1 Samuel 24:3-22 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet… Saul's animosity is a fire that finds constant fuel. No sooner are the Philistines repulsed than he resumes his hunt for his prey. That Saul should know so well where to look for David seems to imply that traitors were among the wanderer's followers. Misinterpreted providence refused in wisdom. Saul's unexpected appearance thus unguarded would appear to David's men as decidedly a providence. Calling to mind the meaning of the Divine anointing and the promise that David should come to the throne of Israel, they whisper, "Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee" (ver. 4). If Psalm 7 belongs to this period, we see how great the conflict with self before this temptation. The history furnishes us with much light concerning David. 1. His tenderness of conscience is noticeable. His heart smote him for thus doubting God and stooping to dishonour His anointed king (ver. 5). 2. His conscious integrity adds force to his words. How tenderly he pleads with Saul (ver. 9). How tremulous with righteousness are his words (ver. 11). 3. What dignity there is in truth l and withal his humility must be noticed. (ver. 14). It was as if he had said, "I shall not antedate the promise. God has said He will bring me to the throne. I shall wait." (ver. 15). Such a time was filled with tests — a sudden opportunity to reach the desire of the heart, and an appeal to passion in the name of religion. He stood the strain. He lost not his self-command. Nearly all our falls come from trying to go before God! (H. E. Stone.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. |
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