David's Test

The book of 1 Samuel recounts a particularly difficult period in Israel’s history. Because the people rejected God as their king and yearned to be like the nations surrounding them, they demanded a human ruler (1 Sam. 8:5-7). 

Consequently, God appointed Saul, a man who stood head and shoulders above the rest. He looked every bit like a king, but he did not continue in God’s path. Thus, God rejected him and declared to the prophet Samuel that David would be the new leader of Israel (15:26; 16:13).

Through a series of God-directed events, David was a beloved, regular visitor to Saul’s palace and even became his son-in-law. But Saul soon grew jealous of the future king and sought to kill him (18:8). As a result, David and his band of soldiers became refugees with Saul’s army hot on their trail. 

At Engedi, the weary king wandered into a cave to sleep, not realizing that David and his band were hiding inside. David’s men urged him to murder Saul and seize the royal throne: "Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you’” (24:4). David refused to take matters into his own hands. At a later date, once more the shepherd had the opportunity to end Saul’s life (26:9), but again he determined to entrust his future to God.

The future king’s integrity teaches us several lessons:

1. God does not need our help to accomplish His purpose in our lives. He is perfectly capable of working without our assistance. Our “help” only messes things up!

2. The ends do not justify the means. Integrity in our day-to-day spiritual journey is just as important as our spiritual destination. God will not bless self-serving motives or methods.

3. Not every opportunity is a God-given opportunity. Sometimes situations arise in which our reliance on God is put to the test. Will we trust in His perfect timing, or try to take matters into our own hands?

May we always rely on God to direct our paths. His way indeed is the best way!

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. (1 Peter 5:6)