1 Samuel 24

Saul was against David, but David was not against Saul. How was this possible? What kind of spirit was in this man that allowed him to show deference to Saul as the Lord's anointed?

When David had the opportunity to end the madness by killing this king of malice, he would not allow his friends to take Saul's life. This restraint moved even Saul. The son of Kish had a moment of sanity as he considered that David was unwilling to raise his hand against the first king of Israel.

It was David's determination that the Lord Himself would judge between him and Saul. David entrusted his life and the future of the kingdom to God.

David did not desire Saul's life, but He did seek vindication from God. He knew the man who was against him well enough to realize that he could not entrust himself to Saul. Though this ruler had moments of repentance, Saul could not be counted on to spare David's life as David had spared Saul's life.

Saul wept when he heard David's voice. Nothing dries faster than a tear in the eye of a man with a twisted mind.

Saul's words that day in praise of David were prophetic. He said, “I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.” That day would come before long, but there would be more suffering for David at the direction of Saul before David was recognized by all Israel as the king.

At least for this day, Saul saw his need for David's blessing. He sought David's promise of protection for his offspring when the day of his reign would come. David swore this to Saul.

Saul went home, but David did not follow him there. He and his men would live like fugitives in the wilderness for some time yet.

Psalms 42 and 43 both contain this chorus: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”

Our hope is not built on any ruler's moments of sanity or on the charity of those who may one day turn against us and take their stand against Jesus and His church. We have a firmer rock upon which we stand.

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' Name. On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.”