Theory question 102
DavidNarrate the story in which David spared the life of Saul and indicate any three significant lessons to be learnt from this episode.
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The Ziphites told Saul David was hiding on the hill of Hachilah (1 Samuel 26:1).
Saul went with 3,000 chosen men to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 26:2).
David sent spies and learnt where Saul lay encamped (1 Samuel 26:3-5).
At night David and Abishai went into the camp and found Saul asleep with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, Abner and the army asleep around him (1 Samuel 26:6-7).
Abishai asked to pin Saul to the earth with one stroke (1 Samuel 26:8).
David refused: no one can put forth his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless; the Lord Himself would deal with Saul (1 Samuel 26:9-11).
They took the spear and jar of water and left, for a deep sleep from the Lord was on them (1 Samuel 26:12).
From a hilltop David called to Abner, rebuked him for not guarding the king, and showed the spear and jar (1 Samuel 26:13-16).
Saul confessed he had sinned and blessed David (1 Samuel 26:21-25). (A similar story at the cave of En-gedi: 1 Samuel 24.)
Lessons (any three): respect for constituted authority; do not take revenge, leave it to God; return good for evil; self-control; trust in God's timing; mercy can bring an enemy to repentance.
Narrate 1 Samuel 26 (or 24) in order and give three lessons.