How David submitted to the will of God

HOW DAVID SUBMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD

One day the people of Ziph informed Saul that David was hiding in the hills of Hachilah, so Saul took three thousand men and chased David to the wilderness of Ziph. Saul and his men encamped on the hill of Hachilah.

When David learned that Saul had come after him, he sent out spies to confirm Saul’s presence. At night, David and Abishai went into Saul’s camp. They found Saul sleeping. His spear was stuck to the ground by his head. Saul’s commander, Abner, and the other soldiers were also around Saul, sleeping.

Abishai told David that God had given his enemy into his hands that day. He sought permission from David so that he could strike Saul and kill him but David refused. According to David, it was not proper to put forth one’s hand against the Lord’s anointed. He believed that at the appointed time, God himself would kill Saul or his days shall come to an end or probably he would die in battle. David took this decision to ensure the sanctity of Saul’s kingship. As David and Abishai left Saul’s camp, they took Saul’s spear and water jar.

David went to another side and climbed a hill. He ensured a considerable distance between them. David shouted out and called Abner. He rebuked Abner for failing to protect the king his master because someone had come into the camp to destroy the king. He asked Abner to check if the king’s spear and water jar was there.

Saul recognized David’s voice and called out to him. David asked him why he was pursuing him. David told Saul that if it is the Lord that has asked him to kill him, the Lord should accept a sacrifice but if it is men that have stirred him up, the Lord should curse those men. David commented that Saul had come to hunt one as though that man was a bird.

Saul felt remorseful for all that he had done against David and even how he had chased him to kill him. He told David to return because he no longer sought his life because his (Saul's) life was precious in the hand of David.

David asked Abner to send one of the men to come and collect the king’s spear. Saul blessed David, saying, he would do many things and succeed in them.

SAMPLE QUESTION(S)

1. a. Narrate the story of how David spared the life of Saul.

    b. Indicate three significant lessons to be learned from the episode.

2. a. How did David spare the life of Saul?

    b. What two lessons can be derived from the story?

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