1 Samuel 26:19

Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, 'Go, serve other gods.'

Study Bible

Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant:
David addresses Saul with respect, acknowledging Saul's position as king. This reflects the cultural importance of hierarchy and respect for authority in ancient Israel. David's approach is humble, recognizing Saul's God-given role despite Saul's pursuit of him.

If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering:
David suggests that if God is the cause of Saul's anger, a sacrificial offering might appease Him. This reflects the Old Testament practice of making offerings to atone for sin or seek favor from God, as seen in Leviticus. It also shows David's understanding of divine sovereignty, acknowledging that God can influence human actions.

But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD!:
David contrasts divine influence with human manipulation, implying that if others have incited Saul, they should be judged by God. This reflects the biblical theme of justice and accountability, as seen in Proverbs 11:21, where the wicked will not go unpunished.

For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD:
David laments being cut off from the land of Israel, which is seen as God's inheritance for His people. This highlights the significance of the Promised Land in Israelite identity and faith, as established in Genesis 12:7. Being exiled from it was akin to being separated from God's presence and blessings.

saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’:
David equates being driven from Israel with being forced to serve other gods, as the land was central to worshiping Yahweh. This underscores the cultural and religious importance of the land, where the true worship of God was to be conducted, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 12:5. It also foreshadows the exile experiences of Israel, where separation from the land led to challenges in maintaining faithfulness to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, currently on the run from King Saul. He is the speaker in this verse, addressing Saul.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, whom David acknowledges as the ultimate authority and judge.

4. Ziph Desert
The location where this event takes place, a wilderness area where David is hiding.

5. Men (Accusers)
Those who have falsely accused David or stirred Saul against him, leading to his unjust persecution.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Sovereignty
David acknowledges that if the LORD is behind Saul's pursuit, then it is part of God's plan. We should trust God's sovereignty in our own trials.

Seek Reconciliation
David offers a solution of making an offering if God is the cause, showing the importance of seeking reconciliation with God and others.

Discernment of Motives
David distinguishes between divine and human motives behind actions. We should seek discernment to understand the true causes of conflicts in our lives.

Value of Spiritual Inheritance
David laments being driven from his spiritual inheritance. We should cherish and protect our spiritual heritage and relationship with God.

Curse of False Accusation
David calls for a curse on those who falsely accuse. We must be cautious not to bear false witness or unjustly accuse others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to Saul's pursuit demonstrate his faith in God's justice and timing?

2. In what ways can we apply David's approach to conflict resolution in our own lives, especially when dealing with false accusations?

3. How does the concept of spiritual inheritance in the Old Testament relate to our understanding of spiritual blessings in Christ?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are not driven away from our "inheritance of the LORD" in our daily lives?

5. How can we discern whether a challenge we face is a test from God or a result of human actions, and how should this affect our response?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 37
This Psalm, attributed to David, speaks of trusting in the LORD and not fretting over evildoers, reflecting David's attitude in 1 Samuel 26.

Deuteronomy 32:8-9
Discusses the inheritance of the LORD, which David refers to when lamenting being driven away from his share in it.

Matthew 5:23-24
Jesus teaches about reconciliation and offering gifts, which parallels David's suggestion of making an offering if the LORD is the one stirring Saul.

Romans 12:19
Paul advises believers to leave vengeance to God, echoing David's refusal to harm Saul despite having the opportunity.