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DAVID’S PERSONAL FAILINGS
2 Samuel 11–14

“I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Sam. 12:13).

The biblical text reports David’s triumphs. But it just as honestly relates his troubles. There is no attempt here, as in other ancient documents, to disguise the human failings of one who was admittedly Israel’s greatest king.

Definition of Key Terms
Sin. Hebrew words distinguish between types of sin. Each implies existence of a standard that God has revealed. One Hebrew word pictures sin as falling short of the standard, another as twisting the standard, and a third as willful and rebellious refusal to live by the standard. Psalm 51, which records David’s confession after his sin with Bathsheba, uses each of these Hebrew terms. David’s passion, and his later failures with his family, remind us that all human beings are weak. These very personal stories of David also remind us that sin has tragic consequences. But most important, they teach us that God will provide the forgiveness each of us so often needs.

Biography: Bathsheba
A study of the text shows that Bathsheba was a victim not a seductress. What is even more terrible, she was the helpless victim of a man whom all Israel had come to know and trust as a godly leader. Yet as we trace the relationship of these two we see that Bathsheba was able to work through the anger she must have felt at being used, to forgive David, and to build a lasting and loving relationship. David’s honest confession of his sin had freed Bathsheba as well as God to forgive.
As David was about to die he transferred his kingdom to Solomon, the fourth son Bathsheba bore him, in part to protect her and her children from harm (1 Kings 1:11–31). A Jewish tradition suggests that Solomon wrote Proverbs 31, his praise of the noble wife, in honor of his mother, Bathsheba.

Overview
David committed adultery with Bathsheba (11:1–13), and then arranged for the death in battle of her husband (vv. 14–27). When confronted by Nathan the prophet David confessed his sin (12:1–14), but despite David’s prayers the child conceived in adultery died (vv. 15–31). David’s weakness was reflected in his son Amnon, who raped a half sister (13:1–22). The girl’s brother Absalom then killed Amnon (vv. 23–39). Absalom fled, but later this favorite son of David’s was allowed to return to Jerusalem (14:1–33).

Understanding the Text
“David sent messengers to get her” 2 Sam. 11:1–5. The text carefully guards against the impression that Bathsheba intended to seduce David. Note that (1) David should have been at war, (2) he saw her bathing at an hour when everyone should have been asleep, (3) she was seen from the roof. This suggests her home was down the hill from David’s palace, and she was probably bathing in an inner court. (4) She could hardly resist the royal messengers “sent to get her,” and (5) the text says “he” slept with her. Nothing is said in the text to shift any blame from David to Bathsheba. There is no attempt to disguise David’s guilt.
It is a tragedy when anyone sins. But if we should sin, we need to be completely honest about what happened. Excuses are no excuse.

“Uriah the Hittite” 2 Sam. 11:6–27. Uriah was most likely a mercenary soldier who had joined David, and taken a name which means “Yahweh is my light.” He appears in the text to have been an honorable and dedicated man. When he refused to join Bathsheba at their home (where David intended him to have sex with his wife to mask the fact that Bathsheba was already pregnant), David sent orders to General Joab to see that Uriah was killed in battle. David’s first sin had led to one even worse-cover-up! When Uriah was killed in battle, David openly married Bathsheba.
“One sin leads to another” may seem to be a trite saying. But it is true. To be protected from ourselves, we need to guard our hearts against taking that first step away from God’s standards.

“Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in His eyes?” 2 Sam. 12:1–13 David was confronted by the Prophet Nathan. In later years, prophets who spoke boldly to Israel’s kings risked death. But David, despite his terrible sins, did love God. Rather than strike out at his accuser, David admitted that he had sinned.
Psalm 32 graphically portrays David’s emotions after this great sin. When we are troubled by our misdeeds, only confession can provide relief. Listen to David’s words, and see if they reflect experiences of your own.

