This morning we will continue our monthly series of lessons about David. During the last several months, we have considered David’s faith, courage, perseverance, and zeal for the Lord. Another godly attribute he possessed was integrity. People with integrity have good morals, character, and ethics. They are honest and avoid doing wrong when they can get away with it.
Before we study a great example of David’s integrity in 1 Samuel 24, consider a summary of what transpires in the previous chapter.
1 Samuel 23
- The Philistines come against Keliah (1 Samuel 23:1-5). The people of Keliah lived south of Jerusalem and near Philistine territory. Once the Philistines begin attacking them, they come to David for deliverance.
- Once Saul realizes that David is in Keliah, he foolishly believes God is helping him (1 Samuel 23:6-8). He is so consumed with finding David that he lies to himself about the will of God!
- Saul continues pursuing, and David continues moving south to the wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 23:9-14).
- Jonathan locates David and goes out to encourage him in the Lord (1 Samuel 23:15-18).
- The Ziphites inform Saul of David’s location (1 Samuel 23:19-24).
- God providentially protects David (1 Samuel 23:24-28). The Philistines begin raiding the land of Israel, and Saul is forced to stop pursuing David.
- David moves to Engedi (1 Samuel 23:29). Engedi is on the west bank of the Dead Sea.
1 Samuel 24
- After receiving word that David is in Engedi, Saul takes 3,000 soldiers and pursues him (1 Samuel 24:1-3). While “relieving” himself in the cave, David is hiding. David’s men attempt to persuade him to kill the wicked king (1 Samuel 24:2-4). David refuses to harm God’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:5-7).
- David reveals himself to Saul (1 Samuel 24:8-15). David reveals himself to Saul (1 Samuel 24:8-15). Saul realizes that David would have killed him in the cave if he was his enemy.
What does David teach us about integrity?
- Integrity involves doing what is right in every circumstance. Even though David is suffering and being mistreated by Saul, he refuses to harm him when given the opportunity. He respects God, and His anointed (1 Samuel 24:6). People with integrity are mindful of how their decisions impact God. They are aware of God’s watchful eyes and how He will bring every act into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
- Integrity involves avoiding getting even. Instead of retaliating and getting revenge against Saul, David extends grace, kindness, and compassion. God expects us to offer the same things to our enemies (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:12-17).
- Integrity involves consulting God. David always prays and seeks guidance from God before making decisions (1 Samuel 23:2-5, 9-12). Do we also pray before making important decisions? Do we also ask God to providentially works in our lives and help us do His will?
- Integrity involves convicting those who lack integrity (1 Samuel 24:16-22). Once he realizes his life was spared, Saul humbles himself and acknowledges that David was a righteous man. He begs David not to wipe out his family once he becomes the next king. Sadly, Saul’s humility will be short-lived. He will soon resume pursuing David out of jealousy. Our integrity can also convict and cause wicked people to evaluate their hearts and repent.
Conclusion:
Do you have integrity like David?