Day 115: King Saul is Spared (2026)
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On Day 115 of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on 1 Samuel 24, where David spares King Saul’s life