Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionPrudence, a virtue characterized by wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment, is exemplified in the biblical narrative of David's conduct toward King Saul. David's interactions with Saul, as recorded in the books of 1 Samuel, provide a profound illustration of prudence in the face of adversity and hostility. Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David consistently demonstrated restraint, respect, and wisdom in his dealings with Saul, who was determined to kill him. 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 set the stage for a complex relationship with Saul, the reigning king. Saul's jealousy of David's success and popularity, especially after David's victory over Goliath, fueled his desire to eliminate David as a threat to his throne (1 Samuel 18:6-9). David's Restraint and Respect Despite Saul's repeated attempts on his life, David consistently chose the path of prudence. In 1 Samuel 24, David had the opportunity to kill Saul in the cave at En Gedi. Instead, he spared Saul's life, cutting off a corner of Saul's robe as evidence of his loyalty and respect. David's words to Saul reflect his prudent approach: "May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand will never be against you" (1 Samuel 24:12). David's decision to spare Saul was not an isolated incident. In 1 Samuel 26, David again refrained from harming Saul when he found him sleeping in the camp. Abishai, David's companion, urged him to seize the opportunity, but David responded, "Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?" (1 Samuel 26:9). David's respect for Saul's position as the LORD's anointed king underscores his prudence and reverence for God's established order. Wisdom in Seeking Refuge David's prudence is further demonstrated in his decision to seek refuge among the Philistines to escape Saul's relentless pursuit. In 1 Samuel 27:1, David reasoned, "One of these days I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines." This strategic move allowed David to avoid unnecessary conflict with Saul while preserving his own life and the lives of his men. Prudence in Leadership David's prudent conduct toward Saul also served as a model for his future leadership as king. His ability to exercise restraint, respect authority, and make wise decisions in difficult circumstances laid the foundation for his reign. David's prudence was not merely a personal virtue but a reflection of his deep trust in God's sovereignty and timing. Conclusion David's conduct toward Saul is a testament to the power of prudence in navigating complex and challenging situations. His restraint, respect, and wisdom in dealing with Saul provide a timeless example of how to act with integrity and trust in God's plan, even in the face of adversity. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 18:5-30And David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. Nave's Topical Index Library Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Homilies on the Statues. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Second Sunday after Epiphany Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Introduction to Oration ii. The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 Acts ii. 37 Of Civil Government. Letter Xliii. (AD 397. ) Resources What does the Bible say about applied kinesiology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about gray hair? | GotQuestions.org Is “you only live once / YOLO” something a Christian should live by? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |
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