27: David honored the Lord and spared His anointed ( 1Samuel 24:1 – 22)

After returning from the fight with the Philistines, Saul resumed pursuing David. The Philistine intervention had only a temporary effect. However, this time, the Lord delivered Saul into David's hands. But David spared his life.

👉 Read 1Samuel 24:1 - 22


Q1. (1 – 7) When David was given a chance to kill Saul, what did his servants say, and what did David say? Compare their speeches. (verses 4 and 6)

David's servants (V4): the Lord gave this chance. David (v6): I would not harm the Lord's chosen one.


Q2. Find verses that David says ‘the Lord’s chosen one’.

Verses 6 and 10.

Verse 7: David ordered his men not to kill Saul. David could let them do whatever they want and later he could blame them. Or David could have arrested Saul to get rid of the threat. However, David knew God was able to rescue him in any circumstance and chose to honor Him and His plan.


Q3. (8 – 15) We can summarize David’s words to Saul in two sentences (9 – 11, 12 – 15). “When I cut off the edge of your ( ), I didn’t ( ) you. So realize that I am not planning ( ).” “May the Lord be our ( ). May he see and arbitrate my case and ( ) me from your hands.”

“When I cut off the edge of your ( robe ), I didn’t ( kill ) you. So realize that I am not planning ( evil ).” “May the Lord be our ( judge ). May he see and arbitrate my case and ( deliver ) me from your hands.”

David’s words: I don’t have any intention to kill you (11). I entrust the judgment to the Lord’s hand (12, 15). David wanted to see the Lord’s deliverance in His way. Saul was the Lord’s anointed.


Q4. (16 – 21) When David told Saul that he had spared his life in the cave, what did Saul say? (two things, v17-19, v20-21)

You are more innocent than I, for you treated me well even though I have treated you evil.

Preserve my family, my descendants, and my father’s house.

Saul didn’t say, ‘I have sinned’ or ‘I am sorry’. His concern was the security of his name and his family. But David sought the Lord to be honored.


When Saul became vulnerable before David’s soldiers, in the cave, it seemed right to say ‘the Lord has delivered my enemy to my hand’ because David had prayed for the deliverance from Saul’s hands. But, David was not sure whether killing Saul was God’s will. 

You could confront a similar situation when your long-time prayer has seemed to be answered. For example, you have prayed for a new job with a better salary to relieve your tight monthly budget. Finally, you got a job offer of the desired salary and thought your prayer was answered. But, the new job demands you put down the ministry you were doing at your church. Would you accept the job offer promptly or pray more about God’s will? 

In whatever circumstances, honor the Lord by seeking His will and following His way. God could give you better things in better ways if He wants. The Lord could test (bear with me that I use this word, ‘test’) your faith and genuine devotion.

David's decision to spare Saul's life may have appeared irresponsible to his followers. Their leader passed up a chance to end their long years of refuge. Despite their objections and all odds, David honored the Lord and spared the life of the Lord's anointed, though he was his enemy.

“I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be cursed.” (1 Sam 2:30).

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