David Bible Study Lesson Snippet
If the opportunity arises should Christians get even?
1 Sam 24:4 Then the men of David said to him, "This is the day of which the Lord said to you, 'Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.' " And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe.
David’s men were the first to speak. They perceived this event as a sign from God, that it was God’s will to take the life of Saul. They even quoted a saying or psalm that the enemies of David would be delivered into his hand. From the natural man you can understand how they thought this, they were being persecuted, hunted, and were running from place to place. To take Saul's life would end their suffering and would place David on the throne. However, opportunity does not make a wrong thing right! Just because there was a ship sailing to Tarshish did not make it right for Jonah to take passage. Many Christians think, as David’s men did, that opportunity is a sign from God but we must be careful that we don’t act in haste but trust God to reveal his will.
David approaches Saul with a dagger in his hand, all he has to do is plunge it in and all his problems will go away. David however chooses a different path to his men’s advice and cuts the corner of Saul’s robe instead.
Love your enemies
There are 2 ways God tests David in this passage:
The first is what we do with those that mistreat us? What was David to do with Saul who had continually mistreated him? Should he react in the natural, get even, payback, revenge, or claim his rights? We as Christians should expect to be mistreated. We are hated by Satan and the world because of our love for Christ and God uses these things to conform us to the image of Christ.
Matthew 5.44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
Romans 12. 17-21 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Even Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane knowing that he was going to be betrayed called Judas friend. In the very act of utter mistreatment and betrayal he showed grace. Peter on the other hand acted out of protection. In the natural he didn’t understand God’s plan, that Jesus would be mistreated, rejected, crucified and rise again. So Peter took out his sword and cut off the high priest servant's ear. Jesus then showed grace and mercy in this act of betrayal and healed the man’s ear. What would this man have thought? Did his master hear of this event and resulting miracle?
From: 1 Sam 24 - David's mercy to King Saul