To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David. (Psalm 58)
This is the second of the al tashchet, “Do Not Destroy,” trilogy and is believed to be inspired by the events that occurred after David spared Saul in the cave. For a brief moment, the king briefly acknowledged David’s integrity as opposed to his own. Unfortunately for David, Saul’s tempered feelings for his rival did not last long. Upon hearing that David was hiding in the wilderness of Ziph, Saul took three thousand men into the wilderness to overtake David. However, once again, David was given the opportunity to overtake Saul.
He and Abishai crept into Saul’s camp to find the sleeping king vulnerable once again. Rather than giving in to Abishai’s request to kill Saul with his own spear, David said, “Do not destroy him (al tashchet); for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” David said furthermore, “As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish” (1 Samuel 26:9-10).
After being spared once, Saul acknowledged that David would, indeed, be king. He even exacted a pledge from David that, upon becoming king, he would not seek to avenge himself upon Saul’s descendants. If he had left it at that, perhaps things might have gone better for him but, unfortunately for him and Jonathan, he did not leave it there — he went back on his word. Even though Saul was not willing to be true to his word, and though he continued to pursue David without regard for justice, David remained true to his principles and convictions. Having two opportunities to end the life of his oppressor, he would not. He understood that Saul was God’s anointed, meaning that it was in God’s Hands as to what should become of him and when.
From this example we learn that, as a follower of Messiah, we must do what is right even when everyone around us — friend and foe — are doing what is right in their own eyes. Saul certainly pursued such a course, and to some degree, Abishai was willing to do what seemed good to him. Only David remained determined to pursue righteousness in the matter, and in time, the Lord did take care of things as only He can. David understood — and so must we — that God is the only righteous Judge and whatever He does is with justice. Therefore, regardless of what others do, even when they are behaving in an unrighteous way, it is expected of us to do what is right in God’s eyes. If we do so, in time, He will vindicate the innocent and the upright.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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