BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

God promised to make David king. At first, ascension to the throne looks inevitable. Once an insignificant shepherd boy, David rockets up the ranks from court musician to military general and national hero. But now, Israel’s former general is running for his life, sleeping in caves with only a ragtag militia of poor farmers for allies.

David has every reason to think Yahweh abandoned him. Instead of giving up on God’s promise or trying to take the throne on his own terms, David humbly trusts in God’s timing. When Saul lashes out, David doesn’t strike back. David sends troops on a rescue mission against the Philistines instead of a revenge mission against Saul, biding his time while Yahweh works behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, Saul’s desperate attempts to hold onto the throne drive increasing violence and instability. He’s losing it. He orders the slaughter of an entire family of priests because they helped David escape, even though the priests thought they were carrying out Saul’s orders!

David gets a perfect chance to kill Saul. Saul is distracted and unsuspecting. David is within stabbing distance, but he cuts a chunk of fabric instead of taking Saul’s life. David’s mercy moves Saul to tears and a temporary truce, but lasting reconciliation never happens. The two men depart from one another. What will happen when their paths cross again?

Reflection Questions

• When was the last time you saw a group of Benjamites gathered in Gibeah? (If you need a hint, flip back to Judges 19.) What do you think is the significance of Saul being in the same setting in today’s reading?
• Look back at 1 Samuel 15. How was Saul supposed to treat the Amalekites? What did he do instead? Compare this to Saul’s treatment of the Israelite priests in Nob from today’s reading. What do you notice?