  When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
  For day and night
       Your hand was heavy upon me;
  my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.
  Then I acknowledged my sin to You
    and did not cover up my iniquity.
  I said, “I will confess
    my transgressions to the LORD”—
  and You forgave
    the guilt of my sin.
       Psalm 32:3–5

David did more than confess his sin to Nathan and to God. David wrote Psalm 51, which was used in public worship. The superscription says “A psalm of David. When the Prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.”
We can confess private sins only to God. But public sins must be confessed to God and before God’s people.

“The son born to you will die” 2 Sam. 12:14–31. David was forgiven, but the child born of the adulterous union was to die. That death actually illustrates the grace of God. Growing up, the child would have been a constant reminder to David and Bathsheba of their sin. Even worse, the child himself would have borne publicly the stigma of his parents’ action. David put death itself in perspective when he said, “I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (v. 23). Death is not the end, even for a stillborn child. Life after death is a reality, and there are many situations in which to die is truly gain.
The death of any loved one hurts. But what comfort it is for believers to realize that death is not life’s end, but entry into a full experience of that eternal life promised to us in the Lord.

“She . . . went away, weeping” 2 Sam. 13:1–19. Amnon’s passion for Tamar changed to hatred after he deceived and raped her. People are more likely to hate someone they have wronged than someone who has wronged them. No one likes to be reminded of his or her faults, and the sight of someone we have wronged keeps our own failures before our eyes.

“A desolate woman” 2 Sam. 13:20–22. Note the contrast between this story of Amnon and Tamar and that of David and Bathsheba. In each case the woman was victimized. But David ultimately confessed his sin, while Amnon refused to confess and instead hated (perhaps blamed?) the innocent Tamar. Because David accepted responsibility for his sin, Bathsheba too found inner healing. Because Amnon would not accept responsibility, he was murdered and Tamar was unable to find peace.
There is only one healthy way to deal with sin. We must acknowlege our sins, accept responsibility for them, and trust God to forgive us and to undo the harm we have done to others.

“Strike Amnon down” 2 Sam. 13:23–39. Tamar’s brother, Absalom, insisted Tamar not mention the rape. For two years he pretended friendship with Amnon, whom he had come to hate. Then he conspired to have Amnon killed. Afterward, fearing the penalty the law established for murder, Absalom fled the country.

“Bring back the young man Absalom” 2 Sam. 14:1–33. General Joab devised a fable intended to give David a basis for restoring Absalom. The problem the fable set was a conflict of legal principles: murder deserved the death penalty, yet each family line in Israel must be preserved. When the case was presented to David, he reluctantly decided to protect the killer to preserve the family line. The woman who presented the case then argued that David should permit Absalom to return, suggesting it is godly to devise “ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.”
David did bring Absalom back to Israel, but could not bring himself to see his son for two more years.
The argument that Joab designed was specious in that David had other sons besides Absalom. The two cases were not parallel. David’s delay in seeing Absalom suggests he was not comfortable with his decision. Yet God does devise ways to restore the banished: the way of forgiveness. By failing to forgive fully when Absalom was returned, David himself created a bitterness which found expression in rebellion and civil war.

DEVOTIONAL
Furious Parenting
(2 Sam. 13–14)
Ken Schaeffer is a success as a parent. His son, also Ken, was valedictorian at a local high school and a National Merit scholar last year. His daughter, Cindy, was valedictorian of her class this year and also a National Merit scholar. Both Ken and Cindy are fine Christian young people. But while Ken is a success as a parent, he doesn’t feel terribly successful otherwise. A fellow graduate of Dallas Seminary, Ken hasn’t lasted in the pastorate, and he’s never been able to make much money.
It may be surprising, but often the most successful people when judged by the world’s standards have been terrible parents. And some of the “least successful” have raised children of whom anyone would be proud.
David, despite his achieving gold stars as Israel’s greatest king, was a terrible parent. Some of his failures are highlighted in these chapters, and stand as examples you and I are to follow—if we want to ruin the lives of our offspring! What are David’s prescriptions for parental failure?
Get mad, but don’t discipline. When David heard what Amnon did to his half sister Tamar, the text says David was “furious” (13:21). But there’s no hint that he even spoke to Amnon, much less disciplined him. Parents who fail to correct their children can expect greater troubles down the line.
Love your children too much. After Absalom fled, David “mourned for his son every day.” David seems to have missed his son so much that he lost sight of what his son had done. Boys and girls who are loved so much that “anything goes” are heading for trouble.
Forgive, but not completely. David finally permitted Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but would not see him for two full years. If forgiveness is to be granted, it must be complete. Incomplete forgiveness, replete with little reminders of the past sins, creates bitterness and antagonism. When God forgives, He forgets. If we are to forgive a fault, we must do so completely.
David, a success in his career, was a failure as a parent. He was upset by what his children did, but did not discipline. He loved his children so much that he lost perspective. And he forgave incompletely. In his family life Israel’s greatest king was one of history’s greatest failures. While my friend Ken Schaeffer, in many ways a failure in his own eyes, is one of history’s great success stories.

