Saul knew God had chosen David to replace him, and he became obsessed with jealousy. David spent at least eight years a fugitive, running from a man who wanted to kill him.
How would you feel? What if one day while you and your men were hiding in a cave, Saul came in alone to relieve himself? Then one of your men encouraged you: “Now’s your chance. God sent Saul here so you could kill him.” What would you do?
David cut a corner from Saul’s robe—and felt bad about it. After Saul left the cave, David went outside and confessed, handing over the fabric. Saul admitted “God really has chosen you, for you are a better man than I, because you did not take my life.”
God allowed David a second opportunity while Saul was sleeping—and David stole the king’s sword and shield. Again, Saul recognized David’s good heart.
Finally, a man reported to David that Saul was wounded in battle and begged the man to kill him, so he did, and he brought Saul’s crown to David.
David said:
“How is it that you were not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed? … Your blood is on your own head because your own mouth testified against you saying, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’” 2 Samuel 1:14-16.
David had the man EXECUTED.
Why? Because David respected the anointing. He would never touch the Lord’s anointed, not even when Saul was trying to kill David. He left the power of life and death in God’s hand. David never hesitated to kill. But David would NEVER touch God’s anointed.
The rule?
“Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” Psalm 105:15.
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