“May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. And indeed, as your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued much in the eyes of the Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.””I Samuel 26:23-24 NKJV
Twice David had opportunity to take revenge on Saul, and twice David refused to raise his hand against G-d’s anointed.
While meditating today, I was struck by the phrase “was valued much” which is translated from the Hebrew word “gāḏal” meaning prized, set apart. Other bible translations say “highly valued” and “precious” but this translation is my favorite:
“Look: just as I put great value on your life today, so may my life be given great value by Adonai. May he deliver me from every kind of trouble!””
Sh’mu’el Alef (1 Sa) 26:24 CJB
David made a choice to value Saul’s life. He recognized that even though Saul had done evil, Saul was still called, selected, and anointed by G-d. I wonder how different life would be if Believers took this approach to everyone we encounter and truly saw ALL LIFE as valuable – from the womb to the tomb and in between. When someone cuts us off in traffic or is rude to us, when someone hurts, insults, or disappoints us, what would happen if we chose to respond like David – by valuing their life, speaking kindly to them, choosing to promote peace? I’m not suggesting we allow people to walk over us or take advantage of us – David set a boundary – he did not return to Saul. But David’s response matters.
When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t do it for those He felt worthy or who we think might deserve it. He died for sinners like you and me. It is His desire that NONE should perish (2 Peter 3:9). His call goes out to all men. What would happen if I saw and treated EVERYONE as ones called and anointed by G-d?
G-d is the creator and giver of life. He formed man from dust. He opens and closes the womb. He knits us together in our mother’s womb. He places destiny within each of us. Nothing escapes His notice. He alone knows the beginning and end of our days.
When I capture His vision for others, that they are made in HIS image, it gives me pause. You are precious in His sight; I am precious in His sight. You are highly prized and valued in His eyes; I am highly prized and valued in His eyes. He sent HisSon for you; He sent His Son for me. We are equally called, equally valued, equally prized, equally precious. He is the only One who is greater. And because He values those different from me whom I might disagree with or who might wish to harm me in word or action, I can respond in love, promoting peace as much as I am able, knowing that to do so places me on G-d’s side. When I stand on His side, He will deliver me from all of my troubles.
Father, thank You for those You’ve placed within my life that sharpen and challenge me. Give me Your eyes to see those around me as You see them – called, anointed, set apart for Your purposes. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: I Samuel 25-27