Session 6: The Anointed

Session Overview

Creedal Statement

And God spoke all these words, saying,
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.

Key Elements

• Key Passage - 1 Samuel 24:1–26:25
• Scripture Memory - Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work. Titus 3:1
• Catechism Question - Q: How are believers to treat those in authority? A: With honor.

Introduction

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.

God has placed humans in authority for our good and his glory! Although this is a hard truth to embrace, it is a fundamental belief in our walk of faith. Very few people readily, voluntarily, or cheerfully submit themselves to authority. As humans, we pride ourselves on being independent, autonomous, and self-governing. Regardless of our innate resistance, authority figures are an inevitable part of human existence. While individuals do have agency—a right and power to make decisions for themselves—this does not mean that the world functions free of authority structures. Teachers, parents, employers, political figures, coaches, and elders occupy positions of leadership in society. Rather than seeking liberation from all authority, the best possible life involves rightly responding to authority established by God. The way we treat human authority reflects our heart’s disposition to God’s authority in our lives and over the cosmos. Consequently, a life of peace, meaning, and joy is inseparably connected to the respect paid to God’s appointed authorities.

Humans disregard and disrespect authority to their own demise. Godly parental discipline aims to infuse truth, wisdom, and sensibility into children. When discipline is not followed, children become a danger to themselves and society. Politicians and law enforcement are tasked with seeking public safety and societal order. When we assert our own will against civic leadership, we contribute to unrest. Educators and pastors best steward their authority as shepherds who guide sheep to nourishing streams of faith, understanding, and piety. When we dishonor these formational leaders, we withhold enduring good from ourselves. The abuse of power is equally damaging. Leaders who resort to manipulation, coercion, or forceful dogmatism injure those under their care. In contrast, passive leaders risk abandoning the flock to the fierce wild of a violent and unforgiving world. The complexities of human authority should not cause a dismissal of the topic. Instead, we look to the Scriptures to find clear principles regarding our treatment and use of God-given authority.

The narrative of David and Abigail in 1 Samuel 24:1–26:25 is a fitting text to teach us about human authority. In this biblical passage, we witness David demonstrate respect for Saul, even though Saul has violently pursued him. Given two opportunities to kill Saul—one while Saul was relieving himself in a cave and another when Saul was soundly sleeping inside his camp—David chose to honor Saul as the anointed king of Israel. In these accounts, David’s speech teaches us about the nature of leadership and the faith required to honor God-given authority. Between these two scenes, the lessons about respect and authority are reinforced by an entertaining and true story about a wise woman named Abigail and her foolish husband Nabal. Abigail not only showed fitting respect toward David but also used wisdom to undo the disastrous consequences of Nabal’s foolish disrespect toward David.

David and Abigail did not choose the easiest path. But, they did tread upon a narrow way toward what is best. Many times, renouncing authority, asserting self-will, and defying God are portrayed as a path toward freedom. Even though this kind of life appeals to popular opinion and the sinful human heart, true freedom is enjoyed by rightly recognizing and using human authority. Maturity in this very basic Christian teaching is a path toward the true joy of a blessed life. Importantly, this narrative not only highlights the honorable treatment of a king but subtly reinforces respect toward parents. A person who does not learn honor for father and mother—the first human authorities one encounters in life—will predictably struggle to rightly esteem authorities in government, workplace, education, or church. As we will see, dishonor of parents is surely to result in disregard of God. As we explore this fascinating account, let us humbly seek the Lord for what David and Abigail can teach us about the use and respect of authority!

Biblical Interpretation: Hearing the Word

Study the Text: The Bible is God’s inspired word to his people. Christian disciples mature in the faith when they are grounded in God’s word. In this movement, you will study the basic details of the biblical text.

Observation Questions

Read (or listen to) the whole passage of Scripture. Discuss the questions below for each section of the story. Pay attention to the details of the text to recall what the passage is saying. Use the focus verses to guide your conversation.

Storycraft

Retell the story in your own words, recounting the overall flow of the narrative, the main segments of the story, and the major developments that take place.

Narrative Elements

Story Retell

Theological Dialogue: Discussing the Plot

Explore the Text: God’s word is his trustworthy and sufficient revelation to his people. We grow as Christ’s disciples by rooting our lives in God’s unchanging truth. In this movement, you will explore vital teachings of this biblical passage.

Discussion Questions

Summarize the biblical story. As a community, discuss the following questions. Be attentive to the truths taught in this text. Use the commentary on the next pages to uncover core principles this passage teaches about the Christian faith.

Biblical Commentary

Use this commentary to help you understand the meaning of the text. Refer to the infographic on the next page to think through how narratives work.

Passage Introduction

Key Idea

Respect those in authority, letting God act on your behalf.

