Ahimelech was a priest at Nob, who unwittingly aided David in his attempt to flee Saul's wrath. David was not totally honest about his business in Nob, and so Ahimelech helped him. But Saul did not care about Ahimelech's innocence. His anger was hot against David and anyone who would be associated with him. So Saul used Doeg, one of his servants, to kill 85 priests at Nob, including Ahimelech. Then he set to the slaughter of the rest of the city.
What is stifling about 1 Samuel 22:19 is the completeness of Saul's judgment. Compare this to what God had commanded Saul to do to Amalek in 1 Samuel 15. Saul refused that utter destruction at God's command - yet when Saul was determined to exercise his own will, he had no problem carrying out the same kind of terror.
I wonder if we are like Saul sometimes. Do we struggle at doing what God says when we have a better idea, and then at the same time execute similar plans when we feel our actions are justified? How miserably inconsistent!
Although no person can question any of the Creator's decisions, we can certainly see that God had good reason to remove the kingdom from Saul. Beyond the fact that Saul was disobedient, he was one who considered his actions valid based upon his feelings. No man can be a great leader who allows his own will or emotions to dominate his decision making.
To truly be God's people, let's all be determined to pray for this help daily - "Less of self, and more of Thee!"
"I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments." ~ 1 Samuel 15:11
Thanks for this posting.
ReplyDeleteTom S