Saul Repents

I Samuel 24:1-22

“And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.  Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.  And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.” (I Samuel 24:1) 

The Philistine invasion had forced Saul to withdraw from pursuing David, and allowed him to escape to Engedi.  After defeating the Philistines, Saul returned with three thousand men when he found out where David was.  In and area that was equipped for keeping sheep at night there was a cave where the shepherds often stayed, and Saul decided to sleep there.  He didn’t realize David and his men were hidden deeper in the same cave.

“And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.” (I Samuel 24:4)

David’s men saw this as the best opportunity to kill Saul they were likely to get.  As they saw it, God had placed Saul in a position where they could do whatever they wanted to him while he was sleeping.  It seemed like God wanted them to kill him., and David’s decision to just cut off a piece of his robe must have seemed kind of dumb.  After all, Saul was trying to kill him.

“And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.  And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.  So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.” (I Samuel 24:5-7) 

David even felt guilty about cutting off the piece of Saul’s robe.  God had made Saul king, and what right did David have to try to take it away from him or kill him.  He refused to allow his followers to harm Saul.  It was a decision that would cost him dearly, but later, in Acts 13:22, God said, “…I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

“David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.  And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? 

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. 1 Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. 

The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.  As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. 

After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.  The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.” (I Samuel 24:8-14)

After Saul left the cave, David revealed himself and showed the piece of material as proof that he could have easily killed Saul but had chosen not to because he didn’t consider him and enemy, and refused to kill him because he was God’s anointed.  Clearly he was not trying to usurp Saul’s throne, despite what Saul might believe.

An old proverb said that wicked people do wicked things, but David was refusing to do wickedness, even for his own protection.  He would depend on God to judge who was doing right instead, but Saul had no reason to fear him.

“And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.  And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. 

And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.  For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.” (I Samuel 24:16-19)

Once  again, Saul acknowledged that his hatred of David was irrational and wicked.  He even wept tears of sorrow for what he was doing, and told how good David had been, asking that God would bless him.

“And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.  Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.” (I Samuel 24:20-21)

Saul concludes by acknowledging that he knew God had chosen David to be the king who would establish the kingdom on a firm basis.  He requested that David promise not to destroy his family when he came to power.

Knowing he knew this, it was exceedingly wicked for him to keep on trying to prevent God from having his way.  Unfortunately, even a Christian can become so selfish and self centered they have no interest in what God wants, just trying to force things to turn out the way they want.  That attitude would eventually cost the lives of all his sons.

“And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.” (I Samuel 24:22)

David readily agreed to Saul’s request, and Saul went home.  While Saul was sincere in his repentance at the moment, David didn’t forget that he had promised not to try to kill him before.  David and his men went back to their stronghold where they’d be safe if he changed his mind.

Like many other people, Saul made an emotional commitment.  Unfortunately, emotions are very changeable, and commitments based on them tend to change when they do.  David didn’t have a lot of faith in Saul’s commitment.  

God Delivers David From Certain Capture

I Samuel 23:19-29

“Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand.” (I Samuel 23:19-20)

In an effort to ingratiate themselves with Saul, the Ziphites offered to betray David if Saul would bring sufficient forces down to capture him.  They knew exactly where he was in hiding.

“And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.  Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtly.  See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.” (I Samuel 23:21-23)

Though what Saul was doing was in direct opposition to God, he praised the Ziphites for helping him, claiming God would bless them for their care for him.  When people become so totally self centered, they no longer distinguish between what God wants and their own desires and plans, convincing themselves that they are the same.

“And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.  Saul also and his men went to seek him.” (I Samuel 23:24-25a)

 David and his men were constantly moving to prevent attacks.  By the time the Ziphites and Saul were able to put their plan into action, they had relocated to the wildernes of Maon making the plan impossible.  Saul had to start their search again.

“And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. 

And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.  And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.” (I Samuel 23:25b-26)

Saul’s intelligence got him really close to David.  Finally, they were just on opposite sides of the same mountain.  David began to feel desperate because Saul’s army had been able to cut off their escape routes, and capture seemed certain.

