August 1 - 2 Samuel 1

When we read 1 and 2 Samuel, we must read it as one book as it was originally just one book - books, chapters and verses added much later.

If you read 1 Samuel 31 quickly, you find that the account of Saul's death in 1 Sam 31 is different from the one in 2 Samuel 1. Most likely this is because the 1 Sam 31 is the true account and the 2 Samuel 1 is a story made up by this Amalekite in order to gain David's favor... instead of favor, this man gets punished for claiming to have killed one of the Lord's anointed.

We would all be surprised at David's response. Saul tried to kill David. David had opportunities to kill the man who was making his life a living hell.. and he did not take them but spared Saul's life. What is going on in David's head? How does he see Saul? What does he see in Saul?

David understands what it means to honor the Lord's anointed. Just because you're anointed doesn't mean you won't make mistakes. Moses was anointed. He murdered someone. Abraham was anointed. He was a cowardly liar. David was anointed. He murdered and committed adultery. Saul was anointed. His inner struggles eventually became his downfall.

And this is how David honors Saul. He mourns for Saul. He calls him beloved and lovely. He remembers the days of his great reign.

Why? Is David one to exalt himself over Saul? Nope. Not really.

Nor are we called to exalt ourselves over others in judgment.
No. We are called to honor.