Theory question 102
David(a) How did David spare the life of Saul? (b) What two lessons can we derive from the story?
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(a) Saul pursued David with 3,000 men; at En-gedi he went into a cave where David and his men were hiding (1 Samuel 24:1-3).
David's men urged him to kill Saul, saying God had given his enemy into his hand (1 Samuel 24:4).
David secretly cut off the skirt of Saul's robe, but his heart smote him; he would not lift his hand against the Lord's anointed and restrained his men (1 Samuel 24:4-7).
After Saul left, David called out, bowed and showed the piece of the robe as proof he meant no harm (1 Samuel 24:8-11).
He left judgement to the Lord (1 Samuel 24:12-15).
Saul wept, said David was more righteous than he, and asked him to swear not to cut off his descendants (1 Samuel 24:16-22).
(Again in the wilderness of Ziph David took Saul's spear and water jar while he slept but refused to kill him: 1 Samuel 26.)
(b) Any two: respect for constituted authority; leave vengeance to God; return good for evil; self-control under provocation; a clear conscience; kindness can soften an enemy.
Narrate one of the two incidents (1 Samuel 24 or 26), then two lessons.