David’s behavior in 1 Samuel 27 is the kind of material Bible students often want to skip. It contrasts sharply with the ministry of Jesus, making it hard to discuss. I encourage you to watch our video today. Rudy Ross offers some explanations that might be helpful.
David fled from Israel because Saul’s regime wanted to kill him. He sought refuge with the Philistines, Israel’s natural enemies, and served them. As a Philistine agent, David and his men raided nearby communities, often killing everyone there.
When people ask me tough questions about the Bible, I often say, “I don’t know,” because the truth is, I don’t have the answer. When we look at David’s actions and wonder if God would approve of such behavior, my response is still, “I don’t know.”
But what I do know is that Jesus shows us the kind of behavior God approves of. That’s what I want to discuss in this article.
Salt and Light
Jesus taught his followers to be the salt and light of the world. From the beginning, starting with Abraham, God’s followers were meant to show His nature to everyone.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
I doubt any of the people harmed by David would have seen God’s salt and light in his actions. Light is meant to reveal God’s character. Salt is supposed to preserve and season life as God intends.
Similarly, when God’s people act even slightly like David, we fail to be salt and light to the world.
Dehumanizing Others
Jesus taught that the root of murder is dehumanizing others. When we see people as less than human, it’s easier to harm them.
“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’
But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire (Matthew 5:21-22).
This happens worldwide, whether it’s Russians attacking Ukrainians, conflicts in the Middle East, or activities in the Caribbean with Venezuelan boats. Dehumanizing makes it easier to kill.
We don’t know why David acted on behalf of the Philistines. However, Jesus teaches that those who are meant to be salt and light should not dehumanize others or cause them harm.
Behavior that Jesus Endorses
The Old Testament would have a different tone if the main characters followed the “love your enemies” message of the Sermon on the Mount.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:43-45).
The best way to turn our enemies into friends is by showing them God’s divine love. This is very hard to do, which is why Jesus asks us to pray for them. When we pray, God helps us show his love and guides them to see the Lord.
Let’s not forget that Jesus told us a Jesus-kind-of-love is the way people will be influenced by the salt and light of our lives.
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 