A Person After God’s Own Heart: Session 4 – What To Do With Your Enemy

Notes:

What To Do With Your Enemy    See Session Slides Here

‘But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death’ (1 Sam.20:3). David went into exile for 10 years. ‘And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him’ (1 Sam. 22:2) . The exile years are reflected in several psalms, even some quoted by Jesus on the cross. God used these years to mature him and to make him into a leader.

  • We see again David as a type of Christ. He had been anointed by the Spirit and proclaimed king through Samuel. But he is a king in exile, while another king whom God has rejected still seems to be reigning over the kingdom. But David will reign one day, and his men will reign with him.
  • Likewise Jesus is the true King and we are heirs of the kingdom. But we do not see Him reigning yet. He is like a King in exile. We wait for His reign in faith (Heb.2:5-10). But it is going to happen (Rev. 11:15) .
  • Following David meant hardship and persecution. But when he came to the throne all were rewarded (1 Chron.11-12; Rev. 22:12).

At Keilah David sought the Lord and was told to flee as the people would betray him to Saul (1 Sam.23:13). They moved from place to place until they settled in the wilderness of Ziph (1 Sam. 23:16). Jonathan reminded him of God’s promise to make him king. This was the last time the two met.

3 incidents in which David taught his men the fear of the Lord:

1) Saul (1 Samuel 24). Saul pursued him. David and his men hid in a cave and Saul entered the cave to relieve himself. His men thought this was God’s providence. They urged David to kill Saul. David cut off a piece of his robe. It was an act of mercy but also a symbol that the kingdom was transferred to him. Note:

  • David didn’t take revenge but committed it to God (1 Sam.24:12). Saul, Amnon, Nabal & Absalom received mercy from David, but judgment from God (1 Pet.2:21&23).
  • There are 3 levels of life: a) To reward good with evil; b) to reward good with good; c) to reward evil with good (1 Sam.24:17-20). David chose the highest and had the right to reign.

2) Nabal (1 Sam.25). Nabal was protected by David and his men. He was a harsh man, a son of Belial. He deeply insulted David’s men 1 Sam. 25:10-11. David forgave Saul but not Nabal. He failed to consult the Lord and was about to give his enemies a cause against him. God mercifully stopped him.

  • Both Abigail and David acknowledged that the Lord prevented David from making a big mistake.
  • He didn’t reward evil with evil. He had been given a sure house so had no need to fear (1 Sam.25:29).
  • Nabal died of a stroke and David acknowledged that vengeance belongs to God (1 Sam.25:39).

3) Saul 2 (1 Sam.26). Saul took 3000 men again to search for David. But the Lord kept him safe.

  • He sent a deep sleep to Saul and David spared him again. He rewarded evil with good (Prov.16:32).
  • David knew God would avenge him (1 Sam.26:9-10).
  • It’s true that Jesus told us not to take revenge on our enemies but to forgive (Matt.5:43-46). Would God, then, ask us to do something that He doesn’t practice? Sometimes He does (Rom.12:19). We not to take revenge because it is not our prerogative, but God’s. We are not equipped for that role, but He is.

Saul’s last words to David ‘Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed, my son David! You shall both do great things and also still prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place’ (1 Sam.26:25-26). The two men parted – Saul to his death and David to the throne. Ps.23:6.

  • When tempted to seek revenge, recognize the voice of the Spirit within you.
  • Remember, vengeance belongs to God.
  • Always reward evil with good.
  • True strength is shown in forgiveness. Such a person already has authority and is reigning.