Personal Application
We need to give as much or more thought to our parenting as we do to our careers.

Quotable
“I think that what children in the United States desperately need is a moral purpose, and a lot of our children aren’t getting that. They’re getting parents who are very concerned about getting them into the right colleges, buying the best clothing for them, giving them an opportunity to live in neighborhoods where they’ll lead fine and affluent lives and where they can be given the best toys, go on interesting vacations, and all sorts of things. . . . Parents work very hard these days; and they’re acquiring things that they feel are important for their children. And yet vastly more important things are not happening. They’re not spending time with their children, at least not very much.”—Robert Coles

DAVID UNITES HIS KINGDOM
2 Samuel 6–10

“David went down and brought up the ark of God . . . to the City of David with rejoicing” (2 Sam. 6:12).

David’s next actions indicate careful planning and political sensitivity. They also reveal another trait appropriate to exceptional people: a firm and joyous faith in God.

Background
Jerusalem. Moses predicted that God would choose a place in Canaan “for His name” (Deut. 16:2). That choice was made through David. From David’s time on, Jerusalem was the very heart of the nation and of the Jewish faith. It remained the capital of Judah after Solomon’s kingdom was divided. It was Jerusalem to which Jewish settlers returned after the Babylonian Captivity. Jerusalem was the focus of much of Christ’s earthly ministry, and the city where He was condemned. Prophecy identifies Jerusalem as the place to which Jesus will return, and as the capital of the earthly kingdom which He will establish. There is no other site on earth as theologically significant as the City of David, Jerusalem.

Overview
David made Jerusalem the religious as well as political capital of Israel by bringing up the ark (6:1–23). God did not allow David to erect a temple (7:1–7). But God did promise David a permanent dynasty (vv. 8–17), moving David to praise the Lord (vv. 18–29). David defeated nearby enemies (8:1–14), created a national government (vv. 15–18), and showed kindness to Jonathan’s only surviving son (9:1–13). In time David crushed all his enemies and extended Israel’s domination from the Gulf of Aqaba in the south to the Euphrates River in the north (10:1–19).

Understanding the Text
“He and all his men set out . . . to bring up from there the ark of God” 2 Sam. 6:1–8. David’s first attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem ended in failure, caused by two violations of ritual law. The ark was Israel’s most holy relic, a symbol of the living presence of God. Old Testament Law required that it be carried by members of a particular Levite family (Num. 3:27–32), and that it never be touched (4:15). When the cart on which the ark was placed tipped, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady it, God struck Uzzah dead. David was both frightened and angry. Why had the God he so desired to honor acted in such a way?
This story has troubled many who read the Bible. God’s action does seem unfair. Uzzah surely had intended no harm. Perhaps the answer lies in the casual way Saul had treated God for some four decades. He had never shown an interest in the ark, or even in obeying God. The sudden outburst against Uzzah reminded David and all of Israel that God truly is holy. And the Holy One of Israel is not to be treated casually!

