David has boldly confronted Saul with his crimes, using evidence that shows clearly David has no ill intentions towards him. How does the king respond? With heart-felt sorrow. Saul is broken by David’s words and actions. Then he recognises that David truly will be king after him and uses this touching moment to get David to swear not to harm the royal family. It’s wonderful to see Saul repent in this way. But it’s temporary; Saul will turn again. As Jesus told us: some respond to God but later fall away under pressure or desire. Christians must daily pray that the Lord would help us persevere in faith.
Brief notes on this passage are also sent out in daily emails during the week after the sermon. An archive of these may be read on a separate website: press here to go to the first one from this passage or press here to read the introduction to the notes, which are entitled “Think of the King“.
Photo by Keagan Henman on Unsplash