Topical Bible: Mercy: David to Saul

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The concept of mercy is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and one of the most poignant examples is found in the relationship between David and King Saul. This narrative, primarily located in the books of 1 Samuel, illustrates the profound depth of mercy as demonstrated by David, who, despite being pursued by Saul, chooses to spare his life on multiple occasions.

David's Anointing and Saul's Jealousy

David's journey begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:13: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." This divine selection sets the stage for the tension between David and Saul, as Saul, the reigning king, becomes increasingly aware of David's favor with God and the people of Israel.

Saul's jealousy and fear of losing his throne lead him to view David as a threat. In 1 Samuel 18:9, it is written, "So Saul eyed David from that day forward." Saul's animosity grows, and he repeatedly seeks to kill David, forcing David to flee and live as a fugitive.

David Spares Saul's Life

Despite Saul's relentless pursuit, David consistently chooses the path of mercy. One of the most significant instances occurs in the wilderness of En Gedi. In 1 Samuel 24, Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men are hiding deeper inside. David's men see this as an opportunity to kill Saul, but David refuses, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD" (1 Samuel 24:6).

Instead of taking Saul's life, David secretly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe. After Saul leaves the cave, David reveals himself and demonstrates his innocence and loyalty by showing the piece of the robe. David's act of mercy is a powerful testament to his respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's justice.

A Second Act of Mercy

David's mercy is further exemplified in 1 Samuel 26, when he again spares Saul's life. Saul and his men are encamped, and David, accompanied by Abishai, infiltrates the camp at night. Abishai urges David to kill Saul, but David responds, "Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?" (1 Samuel 26:9). Instead, David takes Saul's spear and water jug as evidence of his presence and mercy.

The next morning, David calls out to Saul from a safe distance, demonstrating once more his unwillingness to harm the king. Saul, moved by David's righteousness, acknowledges his own wrongdoing and blesses David, saying, "May you be blessed, my son David; you will accomplish great things and surely prevail" (1 Samuel 26:25).

Theological Implications

David's mercy towards Saul is a profound reflection of his character and faith. It underscores the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19) and highlights the importance of respecting God's anointed, even when they falter. David's actions foreshadow the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and mercy towards one's enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Through these narratives, the Bible presents mercy not as a sign of weakness, but as a powerful expression of faith and obedience to God. David's restraint and compassion serve as a model for believers, illustrating the transformative power of mercy in the face of enmity and injustice.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 24:10-13,17
Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered you to day into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill you: but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD's anointed.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David and Jonathan's Son
... of showing 'the kindness of God' to any remaining of Saul's house. ... obligation of
the oath to Jonathan, but it hallows David's purposed 'mercy' as the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

The History of David
... anointed thee king upon Israel, and kept thee from the hand of Saul, and I ... deus
[Have pity on me, O God!], which is a psalm of mercy, for David did great ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... his sin, and with deepened trust in God's mercy, and many ... remember, too, how it had
fared with David's predecessor. Saul had been chosen by God; had been for a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... "Is this thy voice, my son David? and Saul lift up his voice, and wept" (1 Samuel
24:16). Such a melting influence has God's mercy; it makes the eyes drop with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm

How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ...
... David accepted her presents, and said, "Nay, but, O woman, it was no other than
God's mercy which brought thee ... But when David heard that Saul was coming ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how david when.htm

Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo
... We have the momentary melting of Saul's heart. ... is a piteous remembrance of the days
when David soothed him ... the divine purpose, and his appeal for mercy to his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love for hate the true.htm

How Like the Prophecy About Christ in the 89Th Psalm is to the ...
... be divinely restrained by human correction, mercy being still ... He Himself saith from
heaven, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest ... if I lie unto David," [1054] "that is ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 how like the prophecy.htm

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... 2. Mephibosheth and Mercy. II Samuel. 3. Absalom and Pride. ... 3. How long was David
hunted by Saul and at what age? 4. Where and how did David spare Saul? ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv and v the kingdom.htm

The Exile.
... correspond with the circumstances of David during the ... with the historical indications
of Saul's gratuitous hatred ... of glad affiance in the "God of his mercy.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... men gathered round David, but he remained a loyal outlaw, and always abstained from
any act against his sovereign, even though Saul twice lay at his mercy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm