Or maybe Saul is understanding God a little more. Is there anywhere in our lives where we seemed to have missed something like this in our lives? Where is God keeping your enemies? Would you cut off the skirt of their robe or stab them in the heart if given the chance?

Saul remembers that prophecy of Samuel in Verse 20. He probably never forgot it, but he recalls it now out loud. Saul has repented again and come back to God's prophecies. Let's hope this lasts longer than the last time Saul repented. Saul asked David to swear an oath to not cut off the seed after me (Saul) and "that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house." David agrees and all of the men returned to their rightful places. With God, even the greatest evil can be overcome. A demon possessed man can have his heart turned to God and a man of God can be saved. What things has God done for you or your family that mirrors this grace?