It is important to note the context in which David said the above statement. It was at a point in his life when Saul was determined to kill him. During this period, David had two very distinct opportunities to kill Saul, but he chose not to.
Just a bit of background information. Saul was the first individual to be anointed as king over Israel. Due to his disobedience, he was rejected by God, the Spirit of the Lord departed Saul and an evil spirit from the Lord had been tormenting him. In the interim, David was anointed as the new king by Samuel-but this was done in secret. Not knowing this information, David was brought into the king’s palace to play music for Saul whenever the evil spirit came upon him.
We all know the story of David slewing Goliath, and from there David became a mighty warrior. David was so successful that the women of the city had a song that highlighted this; ‘Saul had slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands’ 1st Samuel 18 vs 7. This aroused the jealousy of Saul and he was also afraid because the Lord was with David. From that point on, Saul had it in his heart to kill David and he attempted to do so on multiple occasions; a number of these attempts are chronicled between 1 Samuel chapters 18 to 26.
Due to Saul’s attempt on David’s life, he ran away, but Saul was committed to his mission to kill David and so went after him. On two occasions, David himself had the opportunity to kill Saul, but he spared his life. In chapter 24 when Saul was in a cave, David cut a piece of his robe and he was conscience-stricken for doing so. On a separate occasion, while Saul was in camp in a very deep sleep, David took Saul’s water jug and spear (chapter 26). In both instances, David alerted Saul to the fact that he could have killed him if he wanted to. On both occasions, David’s men insisted that the opportunity was ripe for David to kill Saul, however, David insisted that he could not touch the Lord’s anointed.
Not many persons would have taken the approach David did. Knowing that you can kill the person, who is effectively trying to take your life. Honestly, I probably would have seen it has fair game- ‘since you’re trying to kill me, nothing is wrong if I do just what you’re trying to do to me’
The argument can be had that, if David killed Saul, he would have been justified. However, David recognized that this was not his role, to touch the individual that was currently anointed as king. He conceded that Saul’s time would come.
David was truly living out Romans 12 vs 19 before the time it was written which says, Vengeance is the Lord and he will repay. David alluded to this in 1 Samuel 26 vs 10- “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come, and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish”, Saul did eventually die in battle, but it was not at the hand of David. That account can be read of in 1 Samuel 31. This is indeed a wonderful lesson in leaving vengeance to the Lord.
When God does something, it is well done, but when we avenge ourselves, we end up making a mess of the whole situation.”
Has mankind, when we are hurt, our immediate thought is to take revenge, but I am imploring us to leave it in the hands of God. Even though we may be called punks or idiots by those in our circle, leave it in the hands of God. It may not be the easiest thing, but it is simply the best thing to do. When God does something, it is well done, but when we avenge ourselves, we end up making a mess of the whole situation. Just sit and watch God work, in his timing and way.
As we had discussed earlier, David was anointed to replace Saul as King. Despite this fact, David still showed respect for Saul and the position he held. David could have asserted his position as the new king and hastened his appointment by killing Saul. However, this is not the approach David took. He respected the position of authority that Saul held.
It is also important for us to respect our leaders. We may not always agree with all their actions, but it is not for us to slaughter them with our mouths. We must learn to voice our concerns in a respectful/tactful manner, our motive should not be to embarrass or tear them down. We should approach these situations with sincerity of heart. If the situation is grave, rest assured that God will do that which needs to be done to reprimand or move that individual out of the way.
On the other hand, leaders should not use this statement “don’t touch the Lord’s anointed” to silence their flock when they have legitimate concerns.
Personal Experience
Honestly, it can be easier said than done to wait on the timing of God and I have struggled in this regard. I have been in a situation where I was wronged, and I wanted that person to pay for what they did. I had been vacillating between giving the situation to God and at another time trying to fight it on my own. I eventually came to my senses and gave it to God, though the opportunity had arisen for me to avenge myself. Truly, it has been quite freeing, it has given me clarity of mind, allowed me to preserve my dignity, and preserve my witness. So, when the Lord says vengeance is mind, we should never try to repay, just rest in his promise that he will do it in his time and it will be well done.
I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Dear Lord,
I thank you for your Word which is a light unto our path. I pray Lord that we will look to you to direct every aspect of our lives. In situations that we feel that we have been wronged, I pray that we will leave it in Your hand. In those situations, may we remember that vengeance is yours. We know that anything you do Lord is well done. Let us not be consumed or be blinded by rage- but truly leave everything in your hands. I pray that we will be respectful to our leaders and that we will recognize that respect begets respect. In all we do may we not lean on our understanding but allow you our God and Father to direct our path. In Jesus name, I pray,
AMEN.
