The Triumph over Evil Oppressors (1)

Deeper Reflection
DAVID “STOOD ON TOP OF THE HILL some distance away” with “a wide space between” him and Saul (v.13), “space that is symbolic of the gap in outlook and destiny between them”³⁷. David made a second attempt (the first in 1 Sam 24:8-22) “to put an end to the conflict that had created so much grief for David”³⁸, which shows how we can triumph over evil oppressors. David made an honest declaration of his innocence before his oppressor Saul: “What have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?” (v.18). With a humble posture, David went out of his way to express his allegiance and submission to Saul. David addressed Saul as “my lord” three times (vv.17-19), called him “king” six times (vv.15-17, 19-20, 1 Sam 26:22), referred to him as “the LORD’s anointed” twice in Saul’s hearing (v.16, 1 Sam 26:23) and described himself as Saul’s “servant” twice (vv.18-19).³⁹ And David rebuked Abner for his failure to protect the king (vv.14-16). But despite his honest claim of innocence, David still assumed the possibility of himself having committed some sin for which “the LORD has incited” Saul against him as judgment; and if it were so, he would ask God to accept an offering “to restore the broken relationship and end the strife”⁴⁰ (v.19). Paul cared very little about how people judged him when he was conscious of nothing against himself; but he qualified it with “But that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Cor 4:3-4).

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³⁷ David G. Firth, 278

³⁸ Robert D. Bergen, 258

³⁹ Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 171

⁴⁰ Robert D. Bergen, 258