20 February 2022
Abishai said to David, ‘God has given your enemy into your hand today; now therefore let me pin him to the ground with one stroke of the spear; I will not strike him twice.’ But David said to Abishai, ‘Do not destroy him; for who can raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?’
From 1 Samuel 26:2,7-9,11-13,22-23, NRSV
Many would have had some sympathy with David if he had allowed Abishai to carry out his suggestion. Prior to this, Saul, driven by envy of David’s growing success, had twice attempted to pin him to the wall with his spear. When David and his companions came across Saul asleep and undefended, it would have been very easy to gain the upper hand and to be rid of the person who stood between him and his own destiny as King. However, on this occasion, David saw the need for restraint. He realised that he would be tainted and therefore unworthy of his future kingship if he allowed the killing of Saul. Even though it meant he would have to wait until he became King, David knew that any attempt to destroy Saul would be sinful.
- What does David’s decision tell us of his character?
- When have you been tempted by the possibility of revenge?
Pray today for those consumed with the desire for revenge.
