2. Even in his fear, David’s concern was God’s glory.

3. 1 Samuel 24:1-3 Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, “Take note! David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi.” Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. (David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.)

4. 1 Samuel 24:4-6 Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the L ORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. And he said to his men, “The L ORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the L ORD ’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the L ORD.”

5. David’s men, outnumbered 5-1, saw this as divine intervention and a way out of their situation.

6. It’s dangerous to rely on our view of circumstances to interpret God’s will. What makes sense to us isn’t necessarily God’s will.

7. There is no record of God having said this to David. Prov. 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

8. Both our interpretation and application of God’s word should be handled with caution.

9. David respected authority and believed God would put His choice in place in His time. We would do well to remember that. John 19:10-11; Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-17

10. Prayer for everyone, especially civil leaders, should be a priority in every fellowship! 1 Tim. 2:1-5

11. 1 Tim. 2:1-4 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

12. Who are we relying on to make America a great nation? Who are we looking to for the coming generations? How many Christians are putting their trust in political parties?

13. When our prayers rely on our predetermined outcomes, we risk setting ourselves up for disappointment and unbelief.

14. 1 Samuel 24:7-9 So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way. David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down. And David said to Saul: “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Indeed David seeks your harm’?

15. David’s restraint of his men was important. It would be difficult to not take advantage of a situation much in David’s favor and for which few would blame him.

16. Once again, David is involved in God’s training ground. True leadership does what is right, not just what is convenient or personally advantageous.

17. David’s concern involved Saul listening to men who were giving him bad advice. While it is good to seek counsel (Pr. 1:5; 11:14; 12:5, 15; 15:22; 20:18), we should always carefully evaluate the advice given to us.

18. 1 Samuel 24:10-11 Look, this day your eyes have seen that the L ORD delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the L ORD ’s anointed.’ Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it.

19. 1 Samuel 24:12-15 Let the L ORD judge between you and me, and let the L ORD avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be against you. After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea? Therefore let the L ORD be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my case, and deliver me out of your hand.”

20. David modeled for Saul how the King should have treated him. “By addressing Saul as his lord (v. 8), his king (v. 8), and his father (v. 11), David expressed respect, submission, and affection.” Tom Constable’s note (soniclight.com)

21. David took a risk in approaching Saul, but put his life in God’s hands and felt the best course of action was to confront the issue head-on. As much as we may want to avoid direct conflict, there are times there is no good alternative. Matt. 18:15

22. David was wise both in not only what he said but also in the manner in which he said it. At times, how we say something is at least as important as what we say. Prov. 16:24

23. By doing what was right instead of guessing about God’s will, David placed his life in the hands of the Lord and His sovereign rule. So should we.

24. 1 Samuel 24:16-18 So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. Then he said to David: “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when the L ORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.

25. While we can’t be sure as to the reason, David’s direct approach seems to have helped Saul temporarily return to reality.

26. 1 Samuel 24:19-22 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore may the L ORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Therefore swear now to me by the L ORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s house.” So David swore to Saul. And Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

27. By taking the approach he did, Saul acknowledged David’s righteousness, goodness, and right to the throne. What amazing vindication!

28. While David showed great respect, he also knew who he was dealing with and acted wisely in not returning with Saul.

29. We should always be wise in evaluating and dealing with those who have serious mental and behavioral issue. Forgiveness does not require foolishness.

30. Psalm 57:1-3: For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

31. Psalm 57:4-6 I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves.

32. Psalm 57:7-8 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

33. Psalm 57:9-11 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

34. Saul had received bad counsel. David was being lied about to the extent that they sought his life.

35. David rose above the circumstances and his emotions. He not only trusted, but worshipped the Lord in the midst of great trouble. How differently we sometimes run our lives.

36. David looked to mercy and trusted in the Lord. One of the key themes for David involves God not giving him what he deserves. Faith moves God.

37. Psalm 142:1-3 A Plea for Relief from Persecutors A Contemplation of David. A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cry aloud to the L ORD ; I lift up my voice to the L ORD for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.

38. Psalm 142:4-6 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, L ORD ; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

39. Psalm 142:7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

40. When we look to the Lord, He is found!

41. Even in his fear, David’s concern was God’s glory.

42. David had... Means Motive Opportunity But, he lacked the most important thing… Permission

43. Even in his fear, David’s concern was God’s glory.