SortingBeans

As a return to the observation
of David and Saul, we will move from seeing how motivated they both were, especially Saul to pursue David through such a geographical landscape, to further gain insight into how fear motivated the both of them. Jonathan works out an arrangement with David so that David can know whether or not to stay or flee. Beginning in 1 Samuel 20 verse 30, it reads,

“Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, ‘You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse [David] to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die. Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, ‘Why should he be put to death? What has he done?’ But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him.” 1 Sam. 20:30-33ab

This example of Saul’s outrage shows his easy submission to his fear. He (Saul) was so engulfed by it that he would burst into a rage of anger against his own son, trying to kill even him! On the other hand, David’s response to Saul’s desire to kill him is quite different. David responded with weeping and sorrow. As he (David) received the message from Jonathan that Saul wanted him dead, he “rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground. . . .” (1 Sam. 20:41). The following chapters record David’s flight from Saul, fearing for his life and taking measures to protect those whom he loved (1 Sam. 22:3-4).

So, it is seen that Saul’s response to fear was evil and selfish, putting even his own family at harm from his own hand, as David’s response to fear was acted out through taking extra measures to ensure safety of his loved ones and avoiding confrontation with Saul and his army in an effort to preserving both Saul and his own life, for he did not want to fight against Saul. As one author put it:

“[David], in the middle of the flight sequence . . . refrains from using sword or spear against Saul, who is in David’s hands; capable of wielding a sword against an insulting fool, David is able to be deterred from doing so . . . .” Borgman, 72

It is interesting that David’s fear of Saul motivated him to flee through all these rigged areas. In contrast, Saul’s fear of David succeeding him motivated him to eliminate David from the face of the earth. That fear would have such an affect on one’s behavior, it seems only wise for an individual who may be confronted with such an emotion to acknowledge the presence of that emotion, asses what consequences each action taken would render, and take council in God. This seemed to be a regular practice of David whenever he was confronted with this strong emotion (1 Sam. 23:9-12; 30:7-8; 2 Sam. 2:1).

Let us take note of this “man after God’s heart.” Fear can motivate an individual to do many things, but let it not be a motivator of evil. Let the fear you experience motivate you to avoid evil, and may you take your fear before God and inquire His council.

- Jonathan J.

Text Quoted: Borgman, P. (2008). David, Saul, and God. New York: Oxford University Press.