“But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.  Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.” (I Samuel 23:27-28)

Knowing that Saul was down in Judah looking for David, the Philistines seized the opportunity to invade Israel in hopes of being able to catch Saul off guard and defeat him.  Saul received word that he had to come immediately if he wished to remain as king, and was forced to pull his forces away just when David’s capture seemed inevitable.  He had to take the entire army to fight the Philistines, allowing David to escape again.

“And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.” (I Samuel 23:29)

Realizing he had been trapped at Maon, David wasted no time moving to a stronghold at Engedi that would be easier to defend and less likely to serve as a trap.

Saul Orders the Priests Killed

I Samuel 22:1-23

“David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.  And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.” (I Samuel 22:1-2)

Recognizing the risk of staying in Gath, David fled to the Cave Adullam, but it wasn’t long before people began to hear where he was.  His relatives all came down to help him partly out of family ties and partly in fear of Saul.  In addition, those who were suffering under Saul’s administration came to David in hopes of seeing a change. Saul had begun to support a standing army, taking food and property from the people to do so.  This forced some into debt and left others homeless and increasingly concerned that it was to promote Saul’s interests, rather than that of the people.

“And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.  And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.” (I Samuel 22:3-4)

Fearing retaliation by Saul, and knowing his parents were too old to spend their lives in hiding, David took them to Moab on the east side of the Dead Sea, where they would be protected, making a deal with the king of Moab.  They stayed there through out the time David was in hiding.

”And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.” (I Samuel 22:5)

The prophet Gad warned David not to stay in the stronghold of Adullam where he risked attack by both Philistines and Saul’s forces, but to go farther into Judah.  David followed the advice, going into the forest of Hareth.

“When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;) Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that showeth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or showeth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?” (I Samuel 22:6-8)

Learning that David had moved to Judah, Saul turned on his own tribe of Benjamin, accusing them of supporting David in hopes that he would reward them.  He accused Jonathan of betraying him and turning David against him to try to assassinate him, and his own people of helping him.  The more he let the evil spirit control his thinking, the more paranoid and irrational he became.

“Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.  And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” (I Samuel 22:9-10) 

In an effort to ingratiate himself and allay Saul’s suspicions, Doeg told Saul about seeing David at the tabernacle talking to Ahimelech, and that he had supplied David with food and weapons.

“Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king.

 And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub.

 And he answered, Here I am, my lord. 

And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? 

Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?  Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. 

And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house.” (I Samuel 22:11-16)

Saul immediately called Ahimelech in and accused him of treason for assisting David.  Ahimelech defended his actions, pointing out that David was still officially one of Sauls most trusted emmissaries, as his son-in-law, and that he had no reason to doubt David’s word when said he was on a special mission for Saul.  He had acted in good faith.  Saul ignored his innocence, condemning him to death, along with all his relatives.  It was a very unjust sentence.

“And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not show it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD. 
And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.  And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.“ (I Samuel 22:19)

None of the Jews were willing to murder God’s priests, so Saul ordered Doeg to do so.  As an Edomite, he still retained some of that old family animosity, as well as traces of Esau’s disregard for God.  He obeyed Saul, killing eighty five of the priests and murdering every man, woman and child in the city of Nob, as well as their livestock.  Though it was a very wicked action, it fulfilled God’s prophecy to Eli in I Samuel 2:31-33.  “Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.  And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.  And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.” 

“And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. 1sa 22:21 And Abiathar showed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests. 

And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house.  Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.” (I Samuel 22:20-23)

One of the priests, Abiathar, escaped and brought the news to David.  David said it was what he had feared after seeing Doeg at the tabernacle.  He promised to protect Abiathar if he would stay with him, and Abiathar did.   He would continue as priest throughout David’s reign.  Only when Solomon became king was he removed from office to finish the prophecy.

David Flees to Gath

I Samuel 21:1-15

“Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?

