David and his men had returned to their burned out town of Ziklag and were no doubt trying to put their lives back together when the Amalekite messenger walked into town with the news that the Israelite army had been defeated and that Saul and Jonathan were dead, as were Saul's other sons who'd fought in the battle. The messenger claimed to have put Saul out of his misery at Saul's request, but to David, even doing that was taking the life of the Lord's anointed king. The messenger had brought Saul's crown and other symbols of kingship to David. My commentary believed the messenger was deceitful in his words, claiming to have killed Saul and bringing the trappings of office to David in hopes of a reward. But in claiming to have killed Saul, he set David against him and caused his own death. Of course, there is also God's word to Saul that he completely destroy the Amalekites, and here was one who'd not been destroyed.
David also faced a nation in mourning and many had loved and supported Saul. It would be important not to force himself on the people. "In slaying the messenger, David vindicated Saul and his sons and demonstrated publicly that he had not been Saul's enemy and did not rejoice at Saul's death. This was a dangerous thing to do ... in Philistine territory ... The conduct of David and his camp, when reported to the Jewish people, would help to convince them that David indeed was chosen by God to be their king," my commentary said.
Father, please help me not to trample on the reputations of others. Help me to wait and allow You to take care of things. I want to be a man after Your own heart.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
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