## The Life of David - Part 6

## I Samuel 24:1-22

Last week we discussed how that God was at work in David's life preparing him for the time when he would rule over all Israel. God had removed all of David's crutches that he might lean soley upon God. While in the cave, God surrounded David with his family and with strangers who needed a leader. David accepted this new challenge and became their captain. David was about to face his greatest temptation on his way to the throne. He would have to deal with the temptation to seek revenge against Saul. Every one of us either has or will have to face the same temptation in our lives.

1. What we call it:

a. "My Rights", "No one is going to walk over me!"

b. "Justified retaliation", "I'm a fighter, it's in my blood!"

c. "I've done right, he's done wrong, I'm going to get him back because he deserves it!"

2. What God's Word says about it:

a. cf. Ro. 12:17-19

b. cf. Heb. 10:30

3. Why we do it:

a. Injury: we have been personally hurt and treated unfairly.

b. Vulnerability: the one who caused the injury lets down his guard.

c. Depravity: sensing that vulner- ability, our carnal nature strikes out to get even.

Let's see how David, the man who was after the heart of God, met this subtle temptation in his life.

I. Survey of Activity.

A. David takes his family to Moab to dwell there until it is safe again. cf. 1 Sa. 22:3-4

B. David and his followers leave the cave and go to a forest in Judah. cf. 1 Sa. 22:5

C. Saul orders the priests killed. cf. 1 Sa. 22:6-19

1. Doeg the Edomite reported to Saul that Ahimelech had given David the shewbread and Goliath's sword.

2. Saul charged Ahimelech with conspiracy and ordered he and his household executed.

3. Saul's men refused to carry out the execution, but Doeg killed them, 85 priests!

4. He then destroyed every living thing in Nob, the city of the priests.

D. Abiathar, one of Ahimelech's sons, escaped and brought the news to David. cf. 1 Sa. 22:20-23

E. News came to David of the plight of the city of Keilah. cf. 1 Sa. 23:1-6

1. The Philistines had been robbing the threshingfloors after the hard work of harvesting and process- ing the grain had been done by the men of the city.

2. Although it was not his direct responsibility to defend this city David did so after inquiring of the Lord.

3. David and his army was victorious over the Philistines.

F. Saul received the news that David had gone to the city of Keilah and mistakenly thought that God had delivered David into his hand. cf. 1 Sa. 23:7-12

1. Saul called all the people together for war thinking that he had David trapped.

2. David inquired of the Lord again about his safety, knowing Saul's anger toward him.

3. The Lord revealed to David that the men of the city of Keilah would turn him over to Saul.

G. David and his men headed into the wilderness with Saul pursuing him every day. cf. 1 Sa. 23:13-29

1. While in the wilderness David met with Jonathan and received encouragement.

2. Saul continued to pursue David and eventually had them surrounded.

3. At that point, a messenger came to Saul with the news that the Philistines were invading the land. 4. Saul had to stop his pursuit of David which allowed David the chance to escape to Engedi.

II. The Situation. v1-2

A. David and his 600 men were encamped in the wilderness of Engedi.

B. The advantage was with David since they had been able to become established in that location.

C. Saul returns from the pursuit of the Philistines, chooses 3000 men, and immediately goes out after David.

III. The Temptation. v3-7

A. Suddenly Saul becomes vulnerable.

1. While searching for David, Saul enters a cave in order to relieve himself.

2. David and his men were hiding in that very cave.

B. Note the encouragement of men. v4

1. David's men encouraged him to take revenge.

2. They essentially said, "God has brought him here so you can do this."

3. Be careful of the encouragement of others, we cannot take that as justification for our actions.

4. We must be sure that we are doing what God wants us to do.

C. David responded in the flesh.

1. He reached out and cut off some of the fabric of Saul's robe.

2. He could have killed Saul, but he didn't.

3. He played games with him, but even that was wrong.

D. God responded in the Spirit. v5

1. David's conscience bothered him.

2. He knew he was wrong, almost immediately.

3. He was miserable for what he had done, because he had violated a godly principle.

E. David conquered his temptation. v6-7

1. He reminded himself and his men of this principle.

2. No matter what Saul may have been, he was still God's annointed.

3. He kept his men from doing the same, and allowed Saul to leave the cave unharmed.

IV. The Conversation. v8-22

A. David to Saul. v8-15

1. David shows Saul respect. (8)

2. David indicates that Saul was acting on misinformation. (9)

3. David gives verbal proof of his innocence. (10)

4. David presents tangible evidence that he has no desire to hurt him. (11)

5. David calls on Saul to let God judge between them. (12-15)

B. Saul to David. v16-22

1. Saul was convinced by David and weeps over the situation. (16)

2. He acknowledges David's right- ousness. (17)

3. He accepts David's words and seeks the blessings of God for David's right actions. (18-19)

4. Saul now acknowledges that David will, indeed, be the king of Israel, and requests protection for his family.

5. They both agree on this covenant and depart.

Conclusion: David chose to do what was right in the sight of God, not men. This experience is in tune with the principle given later by his son, Solomon, in Proverbs 16:7. What can we learn from this event in the life of David?

1. Since man is depraved; expect to be mistreated.

2. Since mistreatment is inevitable; anticipate feelings of revenge.

3. Since revenge is predictable; purpose to act biblically and not carnally.