God and revenge

Today: 1 Samuel 21-24

Reading today's passage reminded me of watching a suspense-filled thriller. David was on the run from king Saul, hiding in cities, pretending to be crazy to get away and actually catching up with Saul in a cave. While Saul was in a vulnerable state (going to the bathroom, actually), David had an opportunity to blindside him and kill him. But he didn't. Undetected, he just cut a tiny piece of Saul's robe. Then, he grabbed the king's attention and told him this:

"My master! My king!"

Saul looked back.

David fell to his knees and bowed in reverence.

He called out, "Why do you listen to those who say 'David is out to get you'?

This very day with your very own eyes

you have seen that just now in the cave God put you in my hands.

My men wanted me to kill you, but I wouldn't do it.

I told them that I won't lift a finger against my master—

he's God's anointed.

Oh, my father, look at this, look at this piece that I cut from your robe.

I could have cut you—killed you!—but I didn't.

Look at the evidence! I'm not against you.

I'm no rebel.

I haven't sinned against you, and yet you're hunting me down to kill me.

Let's decide which of us is in the right.

God may avenge me, but it is in his hands, not mine.

An old proverb says, 'Evil deeds come from evil people.'

So be assured that my hand won't touch you.
"What does the king of Israel think he's doing?

Who do you think you're chasing?

A dead dog? A flea?

God is our judge. He'll decide who is right.

Oh, that he would look down right now, decide right now—and set me free of you!"

This is an interesting story because if anyone had a right to seek revenge, it was David. Saul was chasing David unjustly (really because of Saul's own insecurity). God had anointed David to be the country's next king. A lot of people in David's shoes would have reasoned, "Well--that's it. God's called me to be king. Saul's gone crazy. I'm innocent--and completely justified in killing him." David didn't take that approach. He surrendered his life (literally) to God, trusting that God would decide the right outcome.

I think David's approach is wise, but it's also freeing--he did not harbor hate in his heart. Though he was unjustly accused, hurt and on the run to protect his life, he trusted in God's sovereignty. When you trust God to get revenge, you can live with a clear conscience.

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 25-27