Passage Overview

Respect toward authority is difficult, demanding, and humbling. Abusive use of power and misguided leadership permeate the annals of human history. Revolt, rebellion, and mutiny seem to be commonly (and unfortunately) accepted as virtuous. Anti-authoritarian sentiments and independent spirits grate against God’s call for us to honor those in authority. The example of David and Abigail in this narrative offers timely instruction to a confused culture. David’s repeated respect for Saul, refusing to take his life, reveals the foundation of faith required to honor God-appointed leaders. Abigail’s fearless, wise, and courageous acts honored David and overcame her husband’s folly. As such, she speaks to those who find themselves under the challenges and constraints of godless power. This narrative helps us express honor toward those in leadership positions and reflect on our own use of power and authority. Practicing this principle is a means of preparing our own hearts for the right response to God. Ultimately, how we treat those in authority in our lives is a reflection of our attitude toward God himself. Allow the commentary to elucidate the meaning of this scriptural text and shape your attitude toward, use of, and respect for God-given authority.

Passage Outline

Honoring Those in Authority

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

A man cannot expect any adventures in the land of anarchy. But a man can expect any number of adventures if he goes travelling in the land of authority. One can find no meanings in a jungle of scepticism; but the man will find more and more meanings who walks through a forest of doctrine and design. Here everything has a story tied to its tail, like the tools or pictures in my father’s house; for it is my father’s house. I end where I began—at the right end. I have entered at least the gate of all good philosophy. I have come into my second childhood.

Introduction

God places people into authority positions to reflect his universal authority and to serve his eternal purposes. Amazingly, God works out his redemptive plan through humans in the course of unfolding world history. Not only does God use people to accomplish his grand cosmic purposes, but he also appoints humans to positions of authority to form individuals in faith. Remarkably, the way people relate to human authorities reveals the extent to which we are in a submissive relationship with divine authority. Sometimes human leaders—whether they be political, judicial, legal, educational, or familial—seem worthy to be honored. Other times, it is evident that these human authorities are quite unbecoming of their leadership positions. Regardless of their merit, God summons his people to honor God-appointed authorities. As sovereign Lord, God establishes and replaces leaders at his will, to accomplish his purposes at both a large and a small scale. Since God has placed leaders in their positions, our esteem or disrespect toward human authority is ultimately a reflection of our heart toward God’s supreme authority over our own lives. We look to the Scripture to consider how we should understand, treat, and use the human authority that God has endowed.

The biblical narrative of 1 Samuel 24:1–26:25 offers us a compelling instance of how God’s people should treat human authority. While a fugitive on the run, David refrained from killing Saul even though he had an easy opportunity and rational reason to do so. Although it seemed like his enemy had been given into his hands, David respected Saul as God’s appointed (in fact, God’s anointed) leader of Israel. As we will see, David’s respect for Israel’s present king—even though he was anointed as Israel’s next king—was because he had a deep-seated faith in God. David did not seek his own advancement by violating God’s anointed leader. Around this time, a man who refused to care for his wandering band of men incited David’s desire for vengeance. This man’s wife, Abigail, became the heroine of the story by showing respect for David and overcoming her husband’s foolish disregard. Finally, David was presented with another opportunity to kill Saul, end his fugitive run, and establish himself as king. David knew that taking matters into his own hands was both to dishonor God and effectuate his own downfall. Consequently, when David approached a sleeping Saul in the middle of the night, he refrained from killing him. Much like the first episode, David spared Saul’s life, showed him respect, and confronted his wrongheaded conduct.

Honoring human authorities does not mean blind acquiescence to everything that a leader commands. Leaders can be wrong, immoral, misguided, and unwise. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone (cf. Deuteronomy 6:13; 13:4; 1 Samuel 7:3; Matthew 4:10). Nevertheless, our view and treatment of human authorities reflect our relationship with the one who placed these leaders in their positions of power. Although this biblical narrative recounts respect shown to a king—and even more fundamentally, respect shown to a father-in-law—the principles apply to other authority figures in various spheres of life: teachers, politicians, coaches, pastors, employers, law enforcement, presidents, and elders. Although these other leaders are not exactly kings or parents, they steward authority that is God-given. In this sense, their positions are noble, honorable, and worthy of respect. It also means these leaders will be held to a higher degree of accountability before God. Whether we occupy these positions of authority or exist underneath them, our relationship to human authority is a meaningful reflection of our Christian faith. Ultimately, God uses human authority as a means to establish and strengthen faithful and reverent submission to God as the ultimate authority and generous benefactor of all enduring blessing.

Two Men in a Cave: Leaving Justice to God

Biblical Narrative (1 Samuel 24:1–22)

Early in the kingdom of Israel, the nation’s first king, Saul, forfeited his right to rule because of a defiant act of disobedience against God (15:1–35). Subsequently, God appointed and anointed David to replace Saul as king of Israel (16:1–23). David eclipsed Saul in military exploits (17:1–18:30), demonstrating God’s favor on his life (16:13, 18; 18:12, 14, 28) and winning public praise (18:6–30). Saul’s loss of the kingdom and David’s astonishing ascendancy stirred Saul to jealousy (18:8–9, 15–16, 28–29) and caused the enraged regent to launch a relentless pursuit to kill David (18:5–23:29). Although David was innocent in God’s eyes, he was a constant target of Saul’s attacks. Saul used his royal authority, military power, and material means to hunt David. Opposing David, Saul continued to defy God. Anointed as Israel’s new king, David soon became a fugitive on the run, entrusting himself to God’s care as he repeatedly escaped Saul’s deadly pursuit. Eventually, the tables turned, and David was put in a position where he had the opportunity to take revenge on Saul. This biblical narrative recounts these noteworthy instances.

