1 Samuel 26:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
Subject: Bad Counsel
In the preceding chapter (chapter 24) Saul is perusing David and David has a chance to take Saul's life. At the end of the chapter, Saul tells David he will no longer pursue him as long as David promises to not seek revenge on Saul's family. David so promises and the deal is struck. However, in the above verse, months later, we have the story of the Ziphites coming to Saul to tell him were David is now hiding. When we read chapter 26 we will discover that David once again can take Saul's life and doesn't. Yet, the lesson here is the story of the Ziphites. Saul and David had come to an agreement. But, the Ziphites decided to stir up the anger of Saul and cause him to once again pursue David. Those weak in the faith are often lead astray by those who have no faith. Note what David's son, Solomon, will eventually say about behavior demonstrated in this story by the Ziphites:
Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV Strong's)
There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.
That last line, "one who sows discourse among brothers" is the sin recorded in this story. God hates those who stir up discord. God is the God of peace. Discord is the fruit of evil. Saul's heart is stirred up to discord but these people. We need to guard our hearts to makes sure others don't stir up our anger. We need to make sure we follow God's ways in peace and to pursue peace with even our enemies (Romans 12).
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