“David . . . danced before the LORD with all his might” 2 Sam. 6:9–15. Before David attempted to move the ark again, he apparently consulted Scripture (cf. v. 13). This time David’s joy was unrestrained, and he exchanged his royal robes for the kind of linen ephod worn by priests who served before the Lord. This clothing symbolized the fact that the king found his greatest fulfillment as a simple servant of God.
When you and I come before God, all our worldly accomplishments are meaningless. All that counts is a heart committed to love and serve the Lord.

“She despised him in her heart” 2 Sam. 6:16–23. Michal had been used by both her father and David (cf. 1 Sam. 18:20–25; 2 Sam. 3:13–16). It’s no wonder she had become bitter. But Michal had permitted bitterness to gain such a grip on her life that she found no joy in the Lord. Instead of focusing on the ark and on the Lord, Michal focused on David’s “disgraceful” refusal to maintain his royal dignity.
What a warning to us. Yes, others may misuse us. But if we permit ourselves to become so bitter that we cannot sense the presence of God, we will lose all perspective on life. Michal may have had a right to be bitter. But surely David, persecuted so long by her father, had a right to be bitter too. David triumphed over bitterness by keeping his focus on the Lord. Michal lost sight of God, and ended her life lonely and alone.

“The LORD Himself will establish a house for you” 2 Sam. 7:1–17. This significant Old Testament passage introduces the Davidic Covenant. This is the name given to promises which God made to David, which David recognized as an unbreakable divine commitment.
The heart of the covenant was God’s announcement that He would “establish a house” for David. Here “house” is used in the sense of descendants. In the immediate future David’s own son would erect a temple (v. 13). But as is common in biblical prophecy, the immediate future mirrors God’s eschatological [end time] intent. Through David’s line God would establish a kingdom that would “endure forever before Me.”
The New Testament carefully traces the genealogy of Jesus Christ back to King David. Matthew especially shows how Jesus’ birth fulfills Old Testament predictions about a coming King destined to rule eternally (cf. Matt. 1–2).
David did not understand all the implications of the divine commitment. But he realized that God was giving him a great gift when the Lord announced, “My love will never be taken away from him [David’s descendants], as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you” (2 Sam. 7:15). David’s throne was secure, through his own lifetime, and beyond!

“David fought” 2 Sam. 8:1–14. David’s next years were spent in battle with enemies to the north and east. God gave him success in every battle, and he was able to gain control of vital trade routes that passed through Damascus, establishing garrisons in Syria and across the Jordan in Edom. David’s wars multiplied the territory Israel controlled many times over that held in the Judges era!

“I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan” 2 Sam. 8:15–9:13. The writer of 2 Samuel passes over David’s vital work in setting up a national government (8:15–18), but gives extensive space to the story of David’s kindness to Mephibosheth. The crippled son of David’s old friend Jonathan is given his grandfather’s extensive lands and a place in David’s court at Jerusalem.
In most cases in which dynasties were replaced in ancient kingdoms, surviving members of the old king’s family were slaughtered. David’s unusual treatment of Mephibosheth is a better display of those strengths which won him the throne than his genius for bureaucratic invention.
Success does demand ability and hard work. But the secret of true greatness is found in godly character.

“I will show kindness” 2 Sam. 10:1–19. It would be wrong to portray David as a despotic aggressor. The story detailing the start of David’s war with the Ammonites illustrates that many conflicts were actually forced on Israel.
David’s unbroken string of military successes established Israel’s dominance of the area during his lifetime.

DEVOTIONAL
Precious Promises
(2 Sam. 7)
David had been eager to do something for God. When God turned down his offering, David must have been momentarily shaken. But then God went on. Rather than accept a gift from David, the Lord intended to give a gift to him!
How like God’s dealings with us. We love Him, and want to give Him our very best. But whatever we do, we soon learn that God is the greatest Giver.
When David realized what great and precious promises God had made to him, he was stunned. “What more can David say to you?” the grateful king exclaimed.
And then David found something to say. David repeated God’s promises, fixing them in his mind and heart. And then David simply praised God.
What a model for us. What can we say to God? What can we do for Him? Simply repeat His many promises to us, fixing them in our hearts and minds. And then lift our voices to praise the Lord.

