“Rock of Escape” and “Rocks of the Wild Goats”

At the place called “Rock of Escape” (“Sela Hammahlekoth”),

where King Saul and his army were closing in to capture David,

God rescued David (1 Samuel 23:26-28).

In the place with the “Rocks of the Wild Goats,”

God delivered King Saul into David’s hands (24:4, 9, 18),

but David only cut off a corner of Saul’s robe and did not kill him.

This was because David knew that harming the king

chosen and anointed by God was forbidden by God (24:6, 9),

and also because he cared for Saul (24:9).

Reflecting on David’s care even for an enemy trying to harm him,

I thought of how God, who loves us even when we are His enemies (Romans 5:10),

gave His only Son for us (John 3:16).

Hence, it seems that Jesus told us

to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”

(Matthew 5:44, NIV).