First Reading:  1 Samuel 26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23

Embarrass the King

This passage represents the second time David was able to catch King Saul off guard. The first time, David was able to approach the sleeping Saul by accident; David took hem of Saul's tunic, only to repent of his action.

This time, Saul pursued David [2]. Even though Saul surrounded himself with guards, David calculated his approach. Remembering God's will in the person of Saul, David resisted the temptation to kill his enemy [7-8]. Instead, David took the symbols of Saul's survival (water jug) and military power (spear) [12-13].

From an opposite high point, David taunts Saul; he challenged the King to send one of his servants to retrieve the items. This is a rhetorical remark, for David had the high ground to fend off an attack. The real purpose of the taunt was revealed; David could have killed the king but spared Saul's life at cost of his royal honor. David was the better warrior and power of this story would galvanize popular support for David. Saul was in decline. From this point on, David did not try to reconcile with Saul. In David's mind, the inevitable was in God's hands. [22-23]

No one escapes the wrath of an enemy. But, how do we, as Christians, respond to direct attack or slander? Do we return in kind, or do we trust God with the outcome? This is the true measure of our moral character.

How do you trust God with bickering? With gossip? How has God helped you in these times of temptation and trial?