February 15, 2021 – 1 Samuel 24-31

In chapter 24, an amazing episode that shows David’s character and, also, one great difference between him and Saul. Pursuing David, Saul stepped into a cave to relieve himself and, unknown to Saul, the very cave where David was hiding from him. What an opportunity for David to kill the king and get rid of his mortal enemy! And no one would know. Hmmm . . . Against the strong counsel of his own men, David replied, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed” (24:6). And David’s words to Saul: “May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you” (24:12). As with Goliath and as when fighting against his enemies, over and over, David entrusted his life to God. The Lord would deal rightly with Saul.

I am not a fan of the televangelist Kenneth Copeland and his preaching of the prosperity gospel, not at all. But, here, he makes some good points, I think, which I have adapted (First and, probably, the last time I’ll ever quote/reference him. Just was looking something up and saw this; adaptation is mine.). Ways God deals with our enemies:

1. He will bring everything hidden into the light (Luke 6:27-36, then Luke 8:17).

2. He is the God of justice, and He loves justice. He will avenge us. “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:9).

3. He won’t let enemies succeed against us. Our greatest enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy. Sometimes, it even seems like his plans are succeeding. To Israel, and from the Lord, Isaiah declared, “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment” (Isaiah 54:17).

4. He has promised to prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23:5).

5. Through Jesus and his work, God has defeated all our enemies : Satan (Hebrews 12:4), sin (1 John 1:9), and death itself (1 Corinthians 15:6).

Saul’s reign, though marked with victories over Israel’s enemies, was a mess. David often found himself the target of Saul’s anger and murderous actions but, always, David could trust God. As can we!