How does 1 Samuel 26:18 connect with Romans 12:19 on vengeance? Setting the Scene: David and Saul • Saul, driven by jealousy, is hunting David. • David slips into Saul’s camp, stands over the sleeping king, but spares his life (1 Samuel 26:7-12). • From a safe distance David calls out, and 1 Samuel 26:18 records the core of his appeal: “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hands?” David’s Heart Revealed in 1 Samuel 26:18 • Innocence asserted—David has no wrongdoing that would justify Saul’s rage. • Refusal to retaliate—though he had the opportunity, he will not “stretch out [his] hand against the LORD’s anointed” (v. 23). • Trust in God’s justice—David declares, “The LORD will reward each man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (v. 23). Paul Echoes the Same Principle in Romans 12:19 “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’” Threads that Tie the Two Passages Together • Same Source of justice – David: “The LORD will repay.” – Paul cites Deuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance is Mine.” • Restraint from personal retaliation – David restrains sword; believers are told, “Do not avenge yourselves.” • Confidence in God’s timing – David: Saul will fall “either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish” (v. 10). – Paul: leave “room for God’s wrath,” trusting God’s perfect schedule. • Good repaid for evil – David returns mercy for Saul’s hostility. – Romans 12 continues: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him” (v. 20). Supporting Passages • Proverbs 20:22—“Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.” • 1 Peter 2:23—Christ “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” • Psalm 37:7-9—“Do not fret when men succeed in their ways… Refrain from anger.” Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Resist the impulse to settle scores—imitate David’s restraint and Christ’s example. • Speak truth without spite—David exposed Saul’s wrong yet honored him as king. • Anchor hope in divine justice—God sees, records, and will act righteously. • Respond with tangible kindness—overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). |
    |