Perhaps because of the instigation of the Ziphites, Saul renews his pursuit of David to take David’s life. After careful espionage, David takes his nephew Abishai into the camp of Saul. While Saul and his entire camp are sleeping due to the work of the LORD, Abishai offers to do the dirty work for David and dispatch Saul then and there. David again refuses to put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, David takes Saul’s spear and water jug as proof of his proximity to Saul. The next morning, David calls out Saul’s general, Abner, for dereliction of duty, before David once again shows Saul how he has spared the king’s life. Saul repents for the moment, and David prays that the LORD would show the same graciousness to David that David showed to Saul. Saul speaks more prophetically than he knows when he says that David will succeed in many things; these words are fulfilled in Jesus.

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 26:1-25.

"A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]