“Let’s kill Saul!” became the battle cry among David’s men.
Although forced to remain on the move continually, David and his band of men grew stronger militarily. Adversity became their ally making them braver, stealthily-skilled physically and tough mentally. Strongest of all was their loyalty toward David. Bible history remembers these warriors as David’s mighty men (1 Kings 1:8). Yet, David excelled them all. He alone remained deeply loyal to Saul. His mighty men—all of them—wanted Saul dead. David did not!
“We have wives and little ones to protect,” they reasoned among themselves. They knew Saul became crazier every day. All grew tired of being on the run. “Put the man out of his misery,” the men told David fiercely. “This nation needs to move forward again,” they pleaded. Being human, David must have wondered how long God would allow Saul to afflict him and the men loyal to him.
Privately, David cried out to God because there always seemed to be a bigger, blacker cloud slipping over the horizon.
Even though he was temporarily sidelined by the latest Philistine threat, Saul could not get the murder of David out of his thoughts. He was burning with bitterness, envy, jealousy and hatred. After quelling the Philistines, Saul planned to come after David with renewed vigor. He gathered together 3,000 of his best foot soldiers. The latest intelligence reports revealed that David was hiding in the wilderness of Engedi (1 Samuel 24:1-2).
Scouts warned David that Saul was returning in hot pursuit. Saul’s military array glistened in the sunlight—a large number against so few. David’s mighty men were outnumbered two to one. David and his men hid in a cave in the rocky wilderness. Then came a great shock: Saul entered into the very cave of their refuge! (verse 3). The seriousness of the moment intensified.
David Spares Saul
David’s men saw this as a great opportunity. Now was the moment! Saul was trapped; he could be taken out quickly. No struggle would be necessary. They could finally get their lives back.
David’s advisers reasoned with him, “Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee” (1 Samuel 24:4). “David, kill your self-proclaimed enemy!” they encouraged their king. “God has delivered Saul into your hands,” they proclaimed excitedly. “He would kill you if he had this chance,” they egged him on.
David examined them face by face. It was very tempting to side with them and murder Saul.
In the heat of the moment, David managed to keep his wits and only cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. David exercised great self-discipline, but his men wanted him to go further. The scent of blood was burning in their nostrils: Kill Saul; kill Saul; kill Saul.
However, even David’s seemingly small act greatly bothered him. “And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt” (verse 5). David had compromised his own high standards. Yes, Saul had gone wrong. Yes, Saul had fallen far from God’s grace. Yes, Saul was capable of committing evil acts. Yes, Saul would murder David if he had the chance. Yet the principle of government had to remain true.
David could not take it upon himself to remove Saul from office. Only God could do that. David held on to his faith that God would work things out. This shows one of the most important principles of making God’s government work—believing that God will work things out. David learned not to avenge himself. We must learn to do the same.
David humbled himself and repented before his men. He reaffirmed God’s code of honor: “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord” (verse 6). David’s openhearted leadership stirred the mighty men to use restraint. They held themselves back from killing Saul. The evil king was able to leave the cave unaware of what had taken place. King Saul—the murderer—nearly lost his life.
Undying Loyalty to Saul
David followed Saul for some distance. When it was safe, David called out to him; it was time to set the record straight. Saul had told many people that David was out to kill him. The cave incident showed that David actually protected the king. David wanted the truth told.
From a safe place, David yelled out, “My lord the king” (verse 8). Saul turned around and was shocked to see the mighty young warrior. Saul and his men were frozen to inaction before David. Holding a captive audience, David delivered a deeply moving plea for safety.
David bowed before Saul and said, “Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed. Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand” (verses 9-15). Saul was totally paralyzed by his enemy’s words, while his men coldly stared at David awaiting their king’s orders.
What moving words from a dead dog. Like a true poet, David beautifully defended himself. While speaking so humbly and nobly to his father, he lifted high the cloth from Saul’s robe. He powerfully demonstrated to Saul how easy it would have been to slash him to death. Instead, he had preserved Saul’s life. Quoting the wisdom of the ancient men: “Only a wicked man does wickedly,” he proved that there was no wickedness in his heart toward Saul. As far as David was concerned, his conscience was clear. David let Saul and his army know that he looked to God to judge the matter. Was it David after Saul, or Saul after David? David also let Saul know that he looked to God to deliver him out of Saul’s hand.
David’s deep love for Saul shines through this short passionate affirmation of loyalty. What mental anguish David must have felt being hounded and chased by Saul. He loved and respected his king, yet his royal father was tracking him down like some wild animal or a runaway dog. That hurt David deeply.