 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.  Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.” (I Samuel 21:1-3)

Rumors were apparently circulating about Saul’s wild mood swings and attempts to kill David, and the priests knew he had tried to kill him at Naioth, so when David showed up alone, it aroused Ahimelech‘s suspicion.  David said he was on a secret mission and asked for food for five people if it was available.  

“And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women. 

And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.” (I Samuel 21:4-5)

Ahimelech had nothing to eat but the shewbread which was offered to God and eaten by the priests.  If David and his men had not been guilty of sexual sin, he would give them some of that, even though it was dedicated to God and no one but the priest’s families were to eat it.

 Ahimelech understood that the intent of the law was to provide the best possible life here on earth, and that God made exceptions to the law in order to accomplish that purpose.   As Paul points out in Galatians 3:21, it was not possible to give a law that fit every situation.  “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.”  Allowing someone to go hungry would not meet the intention of the law.  That is the importance of the no longer being under the law as Christians.  Romans 7:6 states, “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”

Ahimelech did insist that it not be used in support of open sin by David’s followers, but as David pointed out that was not a problem.  He also pointed out that though the bread had been dedicated to God it was not magically changed by the dedication, but was still just ordinary bread.  As Paul pointed out in Romans 7, though a person is dedicated to God and receives a new attitude and outlook, the old flesh is not changed.

“So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.” (I Samuel 21:6)

Ahimelech was convinced it would not be wrong to give David the shewbread that had been taken off the table of the Lord that morning when fresh bread was put out.  Jesus made it clear that Ahimelech was right in giving it in Mark 2:25-28.  “And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?  How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the showbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?  And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.”

“Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul.” (I Samuel 21:7)

One of Saul’s servants was an Edomite or descendant of Esau.  He was at the Tabernacle, worshipping and saw David when he talked to Ahimelech.

“And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. 

And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. 

And David said, There is none like that; give it me.” (I Samuel 21:8-10)

Still using the guise of being on secret mission, David asked if Ahimelech had any weapons they could use because the had had to leave in such a rush to fulfill their mission.  The only weapon there was Goliath’s sword, hidden behind the high priest’s ceremonial ephod.  As David said, there wasn’t a better sword anywhere.

“And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. 

And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?” (I Samuel 21:10-11)

With food, and a weapon, David Was equipped to make the trip west to the Philistine city of Gath, not expecting to be recognized.  Some of the Philistines recognized him as the one who had killed Goliath and defeated their armies repeatedly.  They realized he was a possible future candidate for king of Israel, and warned Achish.

“And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.  And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.” (I Samuel 21:12-13)

Knowing he had been recognized and fearing he would be killed, David pretended to be insane in hopes they would decide that he posed no threat.  

“Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?  Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?” (I Samuel 21:14-15)

Achish said he had enough crazy people and to just keep him away from the palace so he didn’t make a nuisance of himself.

Saul Reveals His True Nature

I Samuel 20:24-42

“So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.  And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.  Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.” (I Samuel 20:24-26)

Following their plot to find out Saul’s real intentions, David didn’t show up for the monthly dinner and meeting.  Everyone except David was there.  Saul noticed his absence and decided he must have come in contact with a dead body or accidentally been exposed to some sick person and was observing the required quarantine to prevent spreading it.

“And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day? 

Beththlehem:  And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.” (I Samuel 20:27-29)

When David didn’t show up the second day, Saul had to know whydavid had asked and asked Jonathan because he knew they were close friends.  Jonathan responded that David had requested permission to go and visit his family, and that he had given it.  He hadn’t simply gone AWOL.

“Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?  For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.” (I Samuel 20:30-31)

Saul flew into a rage, accusing Jonathan of being just like his mother and trying to destroy what he was trying to do.   Didn’t he understand that God had said that the kingdom was going to be taken away from Saul’s family, and the only he could see to prevent it was to kill the person God had chosen?  He just didn’t know what was good for him like Saul did.  David had to be killed so Jonathan could become king.

“And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? 

