2 Samuel 1:13-16
Verse 14 David asked him, “Why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?”
After some time for mourning, David gets to the heart of the matter as he sees it, how dare this man kill the Lord’s anointed? And furthermore how could he think that David would reward him for that? So he asked the Amalekite the all-important question and then didn’t wait for his response.
Then David chose one of his men to take the man’s life. This soldier of David was being called on to do something that was not a killing of war but taking a life in the king’s honor. This was a plan to bring justice in the death of the king and by choosing a man to carry out the justice, David was taking charge in the Lord’s name.
David likely made his choice of executioners with purpose and maybe without realizing it this man was helping David take his rightful place as God’s anointed. Killing this man was not just about avenging the king’s life. David remembered God’s command that this enemy nation was to be annihilated. God had said to get rid of the nation and David was making it happen.
The Amalekite had come to David looking to be a hero but by lying to make himself look good he actually signed his own death warrant. If he had told the truth the outcome may have been different. He may have become a slave of David and his men because they were not on friendly terms with these Amalekites, let’s face it, capturing wives and children are not the way to make friends, but he may have survived.
For the Amalekite man his lie sealed his death but his lie would have had another effect on the men in David’s army. By choosing one of his men, David was showing his men the seriousness of this man’s choice to murder the king. By distinguishing this as revenge for the Lord’s anointed, David was showing his men that they were doing God’s work by taking this man’s life. It would have also been a reminder to them of the importance of their position in protecting the future king. Things were going to start moving in a different direction for this ragamuffin group of runaways. God had a purpose for them and their leader and things were about to get real.
Making It Personal
When have you lied and it didn’t work out like you thought it would? When have you been lied to and it changed your view of the person? What are the dangers of lying?
Making It Personal Kids
What does it mean to lie? Why is lying bad? Have you ever lied?
Closing Prayer
Father, we know that lying is going against Your law and yet there are times we find it is easier to lie than tell the truth. Help us see the truth about the damage our lies do to our relationship with You and our witness to the world and give us the courage to tell the truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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