Running from Saul’s unforgiving chase, David eventually found a safe haven from Saul in the wilderness of Engedi (24:1). When Saul learned David’s whereabouts (24:1), he gathered three thousand men to go after him (24:2). During the pursuit, Saul entered into a cave “to relieve himself” (24:3) (i.e., to go to the bathroom). Unbeknownst to Saul, “David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave” (24:3), where he went to use the bathroom. Saul had put himself in a precarious position. The fugitive David was in an advantageous position to take revenge on his pursuer, Saul. From a human perspective, David had the chance to end Saul’s tenacious hunt against his life. Because Saul was vulnerable and exposed, David’s men interpreted this as God’s doing: “This is the day about which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish’” (24:4). The soldiers with David understood this situation to be a God-appointed opportunity for David to kill his enemy, assert his innocence, and assume his rightful place as king.

From David’s perspective, this reasoning was deficient and misguided. David held a high reverence for those who had been placed in positions of authority. After all, David himself had already received his royal anointing from God. Although Saul had forfeited the ongoing possession of the kingdom, he still occupied the throne as Israel’s king. To seize Saul’s position in force was to circumvent the plans of a sovereign God, asserting his own authority against God’s authority. Consequently, rather than interpreting the king’s vulnerability as an occasion for personal advancement, David honored Saul because he occupied a divinely appointed position of leadership. From the pitch black of the inner cave (24:3), David secretly approached Saul. Rather than killing him, David “crept up secretly and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe” (24:4). Even though Saul was unaware of what happened, “David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe” (25:5). David did not exact revenge against Saul, but by cutting the king’s robe, David still acted questionably toward a king who occupied a God-appointed position. Under conviction, David communicated this thought to his men. David gave a twofold warning to himself: “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed” and “May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed” (24:6).

A man of faith, David asserted the importance of honoring God-appointed authority. He applied this principle to his own company of soldiers, forbidding them to enact revenge on his behalf. Faithful to his convictions, David “restrained his men” and “did not let them rise up against Saul” (24:7). After Saul eventually left the cave (24:7), David went out after him to talk with him (24:8). David greeted Saul with honor and respect: “My lord the king!” (24:8). When Saul looked behind him (a sign that up to this point Saul was still unaware of what happened in the cave), he saw “David bowed facedown in reverence” (24:8), paying homage to Israel’s king. In contrast to David’s earlier act of cutting Saul’s robe, David now addressed Saul with honor and respect. David’s respect for Saul did not mean David approved of all of Saul’s actions. On the contrary, David addressed Saul candidly and challenged his continued defiance against God.

David questioned why Saul listened to people who claimed David was out to harm him (24:9). Contrary to common expectations, David had the chance to kill Saul in the cave and refrained from doing so (24:10). Additionally, David told Saul that he did not listen to his men who encouraged him to take his life (24:10). Instead, David remained unmoved in his conviction to do nothing against the Lord’s anointed (24:10; cf. 24:6). Cutting off Saul’s robe was evidence that David had the power and opportunity to kill Saul (24:11). But David was motivated by conviction and faith. None of this prevented David from asserting his innocence: “there is no evil or rebellion in my hands” and “I have not sinned against you” (24:11). David placed his concerns for justice, his own well-being, and his eventual deliverance into the hands of God (24:12–15). Regardless of the difficulty of his current situation, David would not dishonor God by violently attacking a divinely anointed human leader (24:12–13).

At the conclusion of this speech, Saul realized he was talking with David and he “wept aloud” (24:16). King Saul asserted David’s righteous character and his own guilt (24:17). Conclusively, David spared Saul’s life (24:18) and Saul recognized that this was an uncommon way for a person to treat an opponent (24:19). Saul knew that David was the rightful and eventual king of Israel (24:20) and therefore asked for David to pledge to show him kindness: to “not cut off [his] descendants or wipe out [his] name from [his] father’s house” (24:21). David agreed and “gave his oath to Saul” (24:22). Subsequently, Saul returned home and David went back to the stronghold with his men (24:22). Through David’s respectful conduct, merciful spirit, righteous character, and faithful devotion to God, the sitting king was placed in a position in which he was beholden to his fugitive target.

