Living On The Edge

Tallit achieves holiness both through what is done (donning the Tallit, praying, seeing, and remembering) and through what is not done (avoiding temptation, not “whoring” after one’s eyes—the literal meaning of the Hebrew—which lead one astray). The Tallit bears witness to its wearers’ aspirations and commitments.

Thus the Tallit- garment envelops a man physically and spiritually.

The edge defines the whole.

The I Edge:

Saul had explicit instructions to put to sword all the Amalekites, their king and their cattle. Saul disobeyed by sparing the life of King Agag and preserving the best of sheep and cattle.

By doing so, he not only disobeys but defies God.

Samuel rebukes Saul: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). God has no delight for any substitute to simple and humble obedience. Human wisdom cannot take the place of divine revelation. Since you have rejected the Lord’s command; he has rejected you from being the king of Israel.

Saul’s life is now pushed to the edge.

Not willing to accept the loss of his identity he seizes the edge of Samuel’s garment tearing off the tassel of his Tallit.

By doing so, Saul unwittingly confirms the prophecy of Samuel to bear on his life. Samuel turns around and thunders: “Even as you ripped off my garment; your kingdom will be ripped off from your hand”.

By tearing off the edge of Samuel’s Tallit; Saul ends up tearing off the SOVEREIGNITY OF GOD. The torn tassel is a silent testimony that his kingship has been torn from his grasp.

The II Edge:

David, fleeing from Saul for his life seeks hides in a cave in Engedi. He is accompanied by a band of 600 faithful followers. They are not men of repute or standing; but the riff-raff; the vagabonds; the dregs of society – not easy to manage, not easy to please. But these are men who are fiercely loyal, ready to give their lives for him. And as fate would destine; Saul, in pursuit of David, along with his army chances to enter into the very same came David is hiding to take a break. Saul’s men wait outside while Saul tarries within.

A hard to believe opportunity presents itself.

David’s men urge him to finish off Saul bringing an end to their travails.

It is not easy to speculate what kind of thoughts and emotions would have crossed David’s mind. Perhaps God had arranged this opportunity for him to rid himself of Saul and finally be king? Saul, despite his bombast and power is now powerless before him.

You can imagine David standing behind a vulnerable and unsuspecting Saul with his sword outstretched for that fateful stroke that will usher a new beginning in his life.

David is a man on the edge.

David’s men urge him to finish the task.

David swings his sword.

The men watch with bated breath; expecting Saul’s severed to roll down to the mouth of the cave.

But David’s sword is not aimed at the head of Saul; but at the tail of his cloak. David slashes off the edge of Saul’s garment.