Personal Application
The most appropriate thing we can give the God who gives us so much is praise.

Quotable
Thou that hast given so much to me,
Give one more thing—a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days;
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise.—George Herbert

2 Samuel

INTRODUCTION
First and 2 Samuel were originally a single book in the Hebrew Bible. They tell the story of the historic transition of Israel from a group of scattered tribes ruled by judges to a united and powerful nation. The time spanned by the two books is roughly 120 years, from about 1050 to 931 B.C.
Second Samuel continues the story of David, once a fugitive but now king, first of Judah, and then of the whole Hebrew nation. This book about David reports his many accomplishments, but just as honestly relates his personal failures and family problems. Through this story we come to a greater appreciation of David as a human being, and to a much greater appreciation of David’s gracious God.

DAVID BEGINS HIS REIGN
2 Samuel 1–5

“David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years” (2 Sam. 5:4).

Even with the fugitive years behind him, David’s first years as ruler were filled with tension. Don’t expect life to be without struggle despite victories along the way.

Overview
David lamented the death of Saul and Jonathan (1:1–27). His affirmation as king in Judah (2:1–7) led to lengthy civil war (v. 8–3:5). Abner, commander of the enemy army, decided to go over to David (vv. 6–21). David was innocent of two assassinations, of Abner and of Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth (v. 22–4:12). Nevertheless these deaths ended the war, and David was at last confirmed as king over a united Israel (5:1–5). David captured Jerusalem and made it his capital (vv. 6–16). When the Philistines attacked, David handed them the first in a series of devastating defeats (vv. 17–25).

Understanding the Text
“Go, strike him down!” 2 Sam. 1:1–16 The account of Saul’s death here differs from that in 1 Samuel 31. Why the conflict? This account reports what the Amalekite who brought Saul’s crown to David said, not necessarily what happened. The Amalekite told his story, expecting some reward from David for killing his enemy. Instead David ordered him executed, for by his account he was guilty of murdering the Lord’s anointed.
David’s reaction showed proper respect for both God and Saul, and clearly indicated that despite his persecution by Saul, David had wished the monarch no personal harm.

“David took up this lament” 2 Sam. 1:17–27. David expressed the pain he felt at the death of Jonathan and Saul in a poem intended to honor them. The poem speaks of his love for “Jonathan my brother,” and also honors Saul for his accomplishments.
Like David we need to be big enough to appreciate the good qualities of persons who may be personal enemies.

“The commander of Saul’s army. . . . made [Ish-Bosheth son of Saul] king” 2 Sam. 2:8–3:5. The name Ish-Bosheth means “son of shame.” His name was actually Esh-Baal, “Baal lives” (cf. 1 Chron. 8:33; 9:39). The biblical writer was unwilling to honor the name of the pagan deity, and substituted “shame.”
Ish-Bosheth was actually a figurehead, even though acclaimed king by the northern tribes. The real power belonged to Abner, the army commander. In the civil war that followed, Abner killed a brother of David’s commander, Joab. Gradually David’s forces gained strength, while the northern armies grew weaker.
In this case it is possible to fix responsibility for the civil war on the ambition of one man, Abner. In view of the many lives lost and the disruption of the whole kingdom, Abner deserved the death he would soon receive at the hand of Joab. Abner’s fate illustrates the principle of natural consequences stated by Jesus, when he said to Peter, “All who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matt. 26:52).

“Abner was very angry” 2 Sam. 3:1–21. Abner’s defection to David was precipitated by Ish-Bosheth’s accusation that Abner had slept with one of Saul’s concubines. Such an act would have had political implications in the ancient world, suggesting that Abner intended to claim Israel’s throne. The army commander did not deny the accusation, but was furious at the implied charge of disloyalty (v. 8).
In his anger Abner determined to turn the kingdom over to David, and began negotiations to that end. Abner’s words to the elders of Israel are significant. “For some time you have wanted to make David your king” (v. 17). Apparently only fear of Abner and the Benjamites, Saul’s own tribe, had kept Israel’s elders from acting before now (cf. vv. 19–21).
Fear often keeps people from doing what they believe is right. Had the elders of Israel feared God more than mere human beings the tragedy of civil war might have been avoided.

