David, Part 5: Two Chances | Bible Stories Retold

Twice, his men said God has handed him to you. And once, the only thing standing between David and revenge was a woman with a donkey full of bread. Saul took 3,000 of his best soldiers and went looking for David. In the wilderness of Engedi, among the rocks of the wild goats. On the way, Saul stepped into a cave, alone. He had no idea that David and his men were hiding in the back of that very cave. David's men whispered, "This is the day the Lord told you about. He has delivered your enemy into your hand." David crept forward in the dark. He cut off a corner of Saul's robe, and then his heart struck him. "The Lord forbid that I should do this to my master, the Lord's anointed." Saul walked out of the cave. David followed him out and called, "My Lord, the King." He bowed to the ground and held up the piece of the robe. "See this? I could have ended it, but I would not lift my hand against you. May the Lord judge between me and you, but my hand will not be against you." Saul lifted up his voice and wept, "You are more righteous than I. You have repaid me with good, and I have repaid you with evil." And Saul went home for a while. Later, David's men protected the shepherds of a rich man named Nabal. At shearing time, David sent men to ask Nabal for some food. Saul mocked them. Who is David? There are a lot of servants these days running away from their masters. David said to his men, "Every man, strap on your sword, 400 men went with him." And he swore that by mourning, there would be nothing left of Nabal's house. But Nabal's wife Abigail was wise. She loaded donkeys with bread, wine, sheep, raisins and figs, and rode out to meet David. She fell at his feet, "Let the blame be on me, my Lord." A wolf don't pay attention to this worthless man.

One day, when the Lord makes you king, don't let this be a weight on your heart, that you shed blood without cause or took revenge for yourself. David stopped, "Blessed is the Lord who sent you to meet me today. Blessed is your wisdom, and blessed are you who kept me today from taking revenge with my own hand." God dealt with Nabal. David never had to... Then Saul came hunting again. One night, David and his man Abishai slipped into Saul's camp. Everyone was asleep. Saul lay there, his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abishai whispered, "Let me pin you." Pin him to the earth with one strike, "I won't need to." David said, "Don't destroy him. Who can lift his hand against the lords anointed and be guiltless?" They took the spear and the water jug and left. From a distant hilltop, David shouted and held up the king's spear. Paul knew his voice, "I have sinned, I have played the fool." But David had learned not to trust Saul's tears. They each went their own way. Maybe somebody has wronged you, really wronged you, and maybe one day you'll have your chance to get even. David had two. His men said it was God's will, but David knew that revenge would make him a different man, and when he almost gave in, God sent Abigail to talk him down. Listen to the voice that talks you down, and when you can, be that voice for somebody else. [music] [MUSIC PLAYING]