David’s loyalty to Saul is truly remarkable when we consider all that Saul did to try to kill David or have him killed. Even when David had opportunities to take Saul’s life, he refused to do so out of loyalty and respect for Saul as God’s anointed king. Looking closely at the Biblical account, we can gain some insight into why David remained so loyal to Saul despite the extreme persecution.
David’s Anointing and Rise to Prominence
It started when the prophet Samuel anointed David as the next king over Israel, even though Saul was still on the throne (1 Samuel 16:1-13). After David killed Goliath, he found favor with Saul and became part of his household (1 Samuel 18:1-2). However, it wasn’t long before Saul became jealous and afraid of David, because he knew God’s favor was on David and that he would likely replace Saul as king (1 Samuel 18:6-9).
Saul’s Attempts to Kill David
Saul then tried various ways to have David killed. He threw a spear at David twice when David was playing the lyre for him, but David eluded him both times (1 Samuel 18:10-11, 19:9-10). Saul openly plotted to have David killed in battle and even by his own son Jonathan, but none of these attempts succeeded (1 Samuel 18:17,19). Saul then tried to have David killed by sending soldiers to his house, but David’s wife Michal helped him escape out a window (1 Samuel 19:11-17).
After this, David went on the run and had to flee from Saul. Saul pursued him all over the wilderness, but God supernaturally protected David every time. David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul, but each time he refused to harm “the Lord’s anointed.” When David secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe in a cave, he was conscience-stricken for harming Saul in even this minor way (1 Samuel 24:1-7). Another time when Saul was vulnerable, David spared his life saying “The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 26:7-11).
David’s Respect for Saul’s Position
What restrained David from retaliating against Saul was his deep respect for Saul as the Lord’s anointed king. Even though Saul did not deserve respect as a person due to his actions, David respected the office and authority Saul held. He refused to take matters into his own hands but waited patiently for God’s timing in removing Saul from the throne. David said to Saul “the Lord will repay each person for his righteousness and faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:21-25).
In 2 Samuel 1, when David learned that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle with the Philistines, he did not rejoice that his enemy was dead. Rather, he wept and composed a beautiful lament honoring Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17-27). At Saul’s death, David praised Saul for his valor in battle and mourned the loss of God’s anointed king.
David’s Mercy in Response to Evil
Beyond respecting Saul’s position, David showed incredible graciousness by repaying Saul’s evil with good. He refused to take personal revenge against Saul but left it in God’s hands. David said to Abishai who wanted to strike Saul down, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9). And David proved his words by sparing Saul again and again. His mercy toward Saul reflects the mercy that David had received from God.
This aspect of David’s character aligns closely with Jesus’ teaching that we are to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:43-48). David did not just grudgingly refrain from violence toward Saul but showed him genuine love and compassion.
Foreshadowing of Christ
In many ways, David’s interactions with Saul foreshadow how Jesus would later humbly endure mistreatment and remain faithful to God’s will despite intense persecution. Especially in David’s refusal to retaliate and willingness to lay down his life, we see a foreshadowing of Christ’s commitment to forgive and love even His enemies. David’s example calls us to extend mercy and grace even when persecuted or betrayed.
David’s Future Reign in View
Another key reason David held back from harming Saul was because he understood that Saul’s kingship was only temporary, but God’s promise to David would endure. David trusted that God would remove Saul from the throne in His timing so David could reign. He refused to try to force his way into power or manipulate circumstances, but waited patiently on God even during years of hardship and exile.
David’s patience and faith during this time sets a powerful example for us when we face trials or opposition. If God has promised something to us, we can trust His timing and His means to fulfill it rather than trying to control outcomes ourselves.
Saul’s Death in Battle
After many years of running from Saul, David finally stopped being pursued when Saul was mortally wounded in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:1-6). With Saul dead, the way was cleared for David to become king. When David heard the news, he did not rejoice, but lamented Saul’s death and gave him an honorable memorial (2 Samuel 1:11-12).
David took no credit for finally being free from Saul but recognized that God had providentially removed Saul to pave the way for David to reign. God’s timing was perfect, coming after David had been tested and developed godly character through his years of hardship under Saul. This positioned him well for the kingship God had promised.
David’s Reward for Righteousness
Eventually, David was rewarded for his righteousness and faithfulness toward Saul when he was anointed king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5). His patient endurance through adversity and refusal to take matters into his own hands were what qualified him to rule. And God fulfilled His promise to make David the king of Israel in His perfect timing.
But David never forgot Saul and continued to show kindness to Saul’s family even after becoming king. David took Jonathan’s disabled son Mephibosheth into his household and provided for him (2 Samuel 9). He did this out of love for Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s covenant friend.
Principles for Us Today
As we reflect on David’s response to Saul’s persecution, several principles emerge that we can apply in our lives today:
- Respect and honor those in authority even if they are ungodly leaders
- Refuse to retaliate against mistreatment but trust God to be our defender
- Repay evil with good through loving words and actions
- Exercise self-control and patience under adversity
- Let go of bitterness and desire for personal vengeance
- Trust God’s promises and timing to prevail over opposition
David was not perfect, but in this season of his life he powerfully models laying down personal rights to follow God’s ways. As we encounter opposition or unfair treatment from others, we too can follow David’s example by depending on God to vindicate us in His timing.
In conclusion, David’s loyalty to Saul despite great persecution remains a sobering and inspiring example of godly character. His steadfast faith and patience in God’s timing serve as an encouragement for us when we face trials or opposition. Though mistreated, David continued honoring Saul as God’s anointed king and trusted the Lord to secure justice and fulfill His promises. As David demonstrated, the rewards of righteousness far outweigh the momentary gain of retaliation.
