Our study of Judges and Samuel have shown us that sin can be cyclical in life. Victory over a sin once does not guarantee victory over that sin forever. Sometimes temptation returns like a boomerang when we aren’t looking and don’t expect it. At other times, temptation veils itself in a new way and creeps in. Even more often, temptation can simply return in the exact same way over and over like waves to the shore. We must follow and trust as God leads us to persevere over sin through Christ.
Saul: In 1 Samuel 23:19, the Ziphites reported David’s location to Saul who brought thousands of soldiers to kill David. After David spared Saul’s life, Saul wept and promised (again) not to chase David. In 26:1, the same Ziphites come to Saul reporting that David is in the same location as before. Saul goes back on his word and seeks to kill Saul again.
David: David was encouraged by his men in 1 Samuel 24 to end Saul’s life and take the promised kingdom. Instead, David spared Saul and trusted the Lord to “judge… see… plead… and deliver.” David almost killed Nabal and all the men of his household in 1 Samuel 25, but he received “blessed advice” from a wise woman and kept a clean conscience before God. Now, in 1 Samuel 26, David has the same type of opportunity to end Saul’s life. Would the circumstance, Saul’s betrayal, and the encouragement of a trusted man convince David to do wrong to gain something that was “right”?

 

1. The Death of Nabal – 25:32-41
a. Abigail reminded David that God had dealt with his enemies before
(Goliath).
b. David trusted God to be God.
c. God proved Himself to be the judge of sin and avenger of injustice.
d. This had to have been a significant and influential lesson for David to
learn before this second opportunity to kill Saul.
Apply: Circumstances do not change or dictate the character of God. What He has been, He will be. God cares for His people and guides all things for their best. Do we trust God even in the “unfair” circumstances in life? When temptation comes that pits man’s opportunity against God’s authority, how do we respond?

 

 

2. Saul chases David again. – 26:1-6
a. The Bible tells us of nothing that David did to provoke Saul’s wrath.
David had not advanced on the kingdom or made a move for authority.
David had done nothing to go back on his promise from 24:22.
Since his promise, David had only been tempted, chosen right, and ultimately been blessed.
Apply: Difficult circumstances in life, particularly the bitter ire of other people, are not always an indication of sin or God’s chastening. Don’t give up when doing right does not “produce results”.

b. Saul had the upper hand once again and abused his position.
Like a wounded animal backed into a corner, sometimes our circumstance can tempt us to respond in kind or overreact.
c. Several descriptions of Saul indicate that he was paranoid.(22:6, 26:7)
A constant demeaner of conflict might indicate a sinful heart.

 

 

3. David spares Saul again. – 26:7-20
Pragmatism is a dangerous metric to gauge our decisions if it leads us into conflict with God’s Word. When doing right produces difficulty, it can be tempting to change course.
a. David had an opportunity to kill Saul in his sleep in the dark.
Opportunity is never a condoning or confirming of God’s will when it directly conflict with God’s way.
God had never instructed David to battle or kill any of His people or the current king of Israel.
b. David was encouraged to kill by his nephew (1 Chron. 2:16) and loyal
man, Abishai.
The counsel of trusted people is not sufficient when it comes into conflict with God’s desire and clear command.
Abishai even offered to do the killing himself.
c. David attempted to do the same thing as before. He defended his
innocence while attempting to reconcile using logic and spiritual
reasoning.

 

 

Apply:
1. Trust God to make things right. (not people)
– Rom. 12:19,

2. Be alert to temptations and where you may be most vulnerable.
– James 1:13-14, Luke 4:13, Heb. 4:15

3. Commit to a right relationship with God above everything else.
– Being right over men but wrong with God is a miserable place to be.
– Prov. 16:7, Rom. 8:32

4. Commit your way to the Lord and leave the results up to Him.
– God rewards those who follow Him in doing right.
– 1 Sam. 26:24, Heb. 6:10, Ps. 37:5-6