Compare Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 22:16 with David's reliance on God. Setting the Stage • 1 Samuel 22 opens with David on the run, while Saul—already hardened against God’s warnings (1 Samuel 15:23)—hunts him. • Ahimelech the priest has helped David, unaware of Saul’s intentions. Saul views this kindness as treason. Saul’s Unchecked Impulses (1 Samuel 22:16) “But the king said, ‘You shall surely die, Ahimelech—you and all your father’s household!’” • Saul issues an immediate death sentence—no inquiry of the LORD, no due process. • He places personal paranoia over God’s sanctity of the priesthood (cf. Numbers 3:10). • Instead of repenting, Saul deepens his rebellion by ordering the slaughter of an entire priestly family (22:18–19). • His authority becomes self-serving, detached from divine guidance, and destructive to God’s people. David’s Habitual Reliance on God 1 Samuel 30:6: “But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” • In crisis, David turns first to the LORD, not to retaliation or panic. • He “inquired of the LORD” before acting (30:8; 23:2, 4). • Earlier, when facing Goliath, David declared, “I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts” (17:45). • His pattern: worship, seek guidance, obey—trusting God for vindication and victory. Side-by-Side Comparison • Source of confidence – Saul: human power, fear, control. – David: God’s presence, promises, and past faithfulness. • Response to threat – Saul: rash violence against innocents. – David: prayer, waiting, strategic action only after divine direction. • View of authority – Saul: throne is a personal possession. – David: throne (future or present) is a stewardship under God. • Outcome – Saul: spiraling downfall, loss of divine favor (1 Samuel 28:15–19). – David: preservation, eventual kingship, lineage culminating in Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1). Spiritual Takeaways for Today • Unchecked fear breeds destructive choices; faith breeds godly courage. • God honors those who inquire of Him before acting (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Leadership divorced from submission to God endangers others; leadership under God shelters and blesses. • Even when surrounded by betrayal or threat, strengthening oneself in the LORD remains the safest and most fruitful response (Psalm 27:1-3). |
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