“Give me my wife Michal” 2 Sam. 3:13–16. Was it love or politics that led David to demand the return of Michal, the daughter of Saul? The chances are politics played a part, for his marriage to Saul’s daughter strengthened David’s claim to Saul’s throne.
In any case, note that Michal was not asked if she wished to return to David or not. On David’s demand she was taken away from her weeping second husband, Paltiel, and marched off to rejoin David. Michal had been used by her father (1 Sam. 18:20–25). Here she was apparently used by David. It’s no wonder that later she became hardened and bitter.
We need to be especially careful not to use other people for our own ends. Human beings are to be valued, not used, and their interests are to be considered as well as our own.

“Wicked men have killed” 2 Sam. 3:22–4:12. Two assassinations cleared the way for David to become ruler of a united Israel; however, he had no part in either, for each was unjustified. Joab’s main objective in killing Abner was revenge for his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in battle. Ish-Bosheth’s assassins hoped to be rewarded for bringing David “good news!”
David quickly acted to show his people he had nothing to do with either death. He publicly mourned and honored Abner, and he executed the two men who assassinated Ish-Bosheth.
We may profit from the sinful acts of others. But we should never rejoice in them.

“They anointed David king over Israel” 2 Sam. 5:1–16. Seven years of civil war were over, and David began a 33-year reign over a United Hebrew Kingdom.
His choice of Jerusalem as capital was astute. The city, then occupied by a Canaanite people, lay on the border of the north and south. Its choice showed no favoritism to either section of David’s country. The city was also relatively secure—so easily protected that the Canaanites scornfully predicted the lame and blind could hold it against any attacking force. They were wrong.

“The Philistines . . . went up in full force” 2 Sam. 5:17–25. During the long civil war Israel posed no threat to the Philistines. Now, however, they attacked, determined to kill or capture David. The Lord guided David to a decisive victory.
It is significant that David did not attack first. He had lived for a time near Gath, and had obligations to its ruler, Achish. When the Philistines attacked first, David was free to carry on warfare with them.

DEVOTIONAL
By Their Works
(2 Sam. 3–4)
Ever notice how easily people are swayed by words? “It’ll be different when we’re married,” the abusive or jealous suitor pleads. “I’ll never do it again if only you come back to me,” is another popular pledge. “I’m not guilty of any such sin,” is something we’ve learned to question, even when uttered by contemporary TV evangelists.
No. Words don’t mean much. What really counts is what a person does.
It was the same in those turbulent years of internal strife when David was king in Judah, and Saul’s son ruled in the north. “I’m no traitor!” Abner shouted at Ish-Bosheth (see 3:8–11), and then proceeded immediately to negotiate with David (v. 12).
Then Abner himself was deceived when Joab sent him a message in David’s name. Abner returned to Hebron only to be murdered by David’s army commander (vv. 22–28).
Back in Israel two more high army officers pretended to visit Ish-Bosheth in friendship, entered his house, and stabbed him in the stomach. The two then hurried to David, announcing a religious motive for their actions. “The LORD has avenged my lord the king” (4:1–8).
When there is turmoil in our lives, we can easily become confused. Especially if the people partly responsible glibly confuse issues with words. When that happens, we need to remember that words can be deceitful. The evidence we need to rely on is what a person does, not what he or she says.

Archeologists believe the city of Jerusalem looked like this in the time of David and Solomon. The city probably had a population of 3,000–3,500.

Personal Application
In a trustworthy person, words and actions coincide.

