INTRODUCTION: This lesson greatly illustrates a choice made by each person. Will they live their life by conviction (Proverbs 4:23-27) or by convenience (James 1:6-8)? David lived by conviction when he refused to kill Saul because he was the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:6). His men wanted to act out of convenience and give God the credit for the opportunity (1 Samuel 24:4). Each person must decide how they will live their life.
- DAVID SPARES SAUL (1 Samuel 24:1-7)
- Saul Comes after David (1 Samuel 24:1-2).
- In the wilderness of En-gedi (1 Samuel 24:1)
- With three thousand chosen men (1 Samuel 24:2a)
- Upon the rocks of the wild goats (1 Samuel 24:2b; Psalm 104:18)
- David Cuts Off Sauls Skirt (1 Samuel 24:3-5).
- Saul enters Davids cave (1 Samuel 24:3).
- A sheepcote is a sheepfold.
- The sheepcote was evidently at the mouth of the cave. This gave shelter to the shepherds.
- Saul goes in to cover his feet.
- The cave must have been large in order to hold Davids 600 men in the sides.
- David cuts Sauls skirt (1 Samuel 24:4).
- Davids men see the opportunity as a fulfillment of prophecy.
- David arises and cuts off the skirt of Saul's robe.
- Sauls skirt would be either the lower portion or a flap of his robe.
- David feels guilty for even this minor act (1 Samuel 24:5).
- Davids heart smites him.
- Because he has cut off Sauls skirt
- David Spares Sauls Life (1 Samuel 24:6-7).
- David spares the Lords anointed (1 Samuel 24:6; Psalm 105:14-15).
- David declares that it would not be the Lords will to kill Saul.
- David calls Saul my master; he still considers Saul as his king.
- Saul is the anointed of the LORD (1 Samuel 10:1).
- David restrains his men (1 Samuel 24:7).
- David stays his servants with his words.
- He suffers them not to rise against Saul.
- Saul departs from the cave and goes on his way.
- DAVID SPEAKS TO SAUL (1 Samuel 24:8-15)
- David Declares His Innocence (1 Samuel 24:8-11).
- David calls out to Saul (1 Samuel 24:8).
- David moves to a safe place.
- David calls out, My lord the king.
- David bows down before Saul.
- David speaks of his innocence (1 Samuel 24:9-10).
- He lays the blame on Sauls advisors (1 Samuel 24:9).
- He reveals his opportunity to kill Saul (1 Samuel 24:10).
- He states his respect for the Lords anointed (1 Samuel 24:10).
- David proves his innocence (1 Samuel 24:11).
- He shows the skirt of Sauls robe.
- He is guiltless in seeking Sauls life.
- He questions Sauls desire to hunt him.
- David Appeals to the Lord (1 Samuel 24:12-15).
- David leaves the matter to the Lord (1 Samuel 24:12-13; Genesis 18:25).
- The Lord will judge (1 Samuel 24:12).
- The Lord will avenge (1 Samuel 24:12; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalm 94:1; Proverbs 20:22; Romans 12:17-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9).
- David refuses to take matters into his own hand (1 Samuel 24:12-13).
- David quotes a proverb of the ancients (1 Samuel 24:13).
- David questions Sauls actions (1 Samuel 24:14-15).
- David questions the severity of himself as an enemy of Saul (1 Samuel 24:14).
- Pursuing David is like pursuing after a dead dog.
- Pursuing David is like pursuing after a flea.
- David places his life and cause in the Lords hands (1 Samuel 24:15).
- The Lord shall judge between David and Saul.
- The Lord shall see and plead Davids cause.
- The Lord shall deliver David out of Sauls hand.
- DAVID SHAMES SAUL (1 Samuel 24:16-22)
- Saul Praises Davids Mercy (1 Samuel 24:16-19).
- Davids righteousness (1 Samuel 24:16-17)
- Saul understands that it is David that has spoken to him (1 Samuel 24:16).
- Saul is overcome and weeps; probably because he realizes his narrow escape from death (1 Samuel 24:16).
- Saul declares the greatness of Davids character Thou art more righteous than I (1 Samuel 24:17).
- Saul admits his guilt (1 Samuel 24:17).
- David has rewarded him good.
- He has rewarded David with evil.
- Davids kindness (1 Samuel 24:18)
- He has dealt well with Saul.
- He has not used his opportunity to kill Saul.
- Davids innocence (1 Samuel 24:19)
- Saul realizes that Davids actions are not those of an enemy.
- Saul seeks Gods blessing on David for sparing him; NOTE: This is in the heat of Saul realizing how close he comes to death. This attitude does not last for long and is akin to promises made to God when a persons life is in danger (see 1 Samuel 26:1-2).
- Saul Admits Davids Destiny (1 Samuel 24:20-22).
- He admits Davids future (1 Samuel 24:20).
- Thou shalt surely be king.
- The kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
- He seeks Davids mercy (1 Samuel 24:21).
- He asks for Davids oath.
- Sauls seed not to be cut off
- Sauls name not to be destroyed
- He goes home (1 Samuel 24:22).
- David swears to Saul.
- Saul goes home, but David and his men return to the hold.
- NOTE: Though Saul pulls back, the war is not over. David is not received, but returns with his men to a place of safety.
CONCLUSION: Consider the following Bible characters and decide in each case whether they lived by conviction or by convenience:
- Lot (Genesis 13:9-11)
- Abraham (Genesis 18:19)
- Joshua (Joshua 24:16)
- Paul (Acts 20:24; Acts 24:15)
- Felix (Acts 24:25)
- Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
What do you think made the difference? Can you think of others and tell how they lived? In what ways can you live your life by conviction?