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The Beginning of the End
was now in their power—certain evidence that God Himself had
delivered the enemy into their hand so that they could destroy him.
David was tempted to take this view of the situation, but the voice
of conscience spoke to him. “Touch not the anointed of the Lord.”
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David’s men reminded their commander of the words of God,
“‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do
to him as it seems good to you.’ And David arose and secretly cut
off a corner of Saul’s robe.”
Saul got up and went out of the cave to continue his search,
when a voice came to his startled ears, “My lord the king!” Who
was speaking to him? The son of Jesse, the man he had so long
wanted to kill. David bowed, then said to Saul: “Look, this day your
eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you today into my hand in
the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you,
and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is
the Lord’s anointed.’ Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner
of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your
robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor
rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you
hunt my life to take it.”
Saul was deeply moved as he realized how completely he had
been in the power of the man whom he was trying to kill. With
softened spirit he exclaimed, “‘Is this your voice, my son David?’
And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.” Then he declared to David:
“You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with
good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. ... For if a man
finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore may
the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this
day. And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and
that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.” And
David made a commitment to Saul that he would not cut off his
descendants.
David could not rely on the king’s promises, so when Saul re-
turned home, he stayed in the mountains.
After evil-minded men say and do wicked things against the
Lord’s servants, the Spirit of the Lord works with them, and some-
times they humble their hearts in front of those they have tried to
destroy. But as they again open the door to the evil one, the old ha-