Sep 7, 2018
What’s your normal response to anyone who tries to hurt you? Get even? Seek revenge? We seem wired from birth to respond to those who attempt to do us harm by giving them a bit of their own medicine. And when we read 2 Samuel 1:17-27, we’re a bit surprised to see David crying over the news of Saul’s death. And they were not tears of joy. He was legitimately upset that his former king and mentor was dead. Even after all Saul had done to him, David mourned his death and even composed a song about him. There’s a great deal we can learn from the response of this young man. He had every right to be angry with Saul. And it would only seem natural if he had exhibited a bit of joyful relief at this man’s death. But to the end, David showed Saul respect, continuing to view him as the Lord’s anointed, even in death. Keep in mind, David was not the king – yet. He still remained a faithful Jew, even though he was currently residing in Philistine territory. And he saw the death of Saul as a blow to the kingdom and the sad loss of someone he had loved like a father.