Weekly Parent Guide

David Showed Mercy

I Samuel 24

In 1 Samuel 24, we see the tension between Saul and David come to a head, as David turned down an opportunity to rid himself of King Saul once and for all. We see David’s heart for the Lord as he chose to pursue obedience over safety. David’s mercy in this story shows us a glimmer of Christ’s incredible mercy toward sinners who place their faith in His name.

Back in chapter 18, Saul had begun growing jealous of David’s popularity after his many victories in battle. By chapter 24, Saul had attempted to kill David multiple times and refused to give up the fight. In fact, he brought 3,000 men on a mission to search for David in the wilderness of En-gedi. David soon found himself in a cave with his own men, who tempted him to kill the vengeful King Saul.

Yet, David knew what the Lord called him to do (1 Samuel 24:6). He extended honor to Saul, though he did not deserve such mercy. David even swore to never harm his king, an oath that would continue to be tested as Saul would go back on his word to preserve the life of his young successor.

David trusted God to deliver him from Saul and refused to take matters into his own hands, believing God’s word would come to pass and that David would become king in God’s perfect timing. David’s willingness to grant mercy came from his trust in God’s perfect justice and righteousness (v. 15). Rather than seek vengeance, David extended mercy, recognizing God alone would enact judgment on Saul’s sin.