The right man at the right time

2 Samuel 1:1-16; Acts 15:22-35; Mark 6:1-13

Saul's death is not received as good news by David, even though it means he is now free to claim the throne in Israel. For one thing, Israel is, at that moment, a defeated and humiliated nation. Who would want to be king at such a time? But David's reaction to Saul's death illustrates why he is exactly the kind of king Israel needs at this moment in its history.

Rather than rejoicing over the downfall of an enemy, David and his men tear their clothes and mourn, weep, and fast until evening. Executing the Amalekite who brought him the news seems a harsh thing to do, but moreso than following an established custom, David once again demonstrates his respect for Saul who, although flawed and far from God at the time of his death, was nevertheless "the LORD's anointed." God himself would be the final judge of Saul, but no mere man could take matters into his own hands, even if Saul had asked to be taken out of his misery.

David, unlike Saul, will remain in God's favor throughout his reign, even though his own record will be far from spotless. David has what Saul lacks: a heart that is right toward God. Although he will do many things which displease God, his heart will never stray from him. It is a character we see displayed in his reaction to the news of Saul's death. He does not rejoice, but mourns. He does not honor the man who inflicted the fatal blow, but has him put to death. His reaction, in every way, reflects his character. It may seem, to our present-day sensibilities, over the top and irrational, but it is, for its time, appropriate and measured. If anything, it is beyond what might be expected of the one upon whom the burden of leadership for a nation now falls. For that very reason, David is the right man at the right time for Israel.