21 January 2022

He (Saul) said to David, ‘You are more righteous than I; for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. Today you have explained how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For who has ever found an enemy, and sent the enemy safely away? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. Now I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.

From 1 Samuel 24:3-21, NRSV

Despite his promise that he would not kill David, King Saul continued to pursue him. David and his men had taken sanctuary amongst some caves. By chance, Saul had entered alone into the cave where David and his men were hiding. This presented a perfect opportunity for David to do away with Saul. David’s men urged him to make the most of this opportunity but David resisted and ordered his men not to attack. As Saul left the cave, David made known his presence and bowed before the king, acknowledging him as “the anointed of the Lord,” and calling on God to be the judge between them. In his response, Saul admits that David has shown greater honour than himself and seems to recognise David’s right to the kingship of Israel.

• • Why do you suppose that David did not kill his enemy when the chance presented itself?
  • What is your experience of being spared from retribution – or of being the one to do so?

Give thanks for those times when others have been prepared to overlook your faults and failings.