1 Samuel 24:16 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, Is this your voice, my son David?… Those who form the most careful plans for the defeat of others are often defeated themselves. Pharaoh persecuted and pursued the children of Israel, but he perished through his own folly — Haman and Mordecai — Judas mad Christ. Saul hunted for David like a thirsty bloodhound, but imperilled his own life lay entering the cave in which David and his men had concealed themselves. How did David treat his enemy in the hour of his weakness? I. DAVID SHOWED THE MOST GRACIOUS TREATMENT TO AN INVETERATE ENEMY. We may learn two things from this gracious forbearance. 1. That it is the duty of Christian men to forgive their enemies. 2. Christian men are benefited by forgiving their enemies. Forgiveness improves both the heart of the offended and the offender. Life is ennobled by little acts of forbearance, and the heart made bright and glad. A desire for revenge is a sure sign of weakness. Revenge is its own torment. II. DAVID GAINED A MOST DECISIVE VICTORY OVER AN INVETERATE ENEMY. Kindness conquered. Love won. "Saul lifted up his voice and wept." 1. Saul was convinced of sin. The hardest heart is sometimes softened. The iceberg melts before the sun. Awakened, ashamed, but not reclaimed. 2. Saul confessed his sin. "Thou art more righteous than I, for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil." Bad men must confess their sin. They may conceal their true character for a time, but "truth will out." The secret diary of the heart will be opened and read. III. HOW DID DAVID OBTAIN THIS THREE-FOLD VICTORY? 1. He conquered by constant vigilance. 2. He conquered by earnest prayer. (J. T. Woodhouse.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. |
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