Biblical Principles

The Nature of God-Appointed Authority. Human authority is a derivative of divine authority. This means that God appoints and permits human authorities to occupy positions of power and influence in the world (cf Romans 13:1). Saul’s designation as “the Lord’s anointed” (24:6; cf. 24:10; 26:9, 11, 16, 23) reveals this idea. Even though Saul was an ungodly leader (24:17), he still represented a position that was only filled by God’s appointment. Although many do not live in a kingdom with a monarch as a ruler, all spheres of society have appointed leaders. These leaders should be respected and honored because their limited human authority comes from God’s supreme divine authority. Honor and respect for human authorities do not mean we approve of or agree with all that they do. Thankfully, all human authority is under divine authority. David challenged and confronted Saul’s wrongdoing (24:9–15) even if he did not act violently against him (24:6, 10, 12–13). No one is exempt from God’s judgment. Although human leaders can wield their power to commit heinous wrongs (and sometimes seem to get away with egregious evil), God will ultimately hold all human authorities to a strict judgment. Human leaders are held to greater scrutiny because of their positions of earthly authority. David himself acknowledged this when he placed vengeance (24:12) and judgment (24:12–13, 15) in God’s hands.

In this narrative, references to the hands represent a person’s power, action, agency, and conduct. The narrative refers to how we treat people and things that have been given into their hands (24:4, 10–11, 18, 20; cf. 25:8, 35; 26:8, 18, 23) and warns against stretching out hands wrongfully against someone else (24:6, 10, 12–12; cf. 25:26, 33, 25:39; 26:9, 11, 23). The passage also assures God’s faithful deliverance of his people from evil hands (24:15). Because God gives power into the hands of humans, we should be careful how we use God-given authority as much as we are attentive to our treatment of God-appointed authority. Even if a person does not have a formal position of authority, humans are creatures of agency. God gives things and people in the caretaking hands of others—whether that be cities to govern, people to oversee, businesses to manage, possessions to steward, homes to order, or nations to rule. What we do with what is “in our hand” is a clarifying measurement of faith maturity.

Divine appointment to a position of authority does not mean that a human ruler is invincible. All human authorities are limited, finite, and vulnerable. Unfortunately, it is quite easy for a human leader to become inebriated with his authority, thinking and acting as if he is indestructible and immortal. The scene of Saul relieving himself in a cave, unaware that David and his men outnumbered him, is ironic and humorous (24:3–4). Suddenly, the villainous and menacing Saul is reduced to a feeble and indisposed weakling. At some point, all human authorities will recognize their own frailty and finitude. Godly leaders come to terms with this reality early on and humbly steward their authority as those who will give an account to God. On the contrary, ungodly leaders overlook their limitations, ignore their deficiencies, and disregard their accountability before God. In the end, their brazen abuse of power, influence, and authority brings others harm and hastens their own demise.

Respect toward God-Given Authority. While this story informs us about the nature of human authority, it also instructs us on how we should relate to those in positions of power. Amazingly, David received God’s appointed leader as an authority in his own life. Revealing this attitude, David referred to Saul as “my master” (24:6), “my lord the king” (24:8), “my lord” (24:10), and “my father” (24:11). More than mere words, David demonstrated his respect in actions, both actions of restraint and actions which are more proactive. In this opening scene of the story, David refrained from killing Saul (24:5–6), restrained his men from the same (24:7), and pledged not to act violently against Saul (24:6, 10, 12–13). Taking proactive actions, David invoked God’s authority on his life (24:6), bowed down on the ground in respect (24:8), and made a vow to care for Saul’s descendants (24:21–22). For David, the Lord’s anointed was his master. This did not mean that David acquiesced to Saul in every way. David respectfully confronted the foolishness, wickedness, and futility of Saul’s actions (24:9–15).

In word and deed, God calls us to honor human authorities whom he has appointed. Human flaws or questionable morality do not give reasons to treat human leaders with disrespect or dishonor. While we must always obey God above earthly rulers (cf. Acts 4:19; 5:29), we are still to respect those in positions of power and authority. Certainly, such respect does not come from natural human instinct. Proud and self-asserting, human nature tends to buck authority, assert autonomy, and become a law unto ourselves. The importance of respect for human authority is not simply a matter of societal order, but a reflection of our faith maturity.

Faith in God. David’s respect for Saul was not offered because of Saul’s merit. David respected Saul because of his faith in God. The way we treat human authorities reflects our heart toward God. David’s faith in God is evident in this passage, and it serves as an instructive teaching for our godly living. David was confident that God would judge all that is wrong in the world. David was convinced that God was an all-knowing arbiter, a righteous judge who could adequately determine what is good and evil (24:12–13, 15). Although he was not perfect, David lived with integrity before God and men. David told Saul that there was “no evil or rebellion in [his] hands” and that he had “not sinned” against Saul (24:11). In fact, David asserted that wickedness and injustice would ultimately betray itself (24:13). David also believed that God was an avenger, who would execute a fair and complete punishment of evil (24:12). God’s anointed king interpreted his present suffering as having a future vindication. God would exact righteous judgment to bring about justice and vengeance. Because David had such trust in God’s righteous character, he did not surrender to his impulse to take matters of justice into his own hands. David also recognized God as one who would “take notice and plead [his] case and deliver [him]” (24:15). David’s faith in God as a righteous judge, just avenger, and mighty deliverer shaped the way he viewed and treated human authorities.

