“So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. 8 Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?10 As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lordhimself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11 But the Lordforbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.” 12 So David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep.” 1 Samuel 26.7-12
It’s as though we’ve read this story before. Saul is found vulnerable before David. David has the chance to get even or to kill him, yet he spares Saul’s life because Saul is still the Lord’s anointed. Even though God brings Saul right before David, he does nothing. Perhaps God is testing David.
As Saul’s army marches again to find David, now with 3,000 elite fighting men, Saul and his army camp for the night. David and Abishai sneak into the camp and enter Saul’s tent. Though the king is surrounded by Abner and his fighting men, God puts them into a deep sleep and keeps them asleep. David walks up to Saul, takes his spear and water jug, and leaves. From a distance, David shouts to Abner and Saul’s army. When Saul realizes it is David, he feels remorse, repents once again, and returns home with his army.
This story is not unlike the cave incident in 1 Samuel 24 (not 25, as the context suggests the earlier event). Saul is brought before David, David spares him, and God works through David to vindicate his character before the king and the armies of Israel.
It’s striking that David would have two such similar opportunities, yet in both, he remained faithful and did not disobey God by killing Saul. David acted with integrity and made the right decision—not just once, but twice.
God will also put us to the test. He does this not to tempt us—for God tempts no one—but to strengthen us, refine us, and find us worthy and willing. To be tempted is not a sin, but giving in certainly is. David was tempted to take matters into his own hands with Saul, but he resisted and allowed God to work things out on His own timetable.
Have you been put to the test—not once, but multiple times? Have you turned away from sin and impending doom? Sin separates us from God. Just as Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness yet remained without sin, so it is with us. We will be tested by God and tempted by the devil. We are to draw near to God, seek the power of the Holy Spirit to live in scriptural holiness, and be set apart. We are to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Whatever is testing or tempting you today, draw near to God. Turn your mind to Christ, and allow Him to fill you with His mercy and love. Turn away from sin and the lures of the flesh. Let Christ dwell richly in your heart by His grace and for His glory.
“O Lord God, You are good. Thank You for being faithful and for filling us with Your Spirit. Help us to walk in newness of life and to find peace and wholeness in purity. Even though temptation is strong, Your love is better. Your ways are wonderful, and Your grace is pure. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us to overflowing. Help us remain strong in the battle, for You are good, and Your mercy endures forever.” Amen