Largeheartedness of David
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now in their power—certain evidence that God Himself had delivered
the enemy into their hand, that they might destroy him. David was
tempted to take this view of the matter, but the voice of conscience
spoke to him. “Touch not the anointed of the Lord.”
David’s men reminded their commander of the words of God,
“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.”
Saul rose up and went out of the cave to continue his search, when
a voice fell upon his startled ears, “My lord the king.” Who was
addressing him? The son of Jesse, the man he had so long desired to
kill. David bowed, then addressed Saul: “Behold, this day thine eyes
have seen how that the Lord hath delivered thee today 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. 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.”
Saul was deeply moved as he realized how completely he had been
in the power of the man whose life he sought. With softened spirit, he
exclaimed, “Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his
voice, and wept.” Then he declared to David: “Thou art more righteous
than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee
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evil... . 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. And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king,
and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.” And
David made a covenant with Saul that he would not cut off his name.
David could put no confidence in the assurances of the king, so
when Saul returned home, he remained in the mountains.
After evil-minded men do and say wicked things against the Lord’s
servants, the Spirit of the Lord strives with them, and sometimes they
humble their hearts before those they have sought to destroy. But as
they again open the door to the evil one, the old enmity is awakened
and they return to the same work they repented of. Satan can use such