In preparing recently for a lecture on David, the tenderness of his heart, and fervent desire to accomplish what is right before the Lord and man continued to come to my attention. Two particular circumstances stand out from the record of this king's life.

A MAN OF CONSCIENCE.
From the first introduction of David in Saul's kingdom, we are witness to a man who submitted himself to the king, and served with great wisdom (1 Samuel 18:5). As David's popularity increased with the people, Saul felt threatened (18:9). A distressing spirit having come upon him, Saul sought to murder David (18:10-15). From that time onward, Saul's life was preoccupied with pursuing David (19:9-10, 20:30-33).

One should imagine that this extreme persecution might cause a desire for vengeance. David was presented with two opportunities to exercise recompense upon Saul (1 Samuel 24:1-11; 26:1-11). He could easily have killed Saul, and taken the kingdom of Israel for himself. Remember, he had already been chosen by God as Saul's replacement, and anointed by Samuel as king (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

The first occasion, Saul relieved himself in a cave where David and his men were hiding. David was so close to Saul, he was able to cut a piece off his robe (24:4-5). But shortly after doing so, David's heart was troubled. He regretted this small act, though it brought no harm to Saul, it was grievous to David. In the second occasion, David and one of his men entered into the camp of Saul, while the king and all his men were in a deep sleep. The servant of David sought to kill Saul, but David spoke, "Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless? As the LORD lives, the LORD shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish." (26:9-10).

Recall the words of Paul, "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the LORD." (Romans 12:17-19). If anyone could justify visiting evil upon another, this situation of David's is a prime case. However, he left the removal of Saul to the LORD. He would not raise his hand against Saul, but continually dealt with him in an upright fashion. Who among us has been pursued as David was? And yet, look at the purity of conscience which he approached his adversity with. May we do the same.

A MAN OF HIS WORD.
One of the last occasions when Jonathan was with David, he spoke these words: "And you shall not only show me the kindness of the LORD while I still live, that I may not die; but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever, no, not when the LORD has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth." (1 Samuel 20:14-15).

Through all the hardships of Saul's obsession, through the difficulties of receiving the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, through all the warring to receive the promised kingdom of God, David remembered his word to Jonathan. We read, "Now David said, ‘Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?'" (2 Samuel 9:1).

Indeed, there was a son of Jonathan who remained, Mephibosheth. This young man was lame in his feet. The inspired record says that his nurse took him up, and fled with him, and in the process, he fell and became lame in his feet. It is likely that Mephibosheth had heard from a very early age that David would seek to harm him, so that all the descendants to Saul's monarchy would be removed. Such would not be an uncommon practice when the monarchy was moved from one family to another. Later in the record of the kings, we read of Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah who rose against the royals heirs to destroy them (2 Kings 11:1). Fearing this type of action against the only remaining descendant of Saul, his nurse hurriedly sought to bear him away to safety.

Now, years later, Mephibosheth came before David, falling on his face. Hear the words which David spoke, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." (2 Samuel 9:7) Sensing Mephibosheth's hesitation, yes, even terror, David assured him that kindness was to come upon him.

What a change of scenery for Mephibosheth! He went from Lo Debar (literally, ‘no pasture') to sitting daily at the king's table. He went from staying at another man's property to receiving all the property which had formerly belonged to his grandfather. David was a man of his word! Upon the remembrance of his covenant with Jonathan, David fulfilled his word to the fullest.

Friends, let us imitate this faithful man of God. Let us have the same determination to walk upright before God and man. May we, as David did, be people of our word. What a glory to God's name when His people magnify His holy name through zealous obedience and honourable conduct.

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
Who was Achan's father? Joshua 7:1 says Carmi, while Joshua 7:24 and 22:20 say Zerah. Is there a contradiction?