Respecting God-given authority requires a mature faith in God. It asserts that God is sovereign even when it seems like evil prevails. Humble faith entrusts all matters to God’s final judgment and God’s just vindication. Believers in Christ honor God-appointed leaders even when they confront their foolish, evil, and unjust policies. Faithful followers of Christ do not respect leaders simply based on their merit, but because they have received their authority from God. Because believers trust God to deliver them from the most horrific of circumstances, Christ’s disciples can offer respect to even questionable leaders, trusting God for future vindication and lasting reward.

Playing the Fool: Giving Vengeance to God

Biblical Narrative (1 Samuel 25:1–44)

Sometime later, Samuel died, and David went to the wilderness of Paran (25:1). In that area lived a couple named Nabal and Abigail. Nabal was a harsh and foolish man. In contrast, his wife, Abigail, was a beautiful and discerning woman (25:2–3). Though foolish, Nabal was very wealthy and came from the noble clan of Caleb. He was a man of some importance, means, and influence.

During a time of feasting (25:8), David heard that Nabal was shearing sheep in the area (25:4). At some point in the past, David had offered his services to protect Nabal and his household (25:4–8). As was the custom of the day, David now expected Nabal to return the favor. So David sent ten men who respectfully asked Nabal for “whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David” (25:8). But when the men delivered the message (25:9), Nabal responded by disrespecting David and his servants (25:10; cf. 25:15). Focusing on his own selfish concerns (25:11), Nabal ultimately denied David’s request. As Saul had no regard for David’s life, now Nabal, a man who had been blessed by David’s service, had complete disregard for his protector’s well-being. When David got word of this rejection, he told his men to strap on their swords, and he took four hundred men up to take vengeance on Nabal (25:12–13).

Word of David’s attack came to Nabal’s wife, Abigail (25:14). One of Nabal’s young men told Abigail how Nabal refused to help David even though he had protected them securely in the past (25:14–16), and that now, David and his men were coming to attack Nabal and his house (25:17). In Hebrew, Nabal’s name means “fool”; at this time, he was certainly acting like one. His disrespect and dismissal of David incited an attack against his own household. Unknown to Nabal, Abigail rushed to remedy her husband’s foolish behavior. She hurried to prepare food as a gift and went out to meet David and his forces who were on their march of vengeance (25:18–22).

Similar to David’s earlier homage to Saul (cf. 24:8), Abigail saw David, quickly got off her donkey, and bowed down before him (25:23). She presented the gift of food to him and pleaded with him to refrain from taking revenge (25:24–31). She acknowledged the foolishness of Nabal (25:25), called David to restrain himself from shedding blood (24:26), promised the defeat of his enemies (25:26, 29), and affirmed David’s own rightful reign as king (25:28, 30–31). In this amazing speech, Abigail affirmed that David “fights the Lord’s battles” (25:28) and is under the protection of God, “bound securely by the Lord your God in the bundle of the living” (25:29).

David praised God for sending Abigail (25:32) and using her discretion (25:33) to restrain him from taking vengeance into his own hands (25:34). David accepted her gift and Abigail went back to her house (25:35). Returning home, Abigail found Nabal feasting like a king (25:36). After he sobered up the next morning, Abigail told Nabal how she had intervened with a gift to prevent David from taking revenge on his whole household. When he heard this report, “his heart died within him, and he became as a stone” (25:37). Eventually, the Lord took his life ten days later (25:38). When David heard the news of Nabal’s death, he praised God for taking revenge and keeping him from acting in revenge (25:39). According to his promise (25:31, 35), David married Abigail (25:40). Abigail gave herself to David’s service, honoring him as a husband and king (25:41–42).

Biblical Principles

Retaliation and Revenge. We honor God-ordained authorities by surrendering justice and vengeance to his hands. In this extended story, David had multiple opportunities to take matters into his own hands. His enemies were vulnerable, his army was strong, and he seemed to have legitimate reasons to take revenge. However, David repeatedly surrendered his urge to retaliate by recognizing that God will ultimately bring all things to justice (24:8–22; 25:39–42; 26:17–25; cf. 2 Samuel 1:11–16). Rather than becoming our own saviors (25:26, 31), we should focus on fighting “the Lord’s battles” (25:28).

Though not a king, Nabal acted like a king. But he acted like a foolish king. He did not honor the protection of David. He did not show compassion to David. He was close-fisted with his resources. Much like Saul was vulnerable in the cave while he was relieving himself, Nabal was drunk at home and would have been an easy target for David and his men. However, Abigail’s intervention diffused David’s plan. Once again, David gave justice and revenge back into God’s hands and ended up receiving Abigail’s honor and respect. Abigail knew that, in contrast to Nabal’s inflated ego and confused sense of identity, David was the real “prince over Israel” (25:30).

