Big Idea: The Lord vindicates his chosen servants when they look to him for justice.

Understanding the Text

Chapter 23 ends with David’s escaping from Saul, yet one suspects that this is but a respite in the unfolding conflict. Indeed, once he has dealt with the Philistine problem, Saul resumes his pursuit of David. This time divine providence hands David an opportunity to kill Saul, yet he refuses to do so. Instead, he confronts Saul, protests his innocence, and appeals to God for justice. Throughout this section of 1 Samuel, the narrator’s purpose is to demonstrate beyond the shadow of a doubt that David, not Saul or one of his descendants, is the rightful king of Israel. The speech by Saul becomes Exhibit A in the narrator’s defense. The heir apparent to Saul’s throne, Jonathan, has a…