Saul Admits His Guilt
However, David got through to Saul, if only temporarily. “Is this thy voice, my son David?” Saul replied tenderly to David (1 Samuel 24:16). Saul wept at seeing David, obviously touched by his big heart. No other man would have spared Saul’s life. Yet this verse shows that Saul’s emotional state was critically unstable. One minute he was about to kill David; the next he was weeping over seeing him. How tragic it is when we stray far from God’s Spirit. We must realize that God recorded Saul’s history for us (1 Corinthians 10:11). God wants us to make sure that we do not repeat Saul’s self-destructive history.
“Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? Wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. Swear now therefore unto me by the Lord, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house,” Saul answered back to David (1 Samuel 24:17-21). Three thousand men stood behind Saul in silent amazement at what they just heard.
Their king confessed his evil plot to murder an innocent man. Saul admitted that David did reward him good for his evil. Saul’s confession in front of his troops had to create concern and confusion among the men. Because David did “good” to Saul, his enemy, the wicked king asked God to bless David. Could this spiritually degenerate man actually believe that God would hear his prayers? Saul was so blind to his wretched spiritual state.
Saul also openly acknowledged that David would be king. In fact, he literally foretold that David’s reign would establish the nation as the kingdom of Israel. Imagine how this statement affected Saul’s well-armed men. How many recognized they were standing on the wrong side? Many stomachs had to be turning. They were following a man that could not establish anything enduring.
David’s reign did make Israel a world empire anciently. And we know that God plans to use David to also reestablish the future kingdom of Israel—a world-ruling empire. As a spirit being, he will rule over the 12 tribes of Israel during the Millennium (Ezekiel 34:23).
Saul also asked David, since he would be king, not to destroy his family. It appears that Saul recognized that his conflict with David would end in his own death. Not able then to protect his own family, Saul feared that David would eventually take out his revenge on him by destroying his entire family. This was the way of carnal kings. Saul just didn’t get it. If David didn’t destroy him, why would he destroy all of his children? Nevertheless, David made a covenant with Saul.
After this incident, for a short time, there was a strained peace between them. However, it was not long until Saul again pursued after David. 1 Samuel 26 provides us details of another confrontation between the kings. Again, David spared Saul’s life. You should study this chapter for yourself.
Death of Samuel
David was a man who had experienced loss, but a great shock was about to overtake him.
“And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran” (1 Samuel 25:1). The Prophet Samuel died. Samuel had been a continual source of support for David. He had been David’s refuge in the storm of Saul’s wrath. Now Samuel was gone. Yes, there were other prophets, but none could be so close as Samuel. Samuel had anointed David king. The emotional pain for David must have been severe. But David was not alone in his sorrow—the entire nation mourned the death of Samuel. He had guided the nation through one of its most critical periods. I am sure many wondered what the future held for the nation.
Although the Bible does not say specifically, the loss of Samuel would have been tremendously unsettling for David. Being on the run was difficult. David felt some security knowing that at least he could reach Samuel when needed. With the great prophet’s death, however, even that security was gone. Could God have had His hand in this new development? Surely the loss of Samuel meant that David would have to trust God even more. God was very carefully testing and guiding David. David was being prudently prepared to replace Saul.
After Samuel’s funeral, David and the mighty men moved on to the wilderness of Paran. This is the same location where Moses had taken the ancient Israelites. The ancient city of Petra is located in this area. Historically, Petra has been a place of refuge and protection for many people. It could be that it will gather God’s people again under its wings.
Nabal the Churl
After giving only a short statement on Samuel’s death, the biblical account of David’s life moves on to the story of Nabal and Abigail. Remember, David and his men were skilled fighters. They hired out their military skills as security for the people. They protected many people from Philistine raiders and bandits. In return, David and his men took payment in the form of food and provisions.
Nabal and Abigail lived in the region around Mount Carmel. It was an area rich in natural resources. Nabal was a man of some means. Referring to Nabal, the Bible states, “And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel” (1 Samuel 25:2). Three thousand sheep and 1,000 goats represent a great deal of wealth. Surely Nabal was a target of marauders and thieves. Besides having great wealth, Nabal also had a very beautiful wife who possessed great wisdom.
Although Nabal was very rich, he was extremely selfish and self-centered. He held a terrible reputation among the people. “Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb” (verse 3). Nabal was a belligerent and nasty man. He was cruel and hardhearted—more like a grumpy, lip-curled, teeth-barring, drooling rottweiler than a man. Nabal held the reputation for being obstinate, rough and stubborn. He was not well-liked in the community. His wife, Abigail, was just the opposite.
David and his men and their families needed food. David knew Nabal was a man of great wealth, and he also knew it was the time of year for sheep shearing. The Soncino Commentary states the time of sheep shearing was a festive time—a time for banqueting and celebration. In fact, sheep shearing may have even taken place near a holy day. David decided to send 10 young men to see Nabal.
“Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name: And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds, which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. Ask thy young men, and they will show thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David” (verses 5-8). David was sending these men to collect payment for services rendered. David and his men had protected Nabal’s shepherds and sheep.
