How does 1 Samuel 22:17 demonstrate the consequences of rejecting God's anointed? Setting the Scene - Saul has rejected God’s direction (1 Samuel 15) and is now alienated from the LORD. - David, anointed by Samuel to be the next king (1 Samuel 16:12–13), is on the run. - The priests at Nob innocently helped David, unaware of Saul’s hostility (1 Samuel 21:1–6). - Saul discovers their aid and lashes out in paranoia and rage. Text: 1 Samuel 22:17 “Then the king ordered the guards standing nearby, ‘Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, but they did not inform me!’ But the king’s servants refused to lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.” Key Observations • Saul targets “the priests of the LORD,” God’s representatives. • His command flows from jealousy toward David, God’s chosen king. • Even Saul’s own guards sense the horror of the order and refuse to comply. • The passage highlights a clash between human authority in rebellion (Saul) and divine authority vested in His anointed (David). Consequences of Rejecting God’s Anointed 1. Spiritual Blindness – Saul’s fear overrides reason; he cannot discern right from wrong (cf. 1 Samuel 18:12). 2. Moral Collapse – Ordering priestly murder shows a heart hardened by persistent disobedience (Hebrews 3:13). 3. Loss of Loyal Support – His guards balk; authority erodes when it opposes God (Proverbs 29:2). 4. Accelerated Judgment – Saul’s action sets in motion his own downfall (1 Samuel 31:1–6). 5. Collateral Suffering – Doeg later carries out the slaughter (1 Samuel 22:18-19), illustrating how rejecting God’s chosen brings devastation to others. Echoes Across Scripture • “Do not touch My anointed ones; do My prophets no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16:22) • Korah’s rebellion ends in swift judgment (Numbers 16). • The Amalekite who claimed to kill Saul—God’s former anointed—dies for raising a hand against him (2 Samuel 1:14-16). • Nations rage against the LORD and “His Anointed” but are warned to “kiss the Son” or face wrath (Psalm 2:2, 12; Acts 4:26-27). Lessons for Today - God defends those He appoints; resisting them invites serious consequences. - Spiritual pride and jealousy open the door to destructive choices. - Standing with God’s anointed—despite risk—aligns us with God’s will and protection. |
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