Confidence in God’s Judgment. In contrast to personal vengeance, this narrative highlights a deep trust in God’s judgment. In their best expressions, retaliation and vengeance grow out of a desire to defend one’s rights, to seek recourse for wrongs done, and to establish justice in the world. A righteous desire for justice is godly and honorable. But in its worst manifestation, personal revenge is a twisted passion to inflict harm on another in an attempt to assuage the pain of a punctured ego or the attack on a self-inflated pride. One brings ruin upon oneself as he seeks to bring ruin upon his enemy. The only safe expression of vengeance is God’s perfect and unerring judgment. Satisfying his own holy character, God acts in the world to right all that is wrong, to hold to account all the guilty, and to reestablish the world in wholeness and peace.

The narrative begins with David’s threefold message of peace to Nabal (25:6)—a generous greeting rejected by incautious Nabal—but ends with his definitive declaration of peace to Abigail (25:35)—a statement of David’s protection and coverage over her. Abigail’s risky venture to defend David as God’s anointed (25:18–20, 23–31) resulted in her receiving a blessing (25:32–33). Nabal had rejected David on a day of feasting (25:8) and was killed soon after his own indulgent feast (25:36)—a time of immoderate merrymaking, drunken stupor, and spiritual ignorance. This narrative highlights the great reversal that God brings about. In the end, the unrepentant sinner will fall to their own demise, while the humble servant of God will enter into life, peace, and security. Regardless of earthly success, those who foolishly feast like kings in their spiritual ignorance of and disrespect for the Lord’s anointed will undergo divine judgment. Those who cling to the Lord’s anointed in faith and reverence will be incorporated into his family. Believers respect God-appointed authority with a confidence that God’s judgment will work out all things in the end, even if it takes a great reversal to set things back into order, peace, and righteous alignment.

Almost Dead Asleep: Trusting Safety to God

Biblical Narrative (1 Samuel 26:1–25)

Sometime later, Saul continued his pursuit to kill David. When he learned of David’s whereabouts, Saul again took three thousand of his men to go after him in the wilderness of Ziph (26:1–3; cf. 24:2). A fugitive running for his life, “David was living in the wilderness” (26:3). When David “realized that Saul had followed him there” (26:3), he “sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived” (26:4). After confirming Saul’s arrival, David went to outskirts of Saul’s camp and saw Saul asleep with his army around him (26:5–6). At night, David took one of his soldiers, Abishai, to go with him into Saul’s camp (26:6). When they arrived, “Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head” (26:7). The army and commander of the army were also asleep (26:7). Much like David’s mighty men in the cave (cf. 24:4), Abishai interpreted the moment as the perfect opportunity for David to eliminate his enemy: “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand” (26:8). David replied to Abishai with a warning, “who can lift a hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” (26:9; cf. 26:11).

David told Abishai that God would bring revenge at the perfect time and in a perfect way (26:10); he had no right to attack the person God had anointed as Israel’s king (26:11). Instead, they took Saul’s spear and jar of water and left without anyone waking up (26:11–12). God was certainly with David. The people in the camp remained asleep “because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them” (26:12). God had protected David in the midst of his enemies as David showed honor and respect to God’s anointed king.

When enough distance was between them and Saul’s camp, David called Saul’s army and taunted Abner, Saul’s commander (26:13–16). Specifically, David criticized Abner for not doing an adequate job of protecting the king; although he was known to be a mighty man, he was sleeping while David and Abishai took the king’s spear and water jug (26:15–16). Saul knew that it was David’s voice and called out to him (26:17). After showing respect to Saul (26:17), David challenged Saul’s conduct. He asserted his innocence (26:18) but also expressed his willingness to offer a sacrifice to God if he was guilty of wrongdoing (26:19). David invoked a curse on those who incited Saul to his violent actions (26:19) and confronted these actions as foolish and unwarranted (26:20).

Amazingly, Saul confessed that he had sinned and said that he would refrain from harming David (26:21). Echoing the imbecility of Nabal (cf. 25:25), Saul acknowledged that he had “played the fool” and had “committed a grave error” (26:21). In response, David returned Saul’s spear (26:22) and spoke a divine blessing on all who act in “righteousness and faithfulness” (26:23). David trusted God to repay his own faithfulness by sparing Saul and valuing his life (26:23–24). Offering a climactic declaration, Saul blessed David and prophetically spoke that he would “accomplish great things” and would “surely prevail” (26:25). In the end, David continued on his journey, and Saul returned to his home (26:25).

Biblical Principles

The Primacy of the Parent-Child Relationship. Respect for authority in the household shapes the way one treats all other authorities (including God) in life. The respect for Saul as king is reinforced by the parent-child relationship introduced in this biblical narrative. Honoring parents is the most basic relationship where we learn how to respect all other authorities. The relationship between Saul and David (as well as Nabal and David) is depicted as father (24:11) and son (24:16; 25:8; 26:17, 21, 25). Even though not related by blood, the choice of the father-son language reinforces the primary importance of this relationship for all other interactions with authority. Honor shown in the home often translates into honor toward other human authorities. Dishonor sown at home reaps dishonor outside the home. If authority is absent or abusive at home, it can corrupt the way children use authority when they grow up. Honoring parents and honorable parents is a primary starting point for order, harmony, and peace in the rest of life.

