The Life of DavidSample

When the Mighty Fall

Toward the end of 1 Samuel, it appeared as if David had lost hope that the promise of his anointing would be fulfilled. After being on the run from Saul for years, swinging like a pendulum between trust and despair, he finally went to the mortal enemies of his people, the Philistines (1 Sam. 27). David, his men, and their families settled among these pagan people under false pretenses, but at least it seemed they were out of Saul’s reach. In truth, however, David was no safer in Philistia than in Israel. If God ordained David’s capture, Saul would find him, even in Philistine territory. But as long as God ordained David’s safety, Saul would never lay hands on him, even within Israel.

Finally, however, Saul’s time on the throne ended. The final chapter of 1 Samuel recounts a massive battle in which the men of Israel fled before the Philistines. Saul’s three sons were struck down and killed, and Saul himself was wounded. He asked his armorbearer to kill him, lest the Philistines have that “pleasure,” but the armorbearer was too fearful of doing it. So, Saul allowed his body to fall onto his sword, ending the reign of Israel’s first monarch. At least one Amalekite man escaped the battle and went to David, where he reported Saul’s death. However, his account was slightly different—he claimed to have dealt Saul the death blow that the armorbearer refused to give. Apparently, he hoped to gain favor as the man who finally finished off David’s pursuer. But David did not celebrate Saul’s death. Rather, he tore his clothes as a sign of anguish, then mourned, wept, and fasted until evening. Next, he had the self-proclaimed destroyer of God’s anointed king put to death. Finally, he composed a lament for Saul and Jonathan, his Song of the Bow, in which he proclaimed that a tragedy had befallen Israel.

David’s faith may have been at a low ebb just before this unexpected providence, but his reaction to Saul’s death shows that the heart qualities that made him fit for the throne were still present. David realized that God had carried out His judgment on Saul, and he took no joy in it. He understood that Saul was an effective deliverer for Israel. In light of this dire event, David’s desire for the throne was small. The selflessness he exhibited is a wonderful characteristic for any monarch.

CORAM DEO Living before the face of God

God declares in Scripture that He takes no joy in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 33:11), and neither should we. Like David's mourning for Saul, we must see the deaths of unbelievers for what they are—tragedies caused by sin. Pray for your unsaved friends and tell them of the deliverance from sin and judgment found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.