When two people or two philosophies compete it is inevitable for decisions based on loyalty to be made. David and Saul have been anointed King of Israel. Now their loyalty to God, and to each other, will be tested. Their words and actions are an excellent example of the value God places on attitudes concerning those he has placed in positions of authority.
Treachery Intended (I Samuel 24:20-22; 26:1-2)
David and Saul have been engaged in a challenge for leadership. Saul seeks to kill David, but David goes out of his way to spare the life of Saul. Each recognizes the other’s legitimate claim to leadership in Israel. Saul says of David, “I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands” (I Samuel 24:20). Earlier in the same dialogue David said of Saul, “I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed” (I Samuel 24:10). Recognizing the other’s calling should have been sufficient to insure proper actions by both men, but each pursued a different path.
Saul had asked David to take an oath preserving his place in the royal lineage which would have effectively meant sparing his life. David did as Saul requested (I Samuel 24:21-22). David must have feared Saul’s kind words were shallow and without meaning and he and his men flee to “the stronghold” for protection (I Samuel 24:22).
David honors his oath. Between the beginning of I Samuel 24 and the end of I Samuel 26 David has at least two opportunities to kill Saul. Each time David refuses to, “lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed” (I Samuel 26:11). David exhibits true loyalty first to God, and then to Saul. Saul on the other hand displays loyalty to neither God nor David.
If David is a lesson in loyalty, Saul is the poster-child for selfish ambition. Saul knew who David was and who he would become (I Samuel 24:20). He also knew and understood what would have been the right thing to do. Yet he chose the path of self protection. Saul was only loyal to self.
From time to time every person is called upon to make decisions of loyalty in a plethora of different circumstances. Two valuable lessons can be lifted from the example of Saul. First, God honors those who are loyal to him, an idea more fully developed at the end of this lesson. God also honors those who respect the positions of those God has anointed to positions of leadership.
Trust Applied (I Samuel 26:7-12)
Given Saul’s actions David would have been justified in taking Saul’s life. It even appears God had “set the table” for David to take such an action by causing a deep sleep to fall on Saul and his men at the cave on the hill of Hakilah (I Samuel 26:12). Again, David refused to bring any harm to the king and God’s anointed. This time David makes a proclamation concerning why he was able to spare the life of a man determined to kill him. David says, “As surely as the Lord lives the Lord himself will strike him (Saul); either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish” (I Samuel 26:10).
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David suggests a theology which would later be expanded by the Apostle Paul. It is, in a nutshell of modern vernacular, “just because it is legal doesn’t make it right.” David suggests a law higher than the laws of man and a path greater than a man’s vengeance. It is the ability to, by faith, trust God’s timetable. David’s trust in God and his willingness to wait on the Lord surely helped to establish him as a man after God’s own heart.
The personal application is clearly evident. Many times circumstances arise to take advantage of a situation to do the expedient thing. Yet the higher calling of a believer is to not seek personal fulfillment but to trust judgment into God’s hands.
Loyalty Rewarded (I Samuel 26:21-25)
Following his second refusal to kill Saul David makes two extremely important statements concerning his own personal theology. First, David makes a statement concerning his belief in the sanctity of human life. He says to Saul, “surely I valued your life today” (I Samuel 26:24). Even the life of an enemy seeking to destroy has value. David also, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks of God’s feeling toward those who follow him, “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (I Samuel 26:23).
David also offers a word of testimony concerning his own expectations. Speaking of what he envisions God doing in response to his actions David says, “so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from my troubles” (I Samuel 26:24). God’s followers can be so bold as to have expectations of God’s blessing following faithful and loyal service to him.
Even Saul commented on the reward of David’s loyalty, “may you be blessed, my son David; you will do great things and surely triumph” (I Samuel 26:25). It is not as much an understanding word of praise for David as it is a recognition of the faithful rewards of God.
Conclusion
Being a follower of the Lord does not insulate a believer from those who seek to do harm. While God allows for self defense, he is honored by a deep trust that places response in his hands. God desires that every believer should be loyal to him, the leading of his Spirit and to the principles of his Word. Those who honor God and are loyal to him will be blessed.
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