Parent and Family Background
The Israelites trusted and believed that God was their only true king. However, they were surrounded by powerful nations that were led by kings. So the Israelites decided that they wanted a “human king” too.
In this story, King Saul becomes jealous of a good soldier named David. Saul plans to have David killed. But when David has a chance to kill the king, he does not. Instead he honors Saul. Saul apologizes to David and promises never to harm him.
Saul
1 Samuel 26
At that time, Saul was king of Israel. Yet, he was jealous of his most talented soldier, David. Saul plotted to kill David. When David heard this news, he fled with a few men into the desert. Saul and his army followed.
David saw that Saul and his army had followed him into the desert. He asked his men, “Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?”
“I will,” answered Abishai.
During the night, David and Abishai crept into Saul’s camp. They found Saul sleeping within a barricade. All his soldiers camped around him. Saul’s spear was thrust into the ground beside his head.
Abishai whispered to David, “God has delivered your enemy to you. Let me kill him with a thrust of the spear!”
But David said to Abishai, “Do not harm him. Who can harm the Lord’s anointed and remain unpunished?” Then David directed Abishai, “Take his spear and his water jug, and let us be on our way.”
They took the spear and the water jug and they got away without anyone waking. Then they made their way to an opposite slope. David shouted back at Abner and the rest of Saul’s troops, “Abner!”
“Who is it that calls me?” asked Abner.
David continued, “You did not guard the king when one of the subjects went to kill him. Go, look where the king’s spear and water jug were at his head.”
Saul recognized David’s voice and he asked, “Is that your voice, David?”
David answered, “Yes, my lord the king.” David continued, “Why do you pursue me? What have I done? Please listen to the words of your servant.”
Then Saul said, “I have done wrong. Come back, David. I will not harm you again. I realize that you did not harm me when you had the chance. I have been a fool and made a serious mistake.”
David replied, “Here is the king’s spear. Let an attendant come over to get it.”
Saul continued, “Blessed are you, David! You shall certainly succeed in whatever you undertake.”
Then David went his way and Saul returned home
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