Read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Ezekiel 1.
This devotional is about 1 Samuel 21-22.
Yesterday I attempted to demonstrate that Jonathan’s lie to Saul, while unwise, was not held against him by the Lord because his intention was to save David’s life from the murderous intentions of Saul.
In today’s passage, David lied unnecessarily to Ahimelek the priest (vv. 1-3). Ahimelek’s instinct was to be concerned when he saw David without any of the usual soldiers who fought with him (v. 1); instead of dealing truthfully with Ahimelek, David lied to him.
What possible reason could have justified David’s lie?
One possibility is that David was concerned about Ahimelek’s allegiance to Saul. The text, however, gives us no indication of that. Probably, then, it was just easier. It was easier for David to make up a false story on the spot to get Ahimelek’s help than it was to be truthful with Ahimelek and risk being refused the help David needed.
This is an example, then, of a lie that was told to manipulate someone into doing your will rather than being truthful and trusting God. Had David trusted God in this situation, Ahimelek could have inquired of the Lord for guidance. Or Ahimelek could have helped David knowing full well the risk he was taking on. Instead, David’s lie got him what he needed in the short term (vv. 4, 9) but he exposed Ahimelek to the dangers of Saul.
Indeed, David knew that his lies made him responsible for Ahimelek’s death as we see in verse 22. David even admitted that he put Ahimelek in danger knowingly, for he told Abiathar, Ahimelek’s son, “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family.” As great and godly as David was, his dishonesty in a crucial moment cost an innocent man his life. You and I are unlikely to ever be put into a situation where we have to lie to save someone’s life. Most of the time when we lie (or are tempted to lie), it is our own convenience or our own advantage we are seeking or we are attempting to cover up another sin that we have already committed.
Since God is truth and is able to provide and protect those who trust in him, we as his children should be truthful. Consider the way that you talk, then. Are you someone that tells lies?Are you tempted to lie? What is the source of that sin–to cover up your own sin? To manipulate others? To make yourself look better than you really are or just to make accomplishing something easier for you?
Consider this today in prayer before the Lord.
