Payback Doesn’t Pay

1 Samuel 24:1-22
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: When we worship God and trust Him, we discover a key to lasting forgiveness, peace, and joy.

I. David Is Led by The Spirit (vv. 1-7)
1 Samuel 24:1-22
1 When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks. 3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 6 He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.” 7 So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way. 8 Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? 10 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.’ 11 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. 12 May the LORD judge between me and you, may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! 15 May the LORD therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.” 16 As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. 18 And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the LORD put me into your hands. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. 20 And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 21 Swear to me therefore by the LORD that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.” 22 And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

A. Has God opened a door for David to get payback on Saul? His men seem to think so and initially, David does too. But he later reconsiders his actions in light of his desire to obey God and honor Saul (vv. 5-7).

B. This situation is really more of a test of David’s character and trust in God than it is an opportunity for payback. Our perspective of this is shaped by either:

1. The flesh (v. 4) – Because of the timing, David’s men see this as being a gift from God, but that doesn’t make it so, especially when it counters God’s Word (cf. Lev. 19:17-18).
Leviticus 19:17-18
17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.

2. The Spirit (v. 5) – David is convicted not just by his actions, but by his intent (cf. Prov. 16:2; Matt. 5:21-24). David, led by the Spirit, knows it is wrong to lay a hand on God’s anointed.
Proverbs 16:2
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit.

Matthew 5:21-24
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

II. David Recognizes God’s Prerogative (vv. 8-15)

A. David also sees and submits to an important principle: It is God’s prerogative to judge. Only God is in the position to mete out divine justice because He alone is righteous and all-knowing (vv. 8-11; cf. Rom. 12:17-21)
Romans 12:17-21
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 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.” 20 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

B. We also see that David trusts in God’s justice. David has not wronged Saul and despite Saul’s continued attempts on his life, David entrusts himself to God’s hand (vv. 12-15).

III. David Gives God His Due (vv. 8-22)
*A. What drives David here, more than anything else, is a reverence for God and faith in His ways:*

1. Reverence – Is more than just an attitude of awe or having a contrite posture; it is an action of worship that puts God first (vv. 17-20; cf. Prov. 3:5-8).
Proverbs 3:5-8
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

2. Faith – A trust that God is in control and will direct our steps (cf. Ps. 57:1-3).
Psalms 57:1-3
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!