2 Samuel 1

So I stood over him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord."
(2Sa 1:10)

David hears the news of Saul and Jonathan from an Amalekite. David has been through a rollercoaster of a week. Just three days before he had been off fighting to get his wife and the rest of the captives back. David was now taking a well deserved break. As he is sitting there an Amalekite runs in and announces the awful news. The Amalekite also announced that he himself had killed Saul, which of course we find a different account in 1 Samuel 31:3-6.

Why would the Amalekite claim to have killed Saul right in front of Israel? The reason was that this Amalekite, like the rest of the surrounding area, knew that David was the next big stuff in Israel. Being from a different culture, it was shameful to say that Israel’s king had committed suicide. Instead, the Amalekite boldly and proudly shares how instead of torturing poor Saul, he obediently put Saul out of his misery by running him through. Not only that, he also brought Saul’s crown and bracelet. The Amalekite was sure he had scored some points to be in David’s favor. David’s reaction was swift, “Execute him.”

Why was David always saving Saul? Why was David so fixed on the fact that he could not touch Saul for he was God’s anointed? David was God’s anointed too! David, in wisdom, was waiting for God to give him what was promised. Unlike so many stories where people attempt to kill the king to put themselves on the throne, David wanted everything to be in God’s time. Why? Because David knew, if it had not been for the Lord, then Saul and he would be any other guy. The only reason they were kings and conquering warriors was because God had anointed them. Guess what, God has anointed you. He has put the Holy Spirit to come into you and upon you that you might do His work. Also, God has anointed your Christian brothers and sisters. Therefore, do not execute judgment on them, but like David, protect them for they are God’s anointed. Love each other, for you are the Lord’s.

Finally, we see the contrast in the Amelakite. He was just trying to score points with the king. He did it by fabricating some story. David had been given the kingdom yet never took it until it was the Lord’s timing. Who are you? Are you trying to score points with the higher ups or with the Lord that you might get a little recognition or some riches? Or are you waiting on the Lord, like David?