Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 26 and Psalm 72

The events of 1 Samuel 26 closely resemble those of chapter 24. And we learn a lot from the marked contrast between David and Saul.

David: Once again the LORD creates a situation where David has the opportunity to kill Saul if he so chooses. Yet, once again, David refuses to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed king. It would have been very easy for him to justify killing Saul. He could have relied on Saul’s obvious intention to murder him, along with what appeared to be a circumstantial confirmation of God’s “permission” to take Saul’s life. But David once again made a decision based on a deep sense of godliness, justice and the sovereignty of God. David lived to please his LORD.

Saul: It’s a sobering reality that this was the second time David had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose not to, and then immediately showed Saul evidence of having spared his life. Yet, despite his dramatic sorrow the first time and his undertaking not to hunt David (in chapter 24), Saul had not truly repented. Here he was – hunting David yet again. And despite saying: “I will not try to harm you again” (1 Sam 26:21), Saul was soon back to his murderous intentions again (chapter 28). Saul lived only for himself.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I have sorrowed over my sin, without allowing that sorrow to produce true repentance. Help me to be like David was in this chapter, and to live my life to please you, even when it means taking the road less travelled. By Your grace, I pray. Amen.