1 Samuel 24:1-7 | Sermons | Grace Church of Mentor

The Mercy of the Messiah, Part 1

In 1 Samuel 24, a vivid illustration of our merciful God is seen when David spares Saul.

Mercy Demonstrated: Refusing to Take the Throne by Force (verses 1-7)

Both Saul and David are anointed by God to be the king of Israel. Mercy is demonstrated by David when he refuses to take the throne by force.

The Anointed One

David uses the phrase ‘the anointed one’ three times in this chapter and again in 1 Samuel 26:9-11 in reference to King Saul. From the Hebrew, ‘the anointed one’ can also be translated ‘messiah’ or ‘the Lord’s anointed.’ Understanding this phrase is key.

The Lord’s anointed was a chosen individual with authority and empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will. The word ‘messiah’ was used broadly for prophets, priests, and kings. God dealt severely with those who usurped this chosen position.

David Honors God’s Anointed

David continues to hide from Saul. Of all the caves in the area, Saul chooses the one where David and his men are hiding to relieve himself. Psalm 57 reveals David’s thoughts during this situation, his petitions to the Lord for mercy.

Though his men try to persuade him, David does not mistake good fortune with God’s will by taking matters into his own hands. David recognizes Saul as the Lord’s anointed despite Saul’s disobedience to God and violence towards himself and Israel.

By refusing to take the throne by force, David honors God. David honors the truth by not usurping the role before God’s perfect timing. Though it may appear to make sense from a human perspective, David knows it is not God’s way.

Mercy Honors God

Mercy is the withholding of punishment from one who deserves it. The act of mercy requires a person who has been sinned against and has the resources to exact vengeance but does not.

David has clearly been sinned against and is running for his life. However, in Psalm 27, David says to wait on the Lord. Though he seems to have the opportunity to hasten things by exacting vengeance, David chooses to wait upon the Lord and be strong in Him.

With good reason and the opportunity to kill Saul, David instead shows him mercy. David feels guilty for cutting off the edge of Saul’s robe, an indication of Saul’s leadership. This action is an assault on Saul’s position, placing him in violation of the law of the Torah since he is wearing a defaced garment.

Mercy Is God’s Way

The road of mercy is often the harder and longer road and may look like the weaker road. David’s men believe he is doing the wrong thing by showing mercy, but Saul’s sin is not being overlooked or minimized, rather, David’s mercy displays strength of faith in God.

In showing Saul mercy, David chooses God’s way. Mercy may cost more than it seems worth, but honoring God is always worth the cost.

Being merciful does not give sin a pass. God does not overlook sin and will hold each one accountable, yet in Jesus Christ, we have been given much mercy.

Application Points

When sinned against, do you retaliate or give mercy? In that moment, the way of mercy is the right way, though it may feel hard.
Do you consider how much mercy has been given to you in Christ Jesus? This mercy changes how you treat others and live life.

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

Exodus 34; Psalm 57; 1 Peter 2:21-25

A Hymn to Encourage: “Wonderful, Merciful Savior”

Wonderful, merciful Savior Precious Redeemer and Friend Who would have thought that a Lamb Could rescue the souls of men Oh, You rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper Spirit we long to embrace You offer hope when our hearts have Hopelessly lost our way Oh, we’ve hopelessly lost the way

You are the One that we praise You are the One we adore You give the healing and grace Our hearts always hunger for Oh, our hearts always hunger for