Quotable
“Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake. This kind of confidence in God’s grace, this sort of knowledge of it, makes us joyful, high-spirited and eager in our relations with God and with all mankind. That is what the Holy Spirit effects through faith. Hence the man of faith, without being driven, willingly and gladly seeks to do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of hardships, for the sake of the love and glory of the God who has shown him such grace. It is impossible, indeed to separate works from faith, just as it is impossible to separate heat and light from fire.”—Martin Luther

DAVID THE FUGITIVE
1 Samuel 21–25

“Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (1 Sam. 23:16).

The fugitive years were some of the most important to David spiritually. Out of the painful experiences recorded in these chapters came some of David’s most beautiful psalms.

Overview
In flight, David lied to obtain help from a family of priests at Nob (21:1–9). He escaped from Philistia only by pretending madness (vv. 10–15). David gathered some 400 fighting men and settled in a wilderness area (22:1–5). There he learned that Saul had murdered the priests who helped him (vv. 6–23). David’s force saved a Judean city (23:1–6), but fled when Saul set out with an army to kill him (vv. 7–29). David spared Saul’s life, and the king called off pursuit (24:1–22). The intelligent and beautiful Abigail prevented David from taking revenge on her foolish husband, and later became David’s wife (25:1–44).

Understanding the Text
“David went to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest” 1 Sam. 21:1–9. David lied to Ahimelech, telling him that David was on a mission for Saul. The lie seemed innocent enough, as David was desperate for food and a weapon. David was soon to learn that even “little” lies can have tragic consequences.
Later Jesus commented on the fact that Ahimelech gave David some of the consecrated bread that was to be eaten only by priests (cf. Ex. 25:30; Lev. 24:5–9). Jesus commended Ahimelech, who realized that the moral obligation to help a person in need was more important than ritual regulations (Matt. 12:3–4; Mark 2:25–26).
David was wrong to ignore his moral obligation to be truthful with Ahimelech. But Ahimelech was right to give his moral obligation to David higher priority than a ritual obligation.

“David . . . went to Achish king of Gath” 1 Sam. 21:10–15. David was also given a weapon by Ahimelech the priest—the sword of Goliath. We can sense something of David’s mental state when we’re told that he went from there to Gath, the giant’s hometown, where the weapon was sure to be recognized! It was recognized, and David escaped only by pretending to have gone insane.
We can probably account for both David’s lie to Ahimelech and his flight to Gath by remembering that David was still very young. His life was in danger, and he was alone and helpless. Yet out of this experience of panic and uncertainty David forged an unshakable faith in God. The truths learned in this period sustained David all his life, and are reflected in Psalms 34 and 56.
Only a person who has known fear grasps the necessity of trust.

“You will surely die, Ahimelech” 1 Sam. 22:6–23. When Saul learned that Ahimelech had helped David, he accused the priest of conspiracy. Ahimelech answered reasonably. Everyone knew David was loyal—wasn’t he the king’s son-in-law, and captain of the king’s bodyguard? The paranoid Saul may have been further enraged by this implied praise of David. On Saul’s orders 85 priests and their entire families were murdered!
One son, Abiathar, escaped. When David heard what had happened he immediately confessed, “I am responsible for the death of your father’s whole family.” David could never have imagined that Saul would be so wicked as to kill the priests of Nob. But David realized that his lie had led to the tragedy.
There is no such thing as a “little” lie. Speaking or acting with intent to deceive others is wrong.
Without excusing David’s sin, it’s important to see again how his character contrasts with that of Saul. At an earlier time Saul had refused to admit a sin of his, even when he was obviously guilty, and he was confronted by Samuel! (15:13–20) David immediately accepted responsibility for the consequences of his lie, even though there is no hint that Abiathar blamed him.
If we remain as honest with ourselves, with God, and with others, we too will grow toward spiritual maturity, as David did.

“David and his men . . . kept moving from place to place” 1 Sam. 23:1–29. David used his growing force of men to aid the Israelite city of Keilah against the Philistines. Yet the people remained loyal to Saul, perhaps out of fear. This left David no place to go but into wilderness areas where he might hide from Saul’s army. Saul’s army was closing in when a rumor that the Philistines were attacking drew Saul away. Psalm 54 reflects David’s fears and his faith in this critical situation.
Again we remember that it is when we find ourselves in desperate situations that we learn, “God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me” (Ps. 54:4).

