March 25, 2026 - 1 Samuel 24-27

An amazing story of trust (in God) and loyalty (to the king) on David’s part.  Saul was told, “’Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.’  Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David [to kill him]” (24:1-2).  The story goes like this:  Saul went into a cave to relieve himself and, unknown to Saul, David was hiding there.  David’s men saw a great opportunity for David to kill Saul and escape but David stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe while he was taking care of business and said to his men, “He said to his men, “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).

When David and Saul met up, David said to the king, “I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. May the LORD judge between me and you, may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you” (24:11-12).  As soon as David finished speaking, Saul said, “’Is this your voice, my son David?’  And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, ‘You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil’” (24:16-17).  Because David fully trusted in God (Can’t help but think, also, of the Goliath story and others.), he did not need to fear man.  Because David’s future was fully in God’s hands, he did not need to maneuver himself onto the throne of Israel (Chapter 26, also.).    “Lord, grant to us this same trust and confidence in you and your care for us that we might live our lives with joy and a sure hope.”

Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;

Living with Jesus, a new life divine;

Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,

Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

Moment by moment I’m kept in his love;

Moment by moment I’ve life from above;

Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;

Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

Never a trial that he is not there,

Never a burden that he doth not bear,

Never a sorrow that he doth not share,

Moment by moment, I’m under his care.   --D. W. Whittle (1893)