1st Samuel 24 GRACE WITHHOLDS - FAITH WAITS The grace of God toward us is shadowed 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 was determined to hunt him down and kill him.
The caves in the desert ravines of Engedi have been used by people for homes, tombs and places to keep their sheep in dangerous weather. It was to one of these large caves that can hold a lot of people that 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 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. 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."
The "rocks of the wild goats" was a place of safety for David and those who followed him to "the outside place." 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.
There were "sheepcotes" where there were caves that could protect the sheep from animals that would kill them and robbers who would steal them. Our Lord Jesus is "The Good Shepherd" who provides safety and defense for His own "sheep" who He "calls by name." There was "a way" (highway) which passed by the cave where David and his men were hidden, and which Saul must have been traveling when he turned into the cave. It was then the men of David interpreted the event as an opportunity from God to kill Saul. Vineyards were at Engedi according to the Song of Solomon, so there was fruit there for the satisfaction of those who were under the care of the shepherd of Israel who was called out by God "from the sheepcotes."
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. The Lord Jesus did not want to call down fire from heaven to destroy those
Samaritans who rejected Him. There are times when our faith is tested and if we are not aware of what the scriptures say, we would act in the flesh even though it seems like 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 reap the consequences still today.
When David cut a piece of cloth from Saul's garment, even that act smote his conscience because he knew Saul had been anointed by God. The holy oil, evidence of the Holy Spirit, is what David viewed, not the unworthy person Saul was. 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 placed on us by men when they violate the laws of God. The sparing of Saul's life, David exposed Saul's heart to himself, as well as to those who were around him. When David bowed before Saul, he still acknowledged him as king. He did not challenge nor reproach Saul. He did not mock Saul nor give any evidence of anger or malice. He simply asked Saul not to believe the words of slander people had made against him, and with affection and respect, 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 is as harmless as a dead dog and as insignificant as a flea. It takes more courage to do what is right than it does to take action against a person who is 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. This is what we should do as well, 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.
The hard heart of Saul may have been broken for a short time, but in spite of his tears of emotion and relief at having his life spared, he was still the same inside. His confession of evil in contrast to David's act of grace, and his vileness to David's righteousness sounded good. The future of David as leader made him conscious of the fact 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.
"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 a guard knowing that the flesh will not stop its campaign against the person who is 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 he sees 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 as well as those who may oppose.