“Jonathan . . . helped him find strength in God” 1 Sam. 23:16–18. This final meeting of the two friends reminds us how significant Jonathan was in the life of the younger David. Jonathan had saved his life. Now, when David seemed to have no future, Jonathan expressed his conviction that the Lord would one day make David king. Jonathan also expressed his own willingness to take second place. Jonathan would have made a great and godly ruler. But his role in life was to be a great and godly friend.
Few of us will achieve greatness in this life. But each of us can be the kind of friend who helps others find strength in God.

“You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly” 1 Sam. 24:1–22. David did not kill Saul when he had the opportunity, but spared his life. Later David stood at a distance and showed Saul a piece of his robe to prove that he could have killed the king. In calling himself “a dead dog” and a “flea” David used images to convey the idea that he was harmless, and no threat to Saul.
Saul, deeply moved, admitted he was wrong. He asked that David not kill his family when the Lord made David king. David promised and later kept his word.
Saul may have been sincere at that moment, but David knew that Saul was fickle and untrustworthy. Don’t rely on what a person says or feels at the moment. Rely on what he or she does over a long period of time.

“Think it over and see what you can do” 1 Sam. 25:1–44. Abigail’s wisdom in defusing David’s anger over the insults of her husband Nabal provides a model we can follow (vv. 23–31). Notice that Abigail (1) admitted that Nabal had done wrong to David, (2) brought the provisions that Nabal had refused to provide, (3) and asked David’s forgiveness.
Abigail also led David to consider the long-range consequences of acting in anger. David intended to become king. Killing some of his future subjects was hardly wise, for it would create fear and hostility. Why should David have the burden of needless bloodshed on his conscience?
If we want people we wrong to set aside their anger, we need to take the three steps taken by Abigail.
It’s no wonder that when God struck down Abigail’s husband a short time later, David wanted her for a wife.

DEVOTIONAL
Striking Back
(1 Sam. 24)
Maybe it’s when that crazy driver cuts you off at a corner, making you jam on the brakes to avoid an accident. Maybe it’s when the boss takes credit just one time too many for your work or ideas. Maybe it’s when your abusive spouse belittles you in front of friends. But it happens to all of us sometime. We get tired of being a victim. And we want to strike back.
I suppose it’s all right to be angry when people turn us into victims. God understands that rush of adrenaline, the flushed face, and the sudden feeling of fury. But no anger-even justified anger-gives us the right some people claim. The right to strike back. “Don’t get mad,” the world says. “Get even.”
Once David himself might have felt that way. But when Saul unknowingly entered a cave where David and his men were hiding, David had grown spiritually. David’s men were excited. “Look, David,” they whispered. “Here’s your chance! God’s handed Saul over to you! You’ve got him now. Kill him!”
David’s response teaches us how you and I as believers are to deal with those who victimize us. David did not allow his men to harm Saul. Later he told the king, “May the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you” (v. 12).
How do we deal with those who wrong us? First, we turn them over to the Lord, asking Him to avenge any wrongs they may have done to us. This is a positive action, and relieves us of the feeling of being victims. We have actually “taken them to court.” Not a human court, but the highest court of all. Then we simply wait for God to judge.
At the same time, we make a personal commitment. David said, “My hand shall not touch you.” For us this means we determine not to take revenge, or try to repay others for the wrong they do to us.
The choice David made isn’t an easy one. When we’re wronged, when we’re angry, we want so much to strike back and hurt the person who hurt us. But the choice David made is the right choice. This is what counts with God and what should count with us too.

Personal Application
In what relationship do you need to apply the lesson of this incident?

Quotable
“Nothing is more to be feared than too long a peace. You are deceived if you think that a Christian can live without persecution. He suffers the greatest persecution of all who lives under none. A storm puts a man on his guard and obliges him to exert his utmost efforts to avoid shipwreck.”—Jerome