Before Thanksgiving, we saw that David had cut off a piece of Saul’s robe when Saul came into the cave where David and his men were hiding. Saul had come to “relieve” himself. (See God’s Provisions for David)

David’s men are puzzled as to why David didn’t just kill Saul while he had the opportunity and more puzzled that his reason is because Saul is “the Lord’s anointed.”

David knows the sacredness of being anointed by the Lord. He remembers well when Samuel came to anoint him. Even though Saul is unfairly mistreating him, he still honors the position of the king.

David has an idea.

Saul is still within shouting distance, so David calls out to him and bows down. He says,

“My Lord the king! Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ ” I Samuel 24:9-10

David displays the piece of Saul’s robe in the air so Saul can see how close he was to David and yet David did not kill him. David continues to plead his innocence.

“Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. I Samuel 24:11-12

Saul becomes milk toast. He realizes that David has proven to be the better man. While weeping, Saul declares,

“You are more righteous than I. You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.” I Samuel 24:17

Saul goes so far as to admit—

“I know that you will surely be king and the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.”  I Samuel 24:20

Saul acknowledges David’s act of grace. That, my friends, is honor on David’s part. David was yet to become king, but he knew God’s hand in anointing him. He believed he must honor the position even though the king behaved badly.

A hard lesson for David and for us. I remember some of those days when mother’s dementia took hold and she angrily said hurtful things to me. Still, she was my mother and I knew I must honor her, so I continued to visit and talk to her, bring her interesting things to do, and encourage her. “Honor your father and mother.”

Toward the end, I was talking to her about different family members. She could not even call my name, but she touched my hand and said, “But this one is the special one.” Thank you, Lord for that precious tender moment.

Perhaps you have a trying relationship right now. You know that you need to honor that parent, that husband or wife, that child or friend in your life, but you’re so angry at them. Perhaps you need to try a different angle. Wave a cloth of truce. Find a way to honor “in spite of.” May the Lord bless your effort.

~ Joyce ~