Series: Israel’s 2nd King- David [#8]
HOW TO HANDLE A HOSTILE PERSON
1 Samuel 24:1-22
Introduction:
We have seen how Saul was a destroyer, wiping out the town of Nob; and David became a deliverer, setting free the town of Keilah. David was the future king, the king in waiting- He was loyal to Saul and never did anything to harm him; but Saul was jealous of David and became increasingly obsessed with destroying him. I want you to think about the Saul in your life- Someone who has went after you to destroy you. David had given loyal service; but Saul was not pleased with anything he did. How should you handle a hostile person?
Our culture is becoming more hostile towards Christians. We should not be surprised to find ourselves in the same position as David, where people assume that we are the problem, that we are up to no good, and that we are not to be trusted. So, we need to learn how to live with this and how to handle this with grace. David had a chance to put an end to all that he had endured from Saul. The man who had caused so much trouble for him was at his mercy; and this happened not once but twice- 1st in the story of the robe; and 2nd, in the story of the spear.
1 Samuel 24:1-7
* The robe.
Saul gathered an army of 3,000 men to hunt for David. David had a much smaller group of men who had pledged their loyalty to him, and he was constantly on the move, hiding in forests and in caves. In this cave, was David’s opportunity to change everything; and his men knew it. The argument was overwhelming, except for 1 thing- God said, “You shall not kill.” David refused to do anything to harm Saul. Instead, he crept forward and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. David’s men can hardly believe that David passed up this unique opportunity to put an end to Saul. If the roles were reversed, Saul would have killed David in a moment. So Saul finishes his business, comes out from the cave, and has no idea of the grace, kindness, and the sheer loyalty that has just been shown, until David comes out of the cave holding the corner of his robe in his hand. I want you to notice that David spared Saul’s life not once, but twice. The 2nd time is in Chapter 26.
1 Samuel 26:1-11
* The spear.
The significance of this 2nd story is that Saul did not change, even after he was shown grace by David in the story of the robe. Saul was back to hunting for David again. Even after Saul tasted grace, it did not change him- He remained the same.
So, David takes the spear; and when he is a safe distance from the camp he shouts out and wakens Abner, who was supposedly responsible for protecting the king; but he was literally asleep on the job. Saul wakes up and sees David standing on the hillside with the spear, and again Saul sees the evidence of grace. Twice Saul, the destroyer, tried to take the life of David by throwing his spear. Twice David, the deliverer, spares the life of Saul by restraining the sword and the spear.
This story is given to us, not so that we’ll know interesting things about David’s life; but so that we’ll know how to live the Christian life. This is examples of how to handle a hostile person.
Psalm 103:10
1. Practice restraint.
David held back the desire to get even in the cave and then in the camp when Saul was asleep. Saul had done David much harm, but David held back the natural desire to pay him back. In this he gives us a picture of God’s restraining grace. God does not treat us as our sins deserve.
1 Samuel 24:8
2. Show respect.
The Bible is really clear on this principle- Give honor to whom honor is due. Show respect to other people, and especially to people God has placed in authority over you.
1 Samuel 24:9
3. Believe that they have been given bad information.
Saul was convinced that David was out to get him; and David pointed to Saul’s advisers who were giving him bad information.
1 Samuel 24:10-11
4. Demonstrate grace.
David held the corner of Saul’s robe in his hand as the evidence of grace. David had the opportunity to hurt Saul, but he would not do it. This is demonstrated not only in his words, but in his actions. He shows grace and mercy. He shows love to his enemy and does him good.
1 Samuel 24:11
5. Appeal to the relationship at its best.
David married Saul’s daughter, Michal, so that would make Saul David’s father-in-law. David was saying, “Saul, we belong to the same family. I’m never going to hurt you.” This is helpful in dealing with a hostile person, “We’re on the same team. We’re part of the same family.”
1 Samuel 24:20-22
6. Do good without expecting it in return.
If David were a good negotiator, he would’ve said “Call off this manhunt and I’ll make this promise to you.” David made a commitment to Saul, but he did not ask for a commitment in return. There is no negotiation here. David does not ask for what Saul would be unable to give.
1 Samuel 24:15
7. Trust God for your vindication.
Notice, David did not go back with Saul. After all the kindness he’s shown, he does not assume Saul will change. It’s not easy to live under false accusations, people assuming the worst about you.
Conclusion:
What came of this? The tragedy of Saul is that although David offered kindness and extended grace, Saul never changed.
1 Samuel 24:16
* Saul wept, but he did not repent.
Saul wept, but in Chapter 26 he was back hunting for David again. There’s regret here, but not repentance. Saul wept, but he did not change.
1 Samuel 24:17
* He conceded, but he did not confess.
1 Samuel 24:21
* He asked, but he did not commit.
There is no commitment from Saul to call off his attacks. Saul did not change. The discipline of God did not break him. The kindness of God did not melt him. This man, who had a hardened heart, was consumed with himself.
The tragedy of Saul’s life was that when grace was displayed, he just kept pushing it away. Don’t let that be the story of your life. Today, if you hear his voice, don’t harden your heart. Come to Christ in faith and repentance. Come to him in confession. Why would you not want to be reconciled to this Christ who is for you and who offers himself to you today?
