New Low

"But the king said, 'You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s household!' And the king said to the guards who were attending him, 'Turn around and put the priests of the Lord to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me.' But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the Lord. Then the king said to Doeg, 'You turn around and attack the priests.' And Doeg the Edomite turned around and attacked the priests, and he killed that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. And he struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and infants; also oxen, donkeys, and sheep he struck with the edge of the sword." -1 Samuel 22.16-19

Saul has reached a new low. In his pursuit of David, he learns that a priest of God gave aid to him. After questioning Saul orders his men to kill the priests, but these Israelites are unwilling to harm the priests. And so Saul turns to a foreigner, Doeg the Edomite, who has no problem at all with the command. Doeg not only kills the priest, but then goes to attack the families of the priests, including women, children and infants. Saul not only has ordered his own people to be attacked, but he orders that priests and their families be attacked.

Now it must be pointed out that he did not have all the information. Doeg tells Saul that he saw David come and receive aid, but he does not inform the king that David claimed to be on a mission for Saul. Saul did not have the whole story, but regardless his actions were inexcusable. He ordered his men to kill the Lord's priests, and then to turn the attack on their families. Saul has become so obsessed with keeping his power and removing any threat to his reign, that he is willing to order the death of priests and children.

When we begin to live for ourselves we hurt the innocent. When we are so focused on what we want, we will go farther than we ever thought to attain it. Saul, the one God had anointed as King over his chosen people, ordered the death of God's anointed priests. How far have you gone?

Men, what are the casualties you have inflicted by your choices? Have you neglected your children because they hindered your hobbies? Have you walked out on your wife because she hasn't met your needs? Have you killed them with your silence, or your absence? Living for yourself will bring about greater destruction than you could have ever imagined.

Let us be men who refuse to act as Saul did. Let us set aside our selfish desires and focus on the responsibilites God has given us. May we never sink as low as Saul, but let us rise up and focus on what God has called us to.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor