By Kenneth B.E. Roxburgh, Ph.D.
Professor of Religion, Samford University
Respect Authority
1 Samuel 24:3–12
Living as a disciple in a culture that doesn’t always affirm Christianity and a way of living according to the commands of Christ can be challenging. How do we live in our attitudes and actions as believers when political, business and educational leaders who are in positions of authority over us do not share our ethical or moral framework for daily living?
This passage, which appears to be archaic, can perhaps help us to see principles of respecting authority figures while not sharing their particular perspectives.
Act with grace toward those in authority. (3–7)
David is fully aware that Saul is king, anointed by the prophet Samuel. In a similar way Paul says, “Every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom. 13:1–2). The specific person may not be living a godly life, such as Saul or the Roman emperor in the time when Paul wrote, but they are still people of authority.
David was probably tempted to take advantage of having Saul in a precarious position and he “cut off a corner of his cloak” but very soon realized that he had done something wrong because despite a life which was being lived in disobedience to God, he was still the “Lord’s anointed.”
Although we can see parallels between David’s situation and our own, it is not always as simplistic as this might suggest. None of our business, industrial or political leaders have actually been anointed as Saul was. We do not live in a theocracy. But as Christians we are to treat those in positions of authority with respect and like David, be careful how we respond to their attitudes and action within our own lives.
Speak with grace and conviction toward those in authority. (8–11)
The second section of the text indicates that one way we can respect people in authority is the way in which we speak to them and about them. He addressed Saul as “my Lord the king” and then, in the manner of the ancient world, he “bowed with his face to the ground.” Respect — taking time to speak to and about people with whom we have to interact with grace and generosity — doesn’t cost us much, apart from some humility.
However, David takes the opportunity to try to help Saul understand his situation, to appeal to him, to change his mind, to make him think differently. In a democratic society we have many opportunities to show respect and also indicate where we disagree with people by speaking out when opportunity arises without losing respect for the office which a person may occupy. This is also the case in the workplace where the rights of workers are not protected and people are not treated with dignity by their employer. Our world is different from that of Saul and David but some principles remain the same.
Leave conflict with authority figures in God’s hands. (12)
In the end, after David stops acting or speaking, he treated Saul with respect although David has been clear about the way in which he believes he has been misunderstood and mistreated. However, at the end of the day he decides to leave it in God’s hands, turning everything over to God.
“My times are in Thy hand,
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.”
— W.F. Lloyd
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