Lesson 18: Examples of Forgiving – David (part 1)

Read 1 Samuel 24.

David, a young man in his twenties, had been chosen by God to become king of Israel, and Saul, the current king, hated David so much he tried to kill him. But God kept protecting David because David was His chosen king.

In the chapter above, Saul had been battling the nation’s enemy, but as soon as that battle was done, he took the army to once again try to find David to kill him. When Saul needed to relieve himself, he found a cave, took off his royal robe and stepped into a corner to do so. What Saul didn’t know was that David and his men were hiding in the back of the cave.

David’s men urged David to take this opportunity to kill Saul. But David refused because he would not strike a man who was the one God had chosen to be the first king of Israel. He did, however, slip away from his hiding place and cut off a piece of Saul’s robe as proof that he could have done to Saul what Saul was trying to do to him.

When Saul stepped out of the cave, David followed him. So when Saul was back with his men, David called to him from the mouth of the cave to ask why Saul was still trying to kill him even though David had refused to do the same to him. He held up the piece he’d cut off Saul’s robe as proof.


1 Samuel 24:9-11 - And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it.

It is impossible for us to keep away from taking vengeance on someone who wants to hurt us, if we have not already forgiven them of their wrong-doing against us. Have you ever had someone in your life who intends to harm you? Maybe someone at work tries to put the blame on you for something that has happened. Maybe someone accuses you of cheating or stealing.

Jesus tells us in Romans 12:19 - Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Then what are we to do? God’s Word answers this question in the following verses: Romans 12:20-21 - To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Only a forgiving heart can make this possible.

Pray today: Lord Jesus, help me to leave all vengeance to You to bring justice, so I can do good to those who are spiteful against me.