The Leadership ChallengeSample

Challenge 16

DAVID: FACING UNJUST ACCUSATIONS

READ: 1 Samuel 18:1—19:24

Samuel has anointed David as Israel’s second king, but David’s reign does not begin immediately. Even though God has made it clear that He has rejected Saul’s rule, Saul is still in power. And Saul is not happy with God’s plan. His relationship with David appears good at the beginning but is soon tainted by jealousy and anger. Saul seeks to kill him to preserve his power and secure the throne for his sons. Soon David flees into exile. The rest of the book of 1 Samuel covers this period. Many of the Psalms connected with this time show David’s struggles with his circumstances (see Psalm 18, 34, 52, 54, 57, 59). He is unjustly pursued and falsely accused, yet he trusts in the Lord’s provision and remains faithful to God’s law. David even refuses two chances to kill Saul. He will not harm a God-anointed leader even when that anointing is removed (1 Samuel 24:1–7). Eventually Saul is killed in battle and the way is clear for David to come to power.

Leaders sometimes face unjust accusations and criticisms. What do we learn from the reading about what caused Saul to turn on David? How does David treat his opponents? How does David’s story encourage you to persevere under these types of circumstances?