1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1; Psalm 18; 2 Samuel 2-5

Respect is a difficult concept to apply consistently. People seem to want to dole it out like a prize that has been won. Saul did nothing to earn the respect of David, still David’s lament after Saul’s death showed the utmost respect to the king who persecuted him mercilessly. Twice David says “How the mighty have fallen!” The news of Saul’s death arrived on the lips of an Amalekite bearing the crown of the fallen king. Instead of rewarding the man for euthanizing a dying man, David challenged him to explain why he was okay with killing the LORD’s anointed king. That audacity cost the Amalekite his life. Why? Respect.

Even though Saul did nothing to earn it, David respected Almighty God and the things and people He chose. Just as He had chosen Noah, Abram, Moses and Joshua Yahweh had chosen Saul. Samuel was the proof. It was not the man on the throne, it was the throne. It was not the man wearing the crown, it was the crown. One day David would wear the crown and sit on the throne. Samuel was the proof. David was a man of integrity and we see it in his respect for Saul.

Even though Saul did nothing to his respect, David respected the chosen people of God, the nation of Israel. As awful as Saul was personally, a mighty king had fallen in battle and Israel’s enemy rejoiced and taunted. David would stand and fight the same enemy, just as he fought her champion, Goliath early in his life. David understood that the failings of Israel reflected poorly on Yahweh Elohim in the eyes of the nations around them. In their eyes defeat and a lack of respect for the king was a defeat and lack of respect for that nation’s deity. The Philistines did not understand the workings of God and the removal of His hedge of protection from around Saul. They only knew they killed him and scattered his army and took his cities. David respected Saul, because he was jealous for God’s reputation.

Even though his best friend was Saul’s son, Saul did not even try to win David’s favor and did all he could to drive him away. Jonathan died at his father’s side. David respected Saul because of Jonathan. For all David knew Jonathan would become king before David would. He was at peace with that. God was in control of all of this, and David respected Saul because he respected God’s grand plan for Israel.

Too bad others did not see things that way. David’s ascension to the throne was troublesome. The “other” king of Israel, Saul’s surviving son Ishbosheth, stood in his way. Wanting to be like the other nations, the people wanted a royal line to rule them even though God had rejected Saul and his descendants. Abner, Saul’s commander now serving Ishbosheth, is murdered by David’s commander, Joab. David wanted peace, but others wanted vengeance. David mourned Abner publicly out of respect for a warrior. Still others were ambitious and wanted to earn favor with David and they murdered Ishbosheth. Davis had them executed and mourned the death of his rival. Soon, David would show his respect for Saul through his kindness to the last son, Mephibosheth.

None of this seems to make sense. Saul did not deserve the respect. It seemed most around him did not share David’s idea of respect. And, yet, Yahweh has moved David through war, turmoil, and territory until he reigns over a united Israel and conquers Jerusalem, the place where Yahweh will place His name. Victory over the ever-annoying Philistines was Yahweh’s gift to the new king. When David calls out to God in many of his psalms, he appeals to God to vindicate him because of his integrity. David’s heart, David’s faith, and David’s actions were woven together and the respect he showed for Saul and others was a proof.

Now, Yahweh had HIS man on the throne. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. A lament? Certainly. A prophecy? Time will tell.

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!