Hunted ∙∙

For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. – Proverbs 3:12

Lamentations 3:52-53

 52 For no good reason, my enemies hunted me down like a bird.

 53 They shut me up in a pit and threw stones at me.

The Tarnished History of Christianity

The history of Christianity, which is fundamentally rooted in the teachings of love and grace, has regrettably been marred by the harsh persecution of believers with differing convictions. Such shameful actions have tarnished Christianity’s reputation and brought dishonor to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. For many, these dark chapters in history have undermined faith in Christ as a viable choice, leaving a stain on the message of the Gospel.

The Core of Division: Divergent Interpretations of Scripture

Much of this persecution stems from differing interpretations of Scripture. One of the most contentious issues in the 16th century was the practice of baptism. Most Christians, whether Catholic or Protestant, followed the tradition of infant baptism. However, a small minority of groups believed that baptism should only take place after a person consciously decided to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. This practice is known as “believer’s baptism.”

The Anabaptists: A Persecuted Minority

One prominent group that advocated for believers’ baptism was the Anabaptists. Their name, meaning “re-baptizers,” was assigned to them by their enemies. Both Protestants and Catholics condemned them, leading to widespread persecution, hunting, and massacres of Anabaptists.

On January 28, 1525, in Zurich, city authorities ordered two Bible teachers, Conrad Grebel and Felix Manz, to stop teaching interpretations of Scripture that contradicted the officially sanctioned doctrines. When they refused, Felix Manz was executed by drowning, a method chosen to mock and show contempt for adult baptism. This brutal act forced the Anabaptists to flee to Moravia, where they found temporary refuge.

In Moravia, Jakob Hutter emerged as a leader of the Anabaptists. He and his wife, Katherine Purst, became fugitives, hunted for their faith. Eventually, they were captured and killed. Despite this, the Anabaptist movement persevered.

A Biblical Parallel: King David’s Persecution

The persecution of the Anabaptists echoes the story of King David, who was also hunted and unfairly targeted. Initially, David was welcomed by King Saul, who was soothed by David’s harp playing. However, Saul’s attitude toward David shifted dramatically, fueled by jealousy.

Saul’s hatred for David stemmed from the people’s praise of David’s victories. Samuel the prophet recalls in 1 Samuel 18:7, “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”

This comparison infuriated Saul, who was afraid of David’s increasing popularity and his potential to seize the throne. His jealousy caused him to try to kill David multiple times, even sending assassins after him. For 15 years, David was stalked and hunted by Saul, but he remained faithful to God.

REFLECT & PRAY

It’s easy to act out of foolishness, jealousy, or pride, but it’s never wise. Persecution and division within the faith dishonor God and hinder the spread of the Gospel. Instead, we are called to live with humility, grace, and unity.

Father, help me to learn from the examples of David and Abigail. May I be obedient to Your Word like David, and wise as a serpent yet gentle as a dove like Abigail. Teach me to live in a way that honors You and brings peace to others.

INSIGHT

David’s Test of Character: Sparing Saul’s Life

David, despite being hunted and persecuted by King Saul, showed remarkable restraint and wisdom when given the chance to kill his enemy. Twice, circumstances arranged by God put Saul in vulnerable positions where David could have easily terminated him with extreme prejudice. However, David chose mercy over vengeance. These moments were not mere coincidences; they were tests of David’s character, arranged by God to prepare him for the leadership he was destined to assume.

Why Did God Test David?

The opportunities to kill Saul were not about revenge but about transformation. God was shaping David’s character, teaching him patience, humility, and trust in divine justice. These tests showed David’s growth and maturity as he passed with flying colors. His actions became a model of wisdom and obedience.

David’s first test occurred in the cave of the wild goats, where David was hiding. In 1 Samuel 24:3-7. Saul was unaware of David’s presence and was completely vulnerable. David’s men urged him to seize the moment and kill Saul, but David refused, 1 Samuel 24:6, “The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.”

David understood that Saul, despite his flaws, was still God’s anointed king. By sparing Saul, David honored both God’s authority and His law.

A Two-Sided Lesson in Mercy

David’s decision to spare Saul carried a hint of irony. By refusing to harm Saul, David not only proved his own innocence but also emphasized Saul’s guilt. As Constable observes, David’s actions sent a clear message:

• No one should harm the Lord’s anointed.
• Saul’s pursuit of David was unjust, as David himself was also God’s anointed.

David set an example of the behavior Saul should have shown, demonstrating mercy and respect for God’s chosen servant, as seen in 1 Chronicles 16:22, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.”

Trusting God for Justice

David’s self-control also demonstrated his trust in God’s promise to bring justice in His own time. Scripture clearly states that vengeance belongs to the Lord. In Deuteronomy 32:35, it says, “Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, in due time their foot will slip; for the day of their calamity is near.”

David’s faith in God’s justice enabled him to leave the situation in God’s hands, rather than taking matters into his own hands.

David’s Second Test: Saul’s Camp

Having passed his first test, David faced a similar challenge when he found Saul asleep in his camp (1 Samuel 26:5-11). Once again, David’s men urged him to kill Saul, but David refused, saying, 1 Samuel 26:11, “The LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But take his spear and that jug of water beside his head, and then let’s get out of here!”

The Lesson of Nabal and Abigail

David’s encounter with Nabal and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25 had a profound influence on his understanding of mercy and restraint. Nabal, whose name appropriately means “fool,” was a harsh and selfish man. Despite David and his men protecting Nabal’s flocks, Nabal rudely refused to compensate them. Angered, David set out with 400 men to destroy Nabal and his household.

Nabal’s wife, Abigail, intervened with wisdom and grace. She met David with gifts of food and wine, pleading for mercy and reminding him of his divine calling. 1 Samuel 25:28, “The LORD will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the LORD’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life.”

Abigail’s words stopped David in his tracks. She cautioned him against tarnishing his reputation through reckless bloodshed, urging him to trust in God’s justice. David recognized her wisdom and praised God for sending her to prevent him from making a terrible mistake, 1 Samuel 25:32-33: “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands.”

True to His word, God dealt with Nabal. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died. (1 Samuel 25:38).

Lessons from David’s Restraint

David’s restraint demonstrated his growth and trust in God. He learned that vengeance was not his to take and that God’s justice would come in its time. David’s character tests challenge us to consider how we respond to adversity and injustice.

David’s journey from a hunted fugitive to a wise and merciful leader proves God’s transformative power. His restraint in sparing Saul, his humility in learning from Abigail, and his trust in God’s justice serve as powerful examples for us today. As we face our own character tests, may we, like David, succeed by trusting God, practicing wisdom, and leaving vengeance to His hands.

How are your exams going?

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© Dr. H 2025