1 Samuel 26:7-12: The Mercy of David
The Context
In 1 Samuel 26, we find David in a precarious situation. King Saul, who had once been his friend and mentor, is now seeking to kill him. Despite this, David continues to show remarkable restraint and mercy towards his pursuer.
The Story Unfolds
7 So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there Saul lay sleeping within the circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abishai said to David, "Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one stroke of the spear; I won't strike him twice."
8 But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?"
9 But David said, "As surely as the Lord lives, the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish."
10 But David said, "May God forbid that I should do such a thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, or lay a hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord."
11 Instead, David took the spear and water jug that were near Saul's head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor was anyone awakened. They all remained sleeping, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them.
12 Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on the top of the hill some distance away, with a great distance between them.
The Lesson of Mercy
In this passage, we see David's remarkable display of mercy towards King Saul. Despite having the opportunity to kill his enemy, David chooses not to, citing his reverence for the Lord's anointed. This demonstrates David's trust in God's sovereignty and his commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of showing mercy and compassion to others, even those who may have wronged us. As believers, we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). May we follow David's example and choose to show mercy, even when it is hard.
