David spares Saul's life a second time and demonstrates the wisdom in showing mercy as a response to danger rather than merely being reactive.

2. I SAMUEL 26: SPARED A SECOND TIME
“So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and
there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with
his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner
and the soldiers were lying around him.
Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your
enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the
ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike
him twice. The LORD forbid that I should lay a hand
on the LORD’s anointed. Now get the spear and
water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”
(vss. 7, 8, 11)

3. TWO INTERPRETATIONS
1. Abishai: This is your big chance. God is in this. You can finish
off this injustice and do your enemy in. Go for it!
2. David: This is my big chance. God is in this. I can honor the Lord
by yielding to His justice. I’ll show my enemy once again that he
has nothing to fear from me.
* What is it about David’s interpretation that stands out to you?
• What seems wise about how David responded to this danger?
• If Abishai was reacting but David was responding, what would
be the difference?

4. SAUL’S RESPONSE TO MERCY
“Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Come back,
David my son. Because you considered my life
precious today, I will not try to harm you again.
Surely I have acted like a fool and have been
terribly wrong.” (v. 21)
* What words come to mind as you reflect on Saul’s response?
• What does mercy have the potential to bring out in people that justice
cannot?
• Can you think of an outstanding act of mercy you have received,
participated in, or witnessed that has made an impact on you?
• How does our merciful response reveal God’s mercy?

5. THE WISDOM OF MERCY – LUKE 6: 35 - 38 MSG
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a
return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-
created identity the way our Father lives toward us,
generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our
Father is kind; you be kind.
37-38 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their
faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t
condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang.
Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your
life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—
given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the
way. Generosity begets generosity.”