1 Samuel 24 - Introduction

Section 4 C. David's Threefold Obedience In Sparing Fools (24:1-26:25).

In contrast with the threefold disobedience of Saul in 13-15 we now have three examples of David's obedience to YHWH in the face of provocation, two in relation to Saul and one in relation to Nabal. As Saul had deteriorated, so David advances. We may see them as follows:

David Is Pursued In The Wilderness Of Engedi And Spares Saul's Life Because He Is YHWH's Anointed (1 Samuel 24:1).

David Seeks Hospitality From Nabal And On Being Rebuffed Sets Out To Gain Vengeance, Being Prevented By The Courage, Wisdom And Goodness Of Abigail, Nabal's Wife (1 Samuel 25:1).

David Is Pursued In The Wilderness Of Ziph, And Spares Saul's Life Because He Is YHWH's Anointed (1 Samuel 26:1).

We note that there is an interesting parallel between Saul's dual pursuit of David, and David's pursuit of Nabal. Both were seeking vengeance and both were prevented from attaining their object by being made to feel ashamed. However, the difference between them lay in the fact that David had some justification for his action, and in that he was deeply concerned at the thought of the possibility of offending YHWH. This last trait of David, in fact, comes out in all three incidents.

A further point that comes out in the three incidents is David's obedience to YHWH. In the first and third cases he restrains himself from vengeance and refuses to lay a hand on YHWH's anointed, and in the second case he restrains himself from vengeance once the folly of his adventure is brought to his attention.

David Shows Mercy To Saul In Engedi (1 Samuel 24:1).

In this passage we have the first of three examples of David's full obedience to YHWH. In this first example he has Saul at his mercy and yet spares him because he is ‘YHWH's anointed' (see 1 Samuel 24:6; 1 Samuel 24:10; 1Sa 26:9; 1 Samuel 26:11; 1 Samuel 26:16; 1Sa 26:23; 2 Samuel 1:14; 2 Samuel 1:16). He refuses to make a move before God's time, on the one chosen by YHWH. The result is that Saul declares that one day he will be king over Israel (1 Samuel 24:20).

The whole chapter may be analysed as follows:

Analysis.

a David goes to the strongholds of Engedi (1 Samuel 23:29).

b Saul is delivered into David's hands and his men call on him to take vengeance (1 Samuel 24:1 a).

c David cuts off the hem of Saul's robe and refuses to act against YHWH's anointed (1 Samuel 24:4).

d David reveals to Saul his innocence concerning his attitude towards YHWH's anointed (1 Samuel 24:8)..

c David reveals the hem that he has cut from Saul's robe and declares his innocence of any intention to hurt Saul (1 Samuel 24:11).

b Saul declares his admiration for the way that David has spared his life (1 Samuel 24:17).

a David returns to the stronghold (1 Samuel 24:22).