Beyond Common Sense

“Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).

Why would they want to stone David? Here are several things to remember and consider:

Remember that these were not a band from the righteous upper crust of society. “And everyone [who was] in distress, everyone who [was] in debt, and everyone [who was] discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him” (1 Sam. 22:2).

David has done some unsavory things at this point, like:

5. Being rejected by the Philistines

And now this—their own families are stolen away by the people they plundered. This is not David, the shepherd boy who trusted God to kill Goliath. This is David, the fugitive, lying leader who trusts himself, his strength, and his tainted ways instead of trusting God.

However, it is also the turning point because “DAVID STRENGTHENED HIMSELF IN THE LORD HIS GOD.” This is the first time we read this phrase from David. Praise God, there is no expiration date on God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness!! What comfort to know that our God—our gracious Heavenly Father—is always ready to forgive.

As I read about King Saul and his demise, I realized that he was missing the one main ingredient that David possessed: repentance. If we compare David’s life to Saul’s—just listing actions, not heart—Saul comes out on top.

So, we may wonder why David was the “man after God’s own heart.” It is because of David’s simple response when confronted: “So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD’” (2 Sam. 12:13). Compare his response to Saul’s when Samuel confronts him: “Then he said, “I have sinned; [yet] honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God” (I Samuel 15:30).

“I have sinned.” Simple words? Not really. They may be the most difficult words ever uttered! Satan is not the only creation of God who is proud. Oh, but there is no room in God’s family for pride! God give us three wonderful verses that deal with the proud and the humble.

“Better [to be] of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19 (NKJV)

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 (NKJV)

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to [your] elders. Yes, all of [you] be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV)

I don’t believe any of us are in danger of being stoned, but it would be wise to take a “pride check.” Pride shows up at the worst times and affects those we love in ways we could never imagine!