Saul’s betrayal
David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. 4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul had indeed come.
12 So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul’s head, and they got away; and no man saw it or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them.
19 Now therefore, please, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering. But if it is the children of men, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day from sharing in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
–> David is always mindful of the Lord and walks very carefully as though the Lord is standing there in front of him and watching his actions.
21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will harm you no more, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed I have played the fool and erred exceedingly.”
–> Saul repeated his good words and good wishes (21-25). But he showed no evidence of true repentance towards God. No reconciliation among men is firm, which is not founded in and cemented by peace with God through Jesus Christ. In sinning against God, men play the fool and err exceedingly. From Matthew Henry’s Commentary
–> David’s action and Saul’s action are both quite surprising. Both actions don’t seem to be normal. Why spare the life of the evil man? Why try to kill a man who not only do anything wrong to harm you but even spared your own life? The difference between these 2 actions is like that of day and night. The former leads to a victorious life blessed by the Lord and the latter leads to a destroyed life. These are not of equal value.
David sought his salvation through the Lord not through men. Let’s remember that today.