David has left the caves of Adullum. Saul has ordered the massacre of the priests at Nob. David is on the run with 600 men from Saul with 3,000 men. It is a game of “hide and seek” that David cannot afford to lose. David is outnumbered but he uses superior strategy to stay out of harm’s way. David is still on the move for God.

1 – Saul rests himself in a cave (24:1-2)

“To cover his feet” – The expression is a Hebrew euphemism. (This is a nicer way of saying the same thing. E.g. “pro-choice” sounds better than “pro-abortion”). They were hunting David. Saul was tired and went to have some sleep.

“Wilderness of Engedi” – This was one of the bleakest parts of the wilderness of Judah.

“Cave” – A cave was a place of refuge from the weather and wild animals. It was a dry place to sleep. “Sheepcotes” – These were rough stone walls built at the entrance to the caves to protect the sheep from wild beasts and to serve for shelter in case of bad weather.

2 – David spares Saul’s life (24:3-7)

• Leaping at opportunities. We call them “open doors”.

1. An obvious course of action must be the Lord’s will? Favourable circumstances would seem to suggest the Lord’s leading in that particular direction. Saul is delivered on a platter – alone in a cave and totally unaware of any danger. Had not the Lord delivered Saul into David’s hand? (vs. 4).
2. How can a course of action be decided upon? A heart that is established in true godliness will rather interpret the dispensations of Providence as trials of faith and patience, as occasions to practice self-denial, than opportunities for self-indulgence. (See Psalm 37:5-7 & Isaiah 28:16).

• Learning from opportunities.

1. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience rather than the sword. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king.
2. David would not suffer retribution from those about him, never mind himself.
3. Giving due honour “touch not God’s anointed”. We are to honour our Mother and Father. There is to be honour between the wife and husband and in church government (members & Elders).

3 – David proves his innocence (24:8-15)

See Genesis 49:10 – David was of the tribe of Judah. Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin. David was God’s choice of king.

• Do not retaliate. We love to get our own back. Retaliation is the reflex action of injured pride.

1. Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”.
2. Proverbs 25:21-22 “…you will heap burning coals on his head”.
3. Romans 12:17-21 “…Overcoming evil with good” See also Romans 13:1-5.
4. Proverbs 16:32 “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city”.

• Vengeance belongs to God If others wrong us, God will right us. If not here than in the judgment of the great day. David had no root of bitterness – like Saul.
• Love your enemies – Matthew 5:43-48. Why? Because God does. Unbelievers too. Jesus did not retaliate.

Categories: 1 Samuel