1 Samuel 26:17-19 – Then Saul knew David’s voice, and said, “Is that your voice, my son David?” David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” And he said, “Why does my lord thus pursue his servant? For what have I done, or what evil is in my hand? Now therefore, please, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering. But if it is the children of men, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day from sharing in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’… ” (NKJV)The influence of friends is powerfully evident in Saul’s life. When he encounters David, his heart melts into repentance. Yet somehow he is incited to pursue David again and again. It seems David is convinced that Saul’s companions are to blame. Of course, Saul remains guilty for following their influence, but the point is clear—We are subject to the encouragements we surround ourselves with. David, conversely, cannot be talked into killing Saul, even by his closest companions. He holds firm to his resolve to do right, even when others would gladly excuse a different response. This chapter offers the contrast of two leaders—one who is repeatedly weakened by insecurity and one who remains confident of his future even though his present circumstances are quite unfair. David’s careful obedience gives him that confidence.
