52 Saul’s Epitaph

After David had previously addressed how extreme Saul had been in his constant pursuit of him, Saul appeared to have a sense of remorse as he then addressed David:

1 Saul Summarizes His Life

1 Samuel 26:21

While Saul seemingly said all the right things regarding being remorseful over his attempts on David’s life, David had seen the king’s so-called remorse and repentance before:

1 Samuel 24:17-20

Unfortunately, Saul’s prior “repentance” hadn’t lasted very long, before he was back to his old ways.

Saul’s regret and sorrow did not constitute true repentance but was only the first step in the process.

In the Greek, the word which is often translated as repentance in the New Testament, is the word <metanoia> which means “to have a change of mind”. In that sense, the individual then comes into agreement with God, that they’ve committed a sin against Him.

However, there is a second component to repentance, which stipulates that not only should the individual agree with God, but that they turn from the sin, and turn toward God. Essentially, it speaks of a course redirection, which was never evidenced by Saul.

Rather than turning toward the Lord, Saul actually fell further away from the Lord after this interaction with David.

But in the text, the king promised that he would cease pursuing and attempting to kill David.

Saul then expressed wonder at how David had been so merciful toward him, sparing his life on two occasions. Saul was amazed because he personally couldn’t relate to David’s ethics and morals.

What the passage shows, is Saul apologizing to David, by saying he “sinned”. However, he never mentioned the Lord, but only David.

His response contrasts with how David would later act, when rebuked by the prophet Nathan for the covering up of murder, and his adultery with Bathsheba:

2 Samuel 12:13

In David’s case with Nathan, he fulfilled all the requirements of repentance, and there was true acknowledgment that he had sinned against God. That was borne out, as he returned to walking with the Lord.

In the text in 1 Samuel 26, Saul then stated an obvious fact, that he had “played the fool and erred exceedingly”. However, in Saul’s mind, his “sins” had to do with his mistreatment of David, rather than understanding his offenses against God.

Saul failed to understand, how the Lord had given him many opportunities to turn from his rebellion and to turn to God, yet he had continually failed to do so.

Saul, like many people, failed to realize that he had to measure up to the Lord’s standard, rather than God lower the standards to accommodate sinful man.

2 David’s Testimony

While Saul was amazed at how merciful David had been to him, David then addressed Saul’s questions, in a manner which showed how and why David acted as he had:

1 Samuel 26:22-25

David showed that his trust was in the Lord. He wouldn’t attempt to advantage himself at Saul’s expense, but he trusted the Lord to direct him. His response showed that he didn’t desire Saul’s admiration or praise, since he understood that his true reward would come from the Lord.

Jesus spoke about those who desired praise of men rather than that which id from God:

Luke 12:43

Because of his personal relationship with the Lord, David understood that the Lord would reward his good works. The bible tells us that God will remember those works we have done in His name:

Hebrews 6:10

Though David knew the Lord had already anointed him to become the next king, he also knew it would be up to the Lord to determine how and when Saul’s reign would end. In that, David was displaying the Lord’s heart, which he was clearly representing to those around him. That attitude should be an example for every believer.

Next, David agreed that he had valued Saul’s life, and it was his desire that the Lord would value his and deliver him from all tribulation (evil circumstances).

David’s hope, therefore, extended far beyond his current difficulties, or even the day when he would become king. His hope was that he be found to be righteous by the Lord.

Believers like David, under the Old Covenant looked forward to salvation and the fulfillment of their relationship with the Lord. Whereas New Testament believers should rejoice in the fact that we have already obtained salvation, and the promise of one day eternally living in the Lord’s presence.

1 Samuel 25 ends with Saul appearing to confer a blessing upon David, which was probably done, because he felt compelled to say something. Saul was still desiring to appear as something he wasn’t. He wanted to appear to be the one who was promoting David to one day assume a position of leadership. However, it should be remembered that the Lord had already done that. Therefore, Saul’s words were as empty as his life had been.