GRACE WITHHOLDS - FAITH WAITS. 1st Samuel 24 The grace of God toward us is foreshadowed on occasions by faithful men and women who have shown grace to others in their lives. When mercy is demonstrated toward people who deserve judgment, grace is revealed in all its beauty. "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who thou He was rich, yet for your sakes, He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." This chapter reveals a wonderful example of grace as David responds with grace toward Saul, who is determined to hunt him down and kill him.
People have used the caves in the desert ravines of Engedi for homes, tombs, and places to keep their sheep in dangerous weather. In one of these large caves that can hold many people, David and those following him found shelter and safety from the 3000 men who followed Saul looking for David. Engedi means "fountain of the goat," so in that place, there was a fountain of water to refresh the thirsty. God provided water from the rock in the wilderness for the children of Israel. He provided a fountain for David. The "rocks of the wild goats" was a place of safety for David and those who followed him to "the outside place." Engedi provided a place of safety for the body and refreshment for the soul.
We, too, follow our Lord, who is "the Rock of our salvation," to where He leads us "outside the camp" unto Himself alone. Even though Christendom has the right words and does many good and helpful things to benefit the people, we still "gather unto Him, for who He is, not for what we do. For those who are spiritually thirsty like the woman at Sychar's well, we have water that springs up into everlasting life for us, and it refreshes us as much after we are saved as it did when we first "drank of that life-giving stream."
There were "sheepfolds" where caves protected the sheep from animals that would kill them and robbers who would steal them. They were enclosed areas where shepherds could keep their sheep safe from fierce animals. A wall of stones with thorns provided the needed shelter and safety for the shepherd and his sheep.
Our Lord Jesus is "The Good Shepherd" who provides safety and defense for His own "sheep" whom He "calls by name." A "way" (highway) passed by the cave where David and his men were hidden, and Saul must have been traveling when he turned into the cave. Then, David's men interpreted the event as an opportunity from God for David to kill Saul. Vineyards were at Engedi, according to the Song of Solomon, so there was fruit there for the satisfaction of those under the care of the shepherd of Israel, who was called out by God "from the sheepcotes."
The Lord Jesus did not want to call down fire from heaven to destroy those Samaritans who rejected Him. Sometimes, our faith is tested, and if we are unaware of what the scriptures say, we will act in the flesh even though it seems God has opened a door. Many of God's people have had their faith tested and have passed with flying colors. A number of them are listed in Hebrews 11. Others have failed, and we still reap the consequences today.
Little did Saul know that he was at death's door, and it was only that mercy won over judgment that he survived. Nature is always ready to take revenge when provoked. David's men were not ready to show mercy nor extend grace to Saul. When David cut a piece of cloth from Saul's garment, even that act smote his conscience because he knew God had anointed Saul. The holy oil, evidence of the Holy Spirit, is what David viewed, not the unworthy person Saul was. Mercy, grace, and love that knows the value of a soul prevailed, and David only had a piece of cloth in his hand, but that was enough to defeat Saul and his forces on that occasion.
However, just because the flesh may be overcome on one occasion does not mean that it will not try to defeat us at another time and in another way. We must always be on guard because no one is immune from the attacks of the flesh, whether it be self-vindication, open attacks, or subtle temptations. Respect for those in authority is still to be shown, "the powers that be are ordained of God," but we are still under the higher authority of the Almighty God. We should never submit to pressures men place on us when they violate God's laws.
The three times David was tested in these chapters remind us of the time of testing our Lord Jesus Christ went through when the devil tried to defeat Him. If David had killed Saul, he would have failed the test and been disqualified from serving as the king of Israel in the same way Saul failed his testing time. It was David’s men, not the Lord, who told him the Lord had said he was delivering his enemy into his hands.
By sparing Saul's life, David exposed Saul's heart to himself and those around him. When David bowed before Saul, he still acknowledged him as king. He did not challenge or reproach Saul, mock Saul, or give any evidence of anger or malice. He asked Saul not to believe the words of slander people had made against him, and with affection and respect, he stated his innocence, making his appeal to the Lord to judge which one was right.
