There’s something powerful about the way David handled his relationship with Saul. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t always fair. And yet, David honored Saul—not because Saul earned it, but because God had allowed it.
David’s respect for Saul challenges the way we respond to leadership, to authority, and to people who don’t treat us right. Let’s be honest—most of us would’ve felt justified in lashing out. Saul hunted David like a criminal. He was jealous, manipulative, and unstable. And still, David called him “my lord the king” and refused to lay a hand on him.
He didn’t just talk honor—he lived it.
“The Lord forbid that I should do this…”
In 1 Samuel 24, David had a perfect opportunity to take Saul out. Saul had walked right into the cave where David and his men were hiding. All it would’ve taken was one move. But instead of taking revenge, David crept up and quietly cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.
And even that—just cutting a piece of clothing—bothered David.
“But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. He said to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.’”
—1 Samuel 24:5–6 (NLT)
David could’ve led with pain. He could’ve led with his feelings. But instead, he led with reverence for God. That’s a different level of maturity. It reminds us that real character isn’t measured by how we treat those who love us—it’s revealed in how we treat those who don’t.
He Could Have… But He Didn’t
A second time, in 1 Samuel 26, David sneaks into Saul’s camp and finds him asleep. His right-hand man says, “Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear.” David again says no.
“The Lord forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed!”
—1 Samuel 26:11 (NLT)
This wasn’t about Saul being right. This was about David staying right with God.
It’s one thing to walk away from toxic situations. It’s another thing to walk away without becoming toxic yourself. David teaches us how to do both.
He Mourned the One Who Tried to Destroy Him
When Saul died, David didn’t throw a celebration. He didn’t post, “The enemy has finally fallen!” Instead, he wrote a song of grief.
“O women of Israel, weep for Saul… How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan! They were together in life and in death.”
—2 Samuel 1:23–24 (NLT)
What do you say about the one who tried to destroy you?
David said he was beloved and gracious.
That doesn’t mean Saul was perfect. It means David was focused. Focused on honoring the role Saul played. Focused on acknowledging what God allowed. Focused on rising above the pain, not sitting in it.
You Don’t Have to Agree to Honor
David wasn’t naive. He knew Saul’s flaws. But he still chose to respond with a heart rooted in honor. Why? Because Saul wasn’t just a man. He was God’s anointed—placed in that position for a time and a purpose.
And sometimes, honoring what God allowed is more important than explaining what they did wrong.
This might hit close to home. Maybe you’ve had a Saul in your life—a parent, a leader, a boss—who misused their position or caused you pain. You don’t have to pretend it didn’t happen. But you can choose how you respond.
You can say, “I won’t dishonor what God allowed.”
You can say, “I will walk in grace and not revenge.”
You can say, “I’m not bitter. I’m better.”
That’s what David showed us.
And maybe, just maybe, God is waiting to elevate you—not because you fought your Saul, but because you didn’t.
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