So the past few people bringing news to David didn't exactly get the warm welcome they were hoping for, did they? In Chapter 1 the guy was a liar (he didn't really kill Saul)...and the guys in Chapter 4 snuck into an innocent man's bedroom and killed him in his sleep. Each time someone brought news to David that his enemy was dead, they didn't live much longer. I was talking to my Dad yesterday and he wondered if the phrase "don't shoot the messenger" came from this story.
I looked it up, and the phrase came from Shakespeare in Henry IV... "No one loves the messenger who brings bad news". Although it doesn't originate from our readings the past couple days, it certainly fits the theme!
So many around David were worried about personal gain and selfish ambition. David was patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promise. He wasn't afraid like many of the leaders, and he didn't rely on the strength of other men to assure his control or position. He boldly trusted in God.
Like! Side note not related to your post: Sometimes it is shocking to read about the brutality in the bible. Interesting.
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