David assured Saul he would not raise his hands against one God had anointed and took his place as one who was as harmless as a dead dog and as insignificant as a flea. It takes more courage to do what is right than to take action against a person seeking to do us harm. Our Lord Jesus Christ never threatened those who brought suffering upon Him. He committed Himself to God, who judges righteous judgment. We should also do this rather than seek vengeance or "our rights." Grace extends its kindness to those who do not deserve it, and mercy withholds judgment from those who do deserve it.
Saul's hard heart may have been broken for a short time, but despite his tears of emotion and relief at having his life spared, he was still the same inside. His confession of evil sounded good in contrast to David's act of grace and his vileness to David's righteousness. David's future as a leader made him conscious that his family might all die. He pleads for David to preserve his family name. He admitted to his guilt but did not repent of it nor turn from it.
We need to be sure that we do not substitute the words of men and their interpretations of God’s word for the known will of God. The temptation to take things into our own hands is always near. God’s time and way of bringing His word to pass may leave us waiting and wondering, but when we are sure of divine guidance, “the peace of God” rules in our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. That passes our understanding but is what we rely on for assurance that what we are engaged in is what God wants.
"Saul went home" to Gibeah, where he still listened to the evil counsel of the men of Ziph. David wisely went to "the hold," where there was safety from the underhanded deception of those who act in the flesh. There may be times when it seems like opposition and persecution are finally past, but wisdom keeps guard, knowing that the flesh will not stop its campaign against the person guided by the Spirit. Psalm 7 gives David's response to all that happened there in Engedi. He still put his trust in the Lord, not a temporary peace with Saul. He was still committed to righteousness. He was still confident in the Lord as the One who judges righteously. He prayed for justice as he pictured the Lord as a Mighty Warrior and saw the wicked fall into the pit they dug. He closes his thoughts about the events at Engedi with praise to the Lord, who enabled him to act in righteousness. When we act in grace, and the Lord brings events in life to a good conclusion, it is only right that we take time to praise the Lord and give Him thanks for taking control of us and those who may oppose us.
How can the barriers raised by differences of opinion be broken down? How can breaches be mended when there are family and culture groups in an assembly that gravitate toward those with whom we have ties outside the bonds of grace, faith, and love? What can be done to resolve such problems, and how can conflicts be avoided? If they have already started, how can they be ended? What should a person do when they think they have been wronged? How can a real wrong be made right? What can be done to bring peace between brothers and sisters? How is it possible to deal with injustice with no fight?
First, remember that the Lord knows everything, and to Him, every cause, complaint, and difference of opinion is plain. Second, remember that you are human, and normal human reactions must be restrained as we consider one another and seek to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes. Third, stop and pray, committing the problem to an all-caring God who knows the mind and heart of every person involved. Fourth, take plenty of time to consider if a solution is to be found in God’s Word, and when we find it, act upon it right away.
Don’t speak too fast; listen to see if the claim someone has against another person or you has some merit. If so, you must face that fact; bear it if there is some blame. If not, state your case very clearly, so if there is doubt, then it is removed by open and honest dialogue, and if the offender is honest, your case has been biblically solved. Most often, though, someone has an agenda, and you are in the way of his goal. You drove a stake in his soul by integrity and grace in your conduct, so to justify himself, an attack will be made against you. In faith, commit the issue to God; he alone can take you through to a suitable conclusion of the matter.
Many people will not stop to reason and think the divisive matter through to a common-sense biblical conclusion, but you must act reasonably despite their attitude. Often, they will seek out others who are discontented and, with false charges, fill their ears with half-truths or twisted explanations of the truth. When that happens, go on quietly and trust the Lord to bring out someday what is true. That gives offenders no material to build false charges against you. When concerned people ask why such attacks are against you, respond simply by asking the source and getting a witness before further talk. Then clarify plainly and briefly what your position in the conflict is –and tell the questioner you’ve let the Lord make the solution to the problem His.