Lesson in mercy with guardrails from the first book of Samuel

In the first book of Samuel, there is the story of how Saul was leading an armed force against David, and, one night, David and Abishai came upon Saul and his soldiers sleeping. Abishai was all for taking Saul's spear and he wanted to "nail him to the ground with one thrust of the spear." That would have ended the threat in a rather permanent way. However, David said not to, as Saul was also one of the anointed by God. Mercy? Yes, but...

The "yes, but" of it comes in part of the reading most people gloss over in preference for talking about the mercy part. David took Saul's spear and his water jug away. In other words, he did not allow Abishai to kill Saul, but he did neutralize the situation by taking away his personal weapon and his water, which would have severely limited him in battle or in the heat of the day--he'd have to have more care for his survival than for armed opposition. David limited Saul's ability to be a real threat, and he also showed him that not only did he have the upper hand in the situation, but the mercy was not unlimited. Yes, Saul would live, but without a means to be a real threat. 

There's a lesson in this. If we show mercy, as we ought to, that is what God wants and it keeps things from escalating. But we are foolish to leave the opposition with all of their weapons, too.

Have a good day,

C