God’s Perfect Timing. In the prior scenes, Saul was an open target in the cave as he relieved himself (cf. 24:3–4). Nabal was an easy target, drunk in his house (25:36). Once again, Saul was vulnerable to David’s attack, sleeping in the camp. Again, David responded to Saul in respect, calling him “my lord” and “king” (26:17), but asked him why he continued to hunt him when he had done him no harm (26:18–20). Saul confessed that he had sinned (26:21) and acted foolishly (26:21). When David’s men encouraged him to kill Saul, they mistook the timing of God’s plan and the manner of God’s justice. The claim “this is the day” and “that you may do with him as you wish” were incorrect (24:4). Similar sentiments were echoed by Abishai when they stood before a slumbering Saul (26:8). However, God did not intend these moments for Saul’s punishment and God did not want David to Saul whatever he wanted. The foundation of honor to human authorities is trust that God will accomplish his purposes, exact full justice, and direct human history in his perfect and unerring timing. Knowing that our respect for human authority is not ultimate, we can offer sincere respect toward fallible and inept leaders. Our respect for all human authority is not really a measure of their worthiness, but a declaration of God’s supremacy over all things.

Use of Authority. God alone puts leaders in positions of power. This story is filled with important titles of honor: lord (24:6, 8, 10; 25:24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 41; 26:15, 16, 17, 18, 19), king (24:8, 14, 20; 25:36; 26:14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22), and anointed (24:6, 10; 26:9, 11, 16, 23). David’s pause to kill Saul is not because of the worthiness of Saul’s moral character, but because of the weight of his divine appointment. Even though God does not endorse abusive, foolish, or immoral character in any form, God is the one who allows frail and failing leaders to be in positions of authority. This is part of the mystery of God’s purposes. In abusive situations, this does not mean that we passively submit to abuse and exploitation. Even David fled from Saul’s attacks. Honoring leaders does not necessitate that we blindly surrender to mistreatment, willfully comply with sinful laws, or passively emulate their godless character.

Character and Discernment. Our attitude toward human authority is a test of our own character. In all three stories, David’s innocence is defended (24:9–10; 25:26, 31, 32–34, 39; 26:18). While David had a conscience that was aware of his own actions (24:5; 25:31), Saul and Nabal seemed oblivious to their character flaws. Rather than being preoccupied with the obvious character flaws of leaders, it would do us well to concentrate on our character formation. We can grow in our ability to honor even dishonorable authorities when we grow to become people of integrity. Sometimes, people resist honoring unworthy leaders as a projection of their own hidden flaws. In the end, however, the Lord will “repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (26:23).

The True King. Our honor of human authorities is fueled by recognizing who the real king is. The irony of this biblical narrative is that the real king is not honored as such. A fugitive on the run, David is pursued like a dog, flea, or bird (24:14; 26:20) even though he is the true king of Israel. Although David was already anointed as king, David recognized Saul’s present anointing (24:6, 10; 26:9, 11, 16, 23). David was insulted by a rich, foolish man who only pretended to be a king (25:36). David cut a corner of Saul’s robe and temporarily took his spear and water jar, but he did not steal his crown (24:4, 11; 26:7, 12, 22). Although David did not get royal treatment in this narrative, the characters acknowledged David as the real king (24:20; 25:30; 26:25). Importantly, David’s rule foreshadowed the reign of the ultimate king, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the real anointed one of God, even though many humans do not recognize him as king. Much like Saul and Nabal treated David, humanity violently attacked Jesus. Rather than having his life robbed from him, Jesus voluntarily gave up his life. Dying on the cross and rising again from the dead, Jesus asserted his rightful rule over all. In the end, respect for human authority is meant to guide us to submission to Christ, the true King. Similarly, our humble submission to Christ is a call to honor human authority. Safe and secure with Jesus’ deliverance, we need not fear the evil of human rulers, because their own life and rule are ultimately answerable to the King of Kings.

Conclusion

David had the opportunity, resources, and strength to take things into his own hands. He could have killed Saul, taken revenge on Nabal, and claimed his rightful position as Israel’s king. David, however, demonstrated great patience and poise to allow God to take action on his behalf. David honored Saul by sparing his life in the cave and in the camp. His respect for Saul did not eliminate a critique against Saul, however. David challenged Saul to align himself with God’s ways. David’s respect for Saul was born out of his faith in God. David heeded the discretion of Abigail and refrained from revenge against Nabal. A fugitive on the run, David came to Saul’s defense more than Saul’s own commander. Amazingly, David defended the Lord’s anointed, even though he was his personal enemy.

In the end, honoring human authorities is not a matter of their worthiness, but their anointing and appointment by God. We first learn how to honor human authority in the home, based on how we treat our parents. As Christians, we recognize that God puts people into positions of authority, and our treatment of these authorities is a revelation of our faith maturity. To learn from David’s example is to help us grow as believers: to honor leaders, to obey God above all, to speak truth impartially, to confess sin, and to entrust ourselves to God’s safekeeping care. Each time we treat human authorities with respect—considering both their virtues and flaws—we confess our faith in the perfect and true King, Jesus. In this way, God uses all human authorities to call us to the best possible life: a life of faith, respect, and submission to Jesus.