And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.” (I Samuel 20:32-34) 

Saul was so enraged he even tried to kill Jonathan for asking why it mattered.  Suddenly, Jonathan knew Saul’s treatment of David wasn’t just a sudden fit of rage, but an irrational deep down hatred.  Jonathan was shamed by the knowledge that Saul actually wanted to kill David and it wasn’t just a sudden uncontrollable urge.  He was so upset he walked away without eating himself.  It was the first time he had realized that Saul‘s rage was the result of deliberate thought, and he could no longer excuse it.  Imagine the shock to realize that your own father would even kill his own children to get his way.

“And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.  And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?  And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter. And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.” (I Samuel 20:35-40)

Jonathan then went out for archery practice, as he and David had agreed.  When his arrow keeper went to get the others, Jonathan deliberately shot one way past him nd told him he needed to go farther to warn David not to come out of hiding.  He insisted the boy hurry to find them, then sent him home with the bow and arrows.  The boy suspected nothing.

“And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. 

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.” (I Samuel 20:41-42)

Jonathan remained behind when his arrow keeper left so he could talk to David.  David came out and thanked him for the warning and they expressed their friendship.  Jonathan reminded David of their commitment to remain friends forever, and encouraged him to get away safely.  Each then went their way.

A Strategy For Identifying Saul’s Intentions

I Samuel 20:1-23

“And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?” (I Samuel 20:1)

While Saul was caught up in a religious experience, prophesying, David fled for his life, going to Jonathan for answers as to what Saul was upset about.  Saul was like a great many people who have no reason except their own imagination for being angry.

“And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will show it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.” (I Samuel 20:2)

Like many who have grown up in a home where a parent is abusive or unpredictable, Jonathan was aware of his father’s rages, but he didn’t really believe he meant it, something just set him off.  He wanted to believe he was actually a loving person. It is often hard to accept that loved ones may just be bad.  Abused spouses and children often live in a state of denial for years.  They seldom heed warnings from outsiders of the danger the abuser presents.

“And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.” (I Samuel 20:3)

Having not grown up with Saul’s sudden rages, David was far less willing to accept them as a momentary reaction to a bad action, seeing them as part of a pattern.  While Jonathan thought his father would always tell him the truth, David realized that Saul had a deeper agenda, and would conceal things in his effort to fulfill it.  Despite Jonathan’s assurances, David believed Saul hated him all the time, and was not just suddenly flying off the handle.  David believed he was in danger at any time.

“Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee. 

And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. 

If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.  If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him. 

Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?” (I Samuel 20:4-9)

Though he felt David was overreacting, Jonathan offered to help David however he could.  David suggested a strategy that would indicate Saul’s true feelings.  David would avoid a big family gathering he was expected to attend.  If asked where he was, Jonathan was to say David had asked permission to go to his own family’s feast.

If Saul blew it off, then David would assume that he really was just flying into rages without a cause.  If he became angry at David’s absence, on the other hand, it would indicate a deeper underlying anger.  Because they were friends, David offered to let Jonathan execute him if he thought Saul had a legitimate complaint.

Jonathan assured David that he would have told him of any legitimate complaints, and that he would tell him if he believed his father wanted to kill him.

“Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly? 

And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.  And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and show it thee; The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will show it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father. 

And thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:  But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth. 

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.  And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.” (I Samuel 20:10-17)

David was concerned how he would find out what Saul’s response was.  Jonathan took him out for a walk in the field where they would not be overheard and prayed in David’s hearing, vowing that he would warn David as to Saul’s intent and help him escape if it was necessary.

In return, Jonathan asked that their friendship remain intact regardless of what happened, even after his death.  He prayed that David be blessed in any case, because of his.friendship,

“Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.  And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. 

And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.  And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth. 

