2 Samuel 1:10-11 (KJV)
So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
At least one lesson we learn from this account is that even mercy killing is a reprehensible act in the sight of the Lord.
David acts under the authority of the government
I see that he does not execute judgment hastily. Though there was an immediate reaction to the news that this man had slain Saul, there was a moment of separation, questions, and deliberation previous to his execution. God has given the government the power to bear the sword. This power should be exercised with discretion and, I think, even humility. But to ignore or refuse to exercise it is a mistake.
More importantly, David acted as the forefather and a type of Jesus
This type is clear in so many passages of Scripture I hardly think it necessary right now to demonstrate it. As a type of Jesus,[1] David’s response shows respect for authority[2] and respect for life. The man said that he slew Saul as an act of mercy. Saul asked him to do it and he was certain Saul could not live due to his injuries.
It seems to me that, as time goes on, we demonstrate less and less value for human life. Violence is escalating. Terroristic acts are rampant and growing even in places like the United States. Abortion, the murder of the unborn child, is considered the right of women. The medical field seems to place more emphasis on profit than the person. And euthanasia is more and more acceptable.
In such a day it is appropriate to be reminded that the Word of God gives us, at least in principle, an indication of God’s repulsion of such acts.
[1] Albeit an imperfect one – how could there be a perfect type of the perfect God?
[2] This man killed the Lord’s anointed.
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2 Samuel 1:10-11 (KJV) Respect for Life
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