Those who form the most careful plans for the defeat of others are often defeated themselves. Pharaoh persecuted and pursued the children of Israel, but he perished through his own folly--Haman and Mordecai--Judas mad Christ. Saul hunted for David like a thirsty bloodhound, but imperilled his own life lay entering the cave in which David and his men had concealed themselves. How did David treat his enemy in the hour of his weakness?
I. David showed the most gracious treatment to an inveterate enemy. We may learn two things from this gracious forbearance.
1. That it is the duty of Christian men to forgive their enemies.
2. Christian men are benefited by forgiving their enemies. Forgiveness improves both the heart of the offended and the offender. Life is ennobled by little acts of forbearance, and the heart made bright and glad. A desire for revenge is a sure sign of weakness. Revenge is its own torment.
II. David gained a most decisive victory over an inveterate enemy. Kindness conquered. Love won. “Saul lifted up his voice and wept.”
1. Saul was convinced of sin. The hardest heart is sometimes softened. The iceberg melts before the sun. Awakened, ashamed, but not reclaimed.
2. Saul confessed his sin. “Thou art more righteous than I, for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.” Bad men must confess their sin. They may conceal their true character for a time, but “truth will out.” The secret diary of the heart will be opened and read.
III. How did David obtain this three-fold victory?
1. He conquered by constant vigilance.
2. He conquered by earnest prayer. (J. T. Woodhouse.)
The reconciliation of Saul
I.Whilst the good man sees his own perils, let him also see the restraints which are put upon the wicked. Saul is mighty; Saul has servants; Saul is accustomed to dip his sword in human blood; yet he cannot hit David!
II. Let the sad man put to himself some serious questions respecting the restraints which limit his power. Saul should have learned a good deal from the failures which followed each other in rapid succession. Why do the heathen so furiously rage? Evil is a gigantic failure: is there not a cause?
III. Though mediation may fail is carrying out its purposes, yet let no wise mediator suppose that his work is in vain. Jonathan was mediator between Saul and David. Looking at it on one side, he might well have abandoned his work as a failure. What of its influence upon David? How it cheered him like a light! Be some man’s true friend. No word of love is lost. No true ministry is a failure, though it may have aspects which are discouraging.
IV. Observe the infinite superiority of power that is moral, as compared with power that is physical. Saul went to seek David upon the rocks of the wild goats. In his pursuit he came to the sheepcotes where there was a cave, and into that cave he entered, little knowing who was there! Said lifted up his voice and wept! What a difference between this and a mere fight of hostile weapons!
1. In the worst men there is something that may be touched.
2. In every life there is at least one opportunity of showing the real quality of the heart. David seized it! This is the sublime appeal of the Gospel! God does not crush us by mere power. Love, truth, persuasion--these are the weapons of God’s warfare! (J. Parker, D. D.)