But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.  And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.” (I Samuel 20:18-23)

Jonathan suggested a way of letting David know Saul’s intent without endangering each other.  He would come out for archery practice, and deliberately miss the target.  David was to hide himself nearby, and listen to Jonathan’s directing the boy responsible for bringing his arrows back.  If Jonathan insisted the boy had gone too far and passed the lost arrow, it would indicate things were okay and David could safely come back.  If he insisted the boy hadn’t gone far enough, It would indicate Saul intended to kill David and that he should escape as soon as possible.

Saul Orders David’s Execution

I Samuel 19:1-24

“And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.” (I Samuel 19:1) 

Saul had deliberately offered David one of his daughters in marriage, despite the fact that Merab was already married.  He wa no longer concerned with what God had said, His offer required David to kill a hundred Philistines in the hope that he would be killed trying to fulfill it.  When that attempt failed, and resulted in David becoming even more popular, he tried to get him into a less visible position to neutralize his influence.  Instead, David’s handling of his position further enhanced his reputation.  Since nothing else had worked, Saul directed his staff and cabinet to find a way to kill him.

“But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.” (I Samuel 19:2-3)

David was widely respected among the people Saul had commanded to kill him, but he was a close friend of Jonathan’s.  Jonathan warned David  to go into hiding and promised to try to intervene on his behalf.

“And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? 

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.” (I Samuel 19:4-6)

Jonathan reminded Saul of what David hat done that benefited him, and how loyal he had been.  To have him killed would be sheer unprovoked murder. Acknowledging the validity of Jonathans defense, Saul agreed to withdraw his directive and allow David to live.

“And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan showed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.  And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.” (I Samuel 19:7-8)

Restored to his former position, David resumed his duties.  When the Philistines attacked again, David again led the army to victory, killing a great many and driving them out, and further enhancing his reputation as a leader.

“And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.  And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.” (I Samuel 19:9-10)

As often happens, rather than rejoicing in David’s victory and enjoying the benefits, Saul felt resentful that David was succeeding.  Becoming depressed after brooding about it, David was brought to play in hopes of distracting him and changing his attitude.  Instead, Saul tried again to murder him, driving a spear into the wall.  Rather than striking back, David escaped and went home.

“Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain. 

So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.  And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth.” (I Samuel 19:11-13)

Saul sent officers to stake out David’s house and kill him when he came out the next morning.  Knowing how her father thought, Michal warned David he better not wait until morning to escape.  Helping him escape from a second story window, she then arranged the bed so it looked like someone was sleeping in it in an effort to give David more time to escape.

 “And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.  And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.  And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.” (I Samuel 19:14-16)

When David didn’t come out at his usual time, Saul sent messengers to bring him out so they could kill him without upsetting his daughter,  Michal told them David was sick and couldn’t come, Saul sent them back with orders to kill him in the bed.  When they discovered it wasn’t David in the bed they took Michal before Saul.

“And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped?

And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?” (I Samuel 19:17)

Saul then accused Michal of treason, in helping David to escape.  In an effort to prevent him killing her, Michal accused David of threatening to kill her if she didn’t help him.  Remembering Saul’s determination to kill Jonathan for eating a bite of honey against his orders, she had good reason for fearing him.

 “So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.” (I Samuel 19:18)

Samuel was still an influential figure in Israel.  David fled to him in hopes he could intervene and prevent Saul from killing him.  Samuel was aware of Saul’s disregard for the Law or what was right, and suspected he would kill anyone who stood with David, so he went into a better protected area at Naioth.

“And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah. 

And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 

And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.” (I Samuel 19:19-21)

When Saul heard where David was he sent agents to capture him even if it risked offending Samuel or the people and required putting others at risk.   Three times, God intervened, sending the Spirit of God on them and diverting them from their purpose to speak God’s word instead.

“Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah. 

And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.   And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?” (I Samuel 19:22-24)

Deciding that if he wanted something done, he’d have to do it himself, Saul went to Naioth to kill David.   Even his anger could not stop God’s Spirit, and like the others, Saul found himself caught up in God’s power and speaking the Word of God like he had when Samuel first anointed him to be king.  Once again we are reminded God can influence even the most stubborn and wicked heart.