DAVID THE SHEPHERD KING #8

1. DAVID THE SHEPHERD KING #8 1 Samuel 24:1-22 VENGEANCE IS THE LORD’S

2. Rom 12:17-21 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. 20 "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good • Romans 12:17-21 • Have you ever been hurt very badly by someone and had to fight the urge to go over and even the score? • If you have, then you have walked the path of many others – including David • If there was ever a case that could be made for taking vengeance, it is the passage we are going to be considering in this lesson – 1 Samuel 24

3. 1 Sam 23:12-14 Then David said, "Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?" And the LORD said, " They will surrender you." 13 Then David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the pursuit. 14 David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand • Romans 12:17-21 • David is in the cave of Adullam, discouraged, defeated – pouring out his heart to God • 1 Samuel 22:1-2 • Many joined David, and he was able to discipline this rag-tag group of misfits into a small army that would later be called “David’s Mighty Men.” • After having making sure his parents were safe (1 Sam 22:3-5), David, under the direction of God, rescued the village of Keilah from a Philistine invasion (1 Sam. 23:1-5). • David had planned on staying in Keilah, but God told him to leave for they planned on turning him in to Saul – even though David had saved them from the Philistines • 1 Samuel 23:12-14 • David had little rest from the pursuit of Saul • He now travels to the wilderness of Ziph – and the Ziphites tell Saul of David’s location • David has a narrow escape … 1 Samuel 23:26 – he travels now to En-Gedi. 1 Sam 22:1-2 So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father's household heard of it, they went down there to him. 2 Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him. 1 Sam 23:26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them. 1 Sam 23:1-5 Then they told David, saying, "Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors." 2 So David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the LORD said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah." 3 But David's men said to him, "Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?" 4 Then David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand." 5 So David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines; and he led away their livestock and struck them with a great slaughter. Thus David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah 1 Sam 22:3-5 And David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, "Please let my father and my mother come and stay with you until I know what God will do for me." 4 Then he left them with the king of Moab; and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. 5 The prophet Gad said to David, "Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah." So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth

4. Romans 12:17-21 • David last is in the cave of Adullam, discouraged, defeated – pouring out his heart to God • Now, it is important to remember that David had done nothing to deserve this trouble, and by now he has had quite a belly full of Saul’s insane jealousy. If it is vengeance that David wanted – he would soon have opportunity.

5. THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VENGEANCE • 1 Samuel 23:29-24:3 • In this particular area there was a spring with a series of hillsides honeycombed with caves – in the heat of the day these caves would make a nice refuge • Saul, in pursuit of David, takes a break to go into a cave to “cover his feet (KJV)” (use the restroom). • Ringed around the perimeter of the inside of this cave are David and his men trying to stay cool, and suddenly, in walks Saul – alone! • Now consider David – he’s hot, tired, frustrated, and probably short tempered – his men equally so. And suddenly in walks the one whose insane paranoia is the cause of it all! 1 Sam 23:29-24:3 avid went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of Engedi. 24:1 Now when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi." 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3 He came to the sheepfolds on the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the inner recesses of the cave

6. THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VENGEANCE • 1 Samuel 23:29-24:3 • In a whisper … 1 Samuel 24:4 • First, realize that we have no record where God ever said he would deliver Saul into David's hand • These men had manufactured this religious sounding statement • But you have to admit it sounds like a good idea • Today people are always saying that God said this or that to try to justify what they want to do • Some misuse scripture • Others even said that God spoke to them audibly • David was a man concerned about his relationship with God, so he drew his sword – but he didn’t plunge into Saul’s back, instead he secretly cut off a portion of Saul's robe. Saul didn’t detect a thing. 1 Sam 24:4 The men of David said to him, "Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.'" Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul's robe secretly

7. OVERCOMING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VENGEANCE • 1 Samuel 24:5-6 • Oh, come on David! This is the man who has tired for months to kill you! And you’re feeling guilty for cutting the tail of his robe? • You see, a godly man will be conscious of the small things he does wrong as well as the large ones • Why? Because he knows that God looks at the motives and intents of the heart just as much as the actions • Later David wrote … Psalm 51:6 1 Sam 24:5-6 It came about afterward that David's conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul's robe. 6 So he said to his men, " Far be it from me because of the LORD that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD'S anointed." Ps 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom

8. OVERCOMING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VENGEANCE • 1 Samuel 24:5-6 • Oh, come on David! This is the man who has tired for month to kill you! And you’re feeling guilty for cutting the tail of his robe? • You see, a godly man will be conscious of the small things he does wrong as well as the large ones • Though David only cut off the corner of Saul’s robe, he knew that really in his heart, he could cheerfully cut off his head! • You see, it is not only our actions that we must battle with – it is our thoughts as well (Matt 5:27-28) • If we win the battle in our thoughts – there will be no sin in action Matt 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart

9. OVERCOMING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VENGEANCE • 1 Samuel 24:5-6 • Oh, come on David! This is the man who has tired for month to kill you! And you’re feeling guilty for cutting the tail of his robe? • You see, a godly man will be conscious of the small things he does wrong as well as the large ones • Though David only cut off the corner of Saul’s robe, he knew that really in his heart, he could cheerfully cut off his head! • Remember the passage in Romans 12? • We are not to take vengeance on our enemies – we are to pray for the them and do good for them. • Why? Because those things allow us to get a grip on our attitudes before they become actions

10. OVERCOMING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VENGEANCE • 1 Samuel 24:5-6 • Oh, come on David! This is the man who has tired for month to kill you! And you’re feeling guilty for cutting the tail of his robe? • You see, a godly man will be conscious of the small things he does wrong as well as the large ones • Though David only cut off the corner of Saul’s robe, he knew that really in his heart, he could cheerfully cut off his head! • Remember the passage in Romans 12? • Ephesians 4:31 … Why? Because those are sinful attitudes that lead to sinful actions Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

11. OVERCOMING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VENGEANCE • 1 Samuel 24:5-6 • 1 Samuel 24:7 • Do you think David's men were impressed with David's spiritual sensitivity? I doubt it. • Don’t expect men today to stand and applaud you when you show mercy – they will likely think you’re acting ridiculous 1 Sam 24:7 David persuaded his men with these words and did not allow them to rise up against Saul. And Saul arose, left the cave, and went on his way

12. VENGEANCE BELONGS TO GOD • 1 Samuel 24:8-11 • Saul wasn’t worthy of that kind of respect, but David knew God was, so he showed respect to the Lord’s anointed • Does this mean that a person who wrongs us is just allowed to get away with his wrong? No! 1 Sam 24:8-11 8 Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. 9 David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, 'Behold, David seeks to harm you'? 10 " Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD'S anointed.' 11 "Now, my father, see! Indeed, see the edge of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it

13. Rom 13:1-7 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. VENGEANCE BELONGS TO GOD • 1 Samuel 24:8-11 • 1 Samuel 24:12 • Justice demands vengeance! That is why it is so hard for us to restrain ourselves from carrying it out. • But personal vengeance belongs to God and God alone (Please note that I said “personal vengeance“) - God has given government the authority to administer vengeance (Rom. 13) 1 Sam 24:12 May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.

14. VENGEANCE BELONGS TO GOD • 1 Samuel 24:8-11 • 1 Samuel 24:12 • David continues … 1 Samuel 24:13-15 • The effect of the words on Saul was immediate • 1 Samuel 24:16 • David’s mercy toward Saul breached the walls of Saul’s heart! At least for a time, Saul changed. • This is the reason we must show mercy 1 Sam 24:16 When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, " Is this your voice, my son David?" Then Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 1 Sam 24:13-15 As the proverb of the ancients says, ' Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness'; but my hand shall not be against you. 14 "After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea? 15 " The LORD therefore be judge and decide between you and me; and may He see and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand."

15. 1 Sam 24:17-22 He said to David, "You are more righteous than I; for you have dealt well with me, while I have dealt wickedly with you. 18 "You have declared today that you have done good to me, that the LORD delivered me into your hand and yet you did not kill me. 19 "For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safely? May the LORD therefore reward you with good in return for what you have done to me this day. 20 "Now, behold, I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand. 21 "So now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name from my father's household." 22 David swore to Saul. And Saul went to his home, VENGEANCE BELONGS TO GOD • 1 Samuel 24:8-11 • 1 Samuel 24:12 • David continues … 1 Samuel 24:13-15 • 1 Samuel 24:17-22a • So David came back to the palace and lived happily ever after. Right? Not hardly. • 1 Samuel 24:22b … he went to “the stronghold” • David had an insight into human nature that we would do well to recognize • David knew that all sorrow is not godly sorrow • This is what Paul taught … 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 • Tears of remorse are not a sure sign of a change of heart …John the Baptist said Matthew 3:8 2 Cor 7:9-10 now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death 1 Sam 24:22 but David and his men went up to the stronghold. Matt 3:8 Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;

16. VENGEANCE BELONGS TO GOD • 1 Samuel 24:8-11 • 1 Samuel 24:12 • David continues … 1 Samuel 24:13-15 • 1 Samuel 24:17-22a • Saul would soon seek David's life again

17. We see in this passage the power of mercy • David refrained from vengeance as a godly person should • We should strive for the same • Will this guarantee they will change? No • Well, then why withhold vengeance? Simply, God said to! • You may or may not convert your enemies, but you will receive God’s favor • In your refraining from vengeance, don’t start only on the level of actions – push the battle back into your thoughts and intents. Fight there. • As a godly person, be concerned with the little things – even when other do not understand • No matter what people think or say – just do it, because God says so.