2 Samuel 1:13-16 And David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” And he answered, “I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite.” So David said to him, “How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go near, and execute him!” And he struck him so that he died. So David said to him, “Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the LORD’s anointed.’

We are warned time and time again to be careful with who we befriend. In this passage, the Amalekite’s had a history of making allies with people who proudly went against God and His people. This teaches us that there is nothing new under the sun. Forming alliances when the foundation is hatred is faulty ground, yet we see it happen through every generation. The Amalekite went to David thinking he would gain copious respect by delivering news that Saul and his son, Jonathan, were slain in battle. He even went so far as to say that He did “the honors” of killing Saul. However, 1 Samuel teaches us that Saul was already dead in Chapter 31, but not by an Amalekite. What a turn of events for Saul! The hunter became the prey and fell by his own sword. This is a prime example of why, as believers, we don’t have to avenge ourselves. When people treat us wrongly with no regard, their wicked deeds will eventually be rewarded.

So, David heard the news and was sorely grieved. Talk about a pure heart! He did not celebrate in Saul’s death as some expression of relief, as most would, considering how Saul once sought to kill him. How often do we see people react this way? Carefully consider the state of David’s heart hearing this news. It didn’t reflect resentment or gleeful fury wrapped in a smile. David did not feel vindicated; he mourned. He was genuinely concerned and hurt to hear the man that he once admired is deceased. This pointedly speaks to how we are to follow suit as believers in Christ. God instructs us to love our enemies and we see that this isn’t just a New Testament principle. Then, we see what happens to the Amalekite after his boastful report. His lie quickly became his own misfortune as his pride dug the pit for him to tragically fall. Falling in the same direction of the fabricated story he told – an untimely death.

Let this be a reminder that when people mean you harm, to give it over to God. If we live by the sword, this passage clearly shows we will die by it. There is no need to take vengeance in our own hands when God delivers a much better reward than we could ever give. Have you ever received bad news regarding someone who once tried to harm you? How did you react to it? Did you celebrate in their misfortune? Moments like these reveal the reality of our hearts. If you were happy to hear bad news about the person(s) there is still time for you to repent. God wants to purify us in such a way that keeps us from succumbing to the traits of our enemies. Let Him cleanse you and renew in His Word so that His light may shine with conviction in your life. Be blessed!