View 1st Samuel 26 in the note window.
aul goes after David, who again spares Saul's life. (1-12)
David exhorts Saul. (13-20) Saul acknowledges his sin. (21-25)
Verses 1-12: How soon do unholy hearts lose the good impressions
convictions have made upon them! How helpless were Saul and all
his men! All as though disarmed and chained, yet nothing is done
to them; they are only asleep. How easily can God weaken the
strongest, befool the wisest, and baffle the most watchful!
David still resolved to wait till God thought fit to avenge him
on Saul. He will by no means force his way to the promised crown
by any wrong methods. The temptation was very strong; but if he
yielded, he would sin against God, therefore he resisted the
temptation, and trusted God with the event.
Verses 13-20: David reasoned seriously and affectionately with Saul.
Those who forbid our attendance on God's ordinances, do what
they can to estrange us from God, and to make us heathens. We
are to reckon that which exposes us to sin the greatest injury
that can be done us. If the Lord stirred thee up against me,
either in displeasure to me, taking this way to punish me for my
sins against him, or in displeasure to thee, if it be the effect
of that evil spirit from the Lord which troubles thee; let Him
accept an offering from us both. Let us join in seeking peace,
and to be reconciled with God by sacrifice.
Verses 21-25: Saul repeated his good words and good wishes. But he
showed no evidence of true repentance towards God. David and
Saul parted to meet no more. No reconciliation among men is
firm, which is not founded in an cemented by peace with God
through Jesus Christ. In sinning against God, men play the fool,
and err exceedingly. Many obtain a passing view of these truths,
who hate and close their eyes against the light. Fair
professions do not entitle those to confidence who have long
sinned against the light, yet the confessions of obstinate
sinners may satisfy us that we are in the right way, and
encourage us to persevere, expecting our recompence from the
Lord alone.