The young men were not met with hospitality. Nabal answered, “Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?” (verses 10-11). Nabal remained true to his bad character.
Nabal was quick-tempered and cruel with David’s men. Verse 14 gives us more details about this incident. Nabal railed on David’s men. The word for railed in the Hebrew is iyt. This word means to swoop down upon or fly upon. It is descriptive of a bird of prey. Nabal didn’t just chide the young men, he attacked them.
When it was reported back to David what had taken place, he did not accept it very well. David commanded 400 of his men to arm themselves (verse 13). It was time to teach Nabal a lesson.
The Beauty of Carmel
Abigail’s servants witnessed Nabal’s stupid words and ill-tempered actions with David’s men. They told her what happened: “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them. But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields: They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him” (1 Samuel 25:14-17). They explained to Abigail how David’s men had protected them—David’s mighty men acted as a wall of safety for them, both day and night. They recounted how unreasonable Nabal had been. They knew that David was on his way to kill Nabal and those men working for him.
Rushing off to crush Nabal, David told his men, “Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall” (verses 21-22). David intended to leave no man alive.
Abigail went into action. Unbeknownst to her husband, she collected an ample supply of food and went to meet David before he could locate and destroy Nabal. This beautiful woman was about to perform an act of tremendous courage that would protect both her evil husband and David.
She took it upon herself to personally repair the grave damage done by her senseless husband. She led the large caravan of provisions with her own donkey. Seeing David, Abigail immediately got off her donkey and humbled herself before him.
“Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.
“Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. And now this blessing, which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord. I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.
“Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling. And it shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid,” she pleaded with David (verses 24-31).
Abigail’s words are truly remarkable. Within the humble cloak of true femininity, Abigail was able to calm the angry warrior king. Abigail was not carnally manipulative. She spoke out of a pure heart and high character. All women need to study Abigail’s actions here. Many modern women may have attempted to meet David with a sword. Abigail disarmed David with feminine calm and wisdom.
She asked David to lay Nabal’s sin upon her. She was asking to take Nabal’s place. Can you imagine how this must have struck David? Could David kill her? Then, essentially Abigail showed David that to kill Nabal would only reflect badly on his own character. Everyone knew that Nabal was an evil man. Killing him would not do David any good.
She was very much aware of David’s struggles with Saul. Abigail knew that God had protected him from his chief enemy—Saul. She reminded David that God would avenge his enemies. She encouraged David that the just God would take care of Nabal. Then, after David was made king, Nabal’s blood would not be on his conscience.
Deeply moved by Abigail’s plea, David responded softly, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall” (verses 32-34). David recognized that Abigail had given him very good advice. He wholeheartedly accepted it. He spared Nabal. David graciously accepted the provisions Abigail brought with her. He sent the beauty of Carmel to her home in peace.
David Marries Abigail
When Abigail returned home after meeting David, she found her husband very drunk. She wisely said nothing to him about what she had done. The next day, when Nabal had sobered up, she told him. Nabal was struck with a heart attack—he died 10 days later (1 Samuel 25:36-38). Abigail’s own words proved to be prophetic. God did avenge David.
When David received the news of Nabal’s untimely death, he was greatly encouraged. He said, “Blessed be the Lord, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the Lord hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head” (verse 39). David again learned not to avenge himself. God had taken care of Nabal for him. David did not need to have Nabal’s blood on his head. David learned more deeply to trust God to fight his battles for him. This lesson is vital for all of us—we all must learn to trust God.
David, deeply impressed with Abigail, sent ambassadors to invite her to become his wife. When David’s servants relayed David’s request, Abigail stood before them, and then, as a household servant, washed their feet (verse 40-41). Abigail’s strength of character rested in her deep humility. Hearing David’s invitation, she wasted no time. Following David’s servants, she took five female servants with her and rushed to be by David’s side. Abigail became David’s wife. Abigail would eventually give David his second son, Chileab (2 Samuel 3:3). The Bible account here adds the history that David also took another wife. “David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives” (1 Samuel 25:43). Ahinoam was to give David his first son—Amnon (2 Samuel 3:2).
David’s wife, Michal, had been given to another man, Phalti of Gallim. Remember, Michal had lied to her father and said that David forced her to let him flee (1 Samuel 19:17). We know she deeply loved David. Was she now forced to pay a penalty for her disloyalty? The Bible is unclear about the chronology of the events concerning Michal. For example, we don’t know exactly when Michal was given to Phalti. Most commentaries theorize that Michal was given away immediately after David’s escape, but all we know for sure is that Michal was not with her husband in the wilderness—the time of his greatest need.
David’s life began to take on more changes. However, he still faced one large hurdle—Saul. Yet, the young king waited on God. David knew that God had to fight this menacing battle for him.