1 Samuel 26:12 

New International Version (NIV)

So David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep.

For Meditation

When we get away with things in amazing ways, or when we succeed in our adventures, we shouldn’t congratulate ourselves as if we’re extraordinary. It’s God who does it all. We’re just harvesters, beneficiaries of His grace. So,let’s give glory to Him.

God put Saul and his soldiers into deep sleep, and that’s why David and Abishai got away with the king’s spear and water jug (1 Sam. 26:12). It wasn’t David’s military prowess or ability to evade detection that gave them the advantage over King Saul and his soldiers that night. Neither was it a natural sleep that overtook Saul and Abner, his army commander, out of exhaustion. It was God who “put them to a deep sleep” (12). He did that for a purpose – not for David to avenge himself on Saul in cold blood. Rather, God intended to show David that it is He who keeps him from his enemies.

The lesson for David was to trust in God’s deliverance and assurance that He will take care of Saul in His own way(10); and He did on Mt. Gilboa (31:4). David’s responsibility was to honor Him with his response: “The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed” (26:11).

So, it is with us. It is God who leads us and does His wonders through our lives, that the glory would be His. Our actions following such situations, therefore, must be godly and gracious, just as David refused to kill Saul as Abishai suggested (8).

You may have gotten away with some dangerous or risky venture. Give glory to God. It may be some advantage you gained over your worst enemy on the job or business transaction. Don’t gloat. Remember the One who made it possible – your Lord Jesus Christ. He put your enemies to sleep to show you His presence in your situation to protect and deliver. It is His victory, not yours.

So celebrate Him by being humble and magnanimously gracious in your response to your enemy’s vulnerability.

Shalom