At the conclusion of this chapter, David has been revealed as a man who fears the LORD. He acts with integrity. Given the chance to bring his suffering and exile to an end, given the chance to ascend to the throne and take what was promised, he doesn’t fall to temptation. He had the support of Jonathan and his men, if he killed Saul then he would be king. But killing Saul would be murder and contrary to God’s Word. Circumstances might suggest that it was God’s will, but Biblical principles come before circumstance. This is godly decision making. This is the man who you want to serve as king. Even Saul acknowledges his claim. 

In his example, we have a clear pointer to the work of the true Christ, specifically the test that our Lord Jesus would undergo in the wilderness (cf. Matthew 4:1-11). There he was in the desert, forty days without food. Forty days of fasting, intense hunger. Cold and lonely nights. Hardship and suffering. Then the Devil came to him with his many offers. Shortcuts to avoid pain and enjoy comfort. Tell the stones to become bread. Throw yourself from into the hands of the angels. Bow to me and receive all the kingdoms of this world. All that which you were promised by your Father. The nations will be your inheritance, the ends of earth your possession (cf. Psalm 2:6-9). You can have glory now. Glory without hardship. Comfort without suffering. It’s all within your grasp.

Jesus’ response on each occasion: What has God revealed? What has God said? He will provide for his people through ordinary means, I don’t need to misuse my power. He will protect his people till their work is done, I don’t need to put him to the test. He will give his Messiah what he has promised, I won’t look for help from others gods. I won’t take matters into my own hand. 

Suffering now, glory later, that is the way of the Messiah. That is the path that David walked. That is the path that Jesus walked. And on that path he passed every test. The test in the desert, the test before his family and friends. Obedient to God in all things, he lived the perfect life. He submitted himself to the will of the Father, and on the cross he died to pay the penalty that our sins deserve. A great act of kindness for his enemies. David showed mercy to Saul, but it was a mercy prompted by duty. He had no right to put him to death. God shows mercy to sinners, but it is not a mercy prompted by law. He has every right to condemn us to an eternity in hell, but in his grace, he shows mercy. Mercy to rebels. Mercy to you and me.