Session Synopsis

SESSION 6 SYNOPSIS
Honoring God-Given Authorities	In this passage, David and Abigail highlight the importance of reverence for human authority. On two separate occasions, David had opportunities to murder his violent rival, Saul, but he instead treated him with honor. David planned to take revenge on a disrespectful and disgraceful man named Nabal, but Abigail acted in virtue and wisdom to prevent this revenge. All three of these instances highlight the appropriate use and respect of authority. This passage emphasizes that the way we treat human authority is a reflection and expression of the maturity level of our faith. A summary of this story’s principles is outlined below.
Honoring Human Authority	In this story, the titles of honor—lord (24:6, 8, 10; 25:24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 41; 26:15, 16, 17, 18, 19), king (24:8, 14, 20; 25:36; 26:14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22), and anointed (24:6, 10; 26:9, 11, 16, 23)—show us that we should honor those in positions of authority. We should honor human authority in word (24:7–8, 18; 25:24) and action (24:8, 10–12, 19; 25:23, 27, 41; 26:11) because God puts human leaders in their positions of authority (24:6–7, 10; 25:28; 26:9, 11, 23).
Honoring Ungodly Leaders	God wants people to show respect to leaders even if they do not seem worthy of respect. God’s people should not be surprised by the sin and error of human authorities (24:13). Disciples can honor fallible human authorities when they trust in God’s perfect timing to accomplish his sovereign will (24:4, 20; 25:28; 26:10, 25). Confidence in God’s judgment (24:12, 15, 21; 25:29, 39), goodness (25:30), deliverance (24:15; 25:26, 28, 31, 33), and protective care (25:29) sustain people who live under ungodly leaders. God’s people can sustain themselves in this difficult situation by worship (25:32, 39), godly character (24:6, 11, 17; 25:3; 26:23), forbearance (25:24), wisdom (25:3, 25, 33), a sensitive conscience (24:5; 25:31), and forgiveness (25:28). God will bring all things to justice (24:8–22; 25:39–42; 26:17–25; cf. 2 Samuel 1:11–16). We should not seek our own vindication (25:26, 31), but we should focus on God’s work in the world (25:28).
Parent-Child Relationship	Saul was David’s father-in-law (24:11, 16; 25:8; 26:17, 21, 25). The honor shown to public figures like kings is reflected in how people treat the most basic authority in a parent-child relationship. The relationship between parent and child is the primary relationship that shapes our relationship with authority toward other human authorities and to God.
Godly Use of Authority	God gives humans authority, power, and positions of leadership. This means that humans have agency and can exert their influence over others (24:4, 10–11, 18, 20; cf. 25:8, 35; 26:8, 18, 23). We can use our power and authority for good or evil (24:6, 10, 12–12; cf. 25:26, 33, 25:39; 26:9, 11, 23). People use power and authority best when they entrust their well-being to God’s hands (24:15).
Jesus is the True King	King David foreshadowed King Jesus. David was mistreated, ridiculed, persecuted, and violently attacked (24:2, 11–15, 17, 19; 25:10–11, 21–22, 39; 26:2, 18–21) even though he was the true king of Israel (24:20; 25:28, 30; 26:25). Jesus endured suffering, humiliation, rejection, and painful crucifixion even though he is the true King of Kings.

Personal Reflection: Entering the Story

Apply the Text: The word of God is binding and authoritative, the only reliable guide for faith and godliness. True disciples submit themselves to God’s word. In this movement, you will apply God’s word to your lives.

Reflection Questions

Encourage one person to share a testimony about how this story has impacted them so far. Use the reflection questions to examine your life in light of this biblical passage.

Spiritual Practice

Letters of Gratitude

The following exercise is meant to help you practice honor toward authorities and invites self-reflection on your own authority (parents, government leaders, teachers, law enforcement, elders/pastors, supervisors/bosses). List three authority figures in your life and write a letter of gratitude to them. Go to them face-to-face (if possible) and express your thankfulness for their leadership. Identify those who are in authority over you and express your love and compassion for them.

Ministry Practice: Rehearsing the Script

Minister the Text: God’s word is living and active. Through God’s word, the Christian community is edified. In this movement, you will utilize the biblical passage to minister to other believers and build them up in their faith.

Application Questions

Look at the infographic below. Use the questions to think about how to minister this text to other believers.

Missional Outreach: Publicizing the Truth

Witness the Text: The Bible is a message of God’s gracious salvation to the world. In word and deed, God’s people proclaim the good news of the gospel. In this movement, you will use this biblical passage to reach out to unbelievers.

Strategy Questions

Reflect on the infographic below. Consider how you can use this passage to witness to the surrounding world. Use the suggested ideas to prime your imagination. Then, put together a plan to share this passage with unbelievers, Afterward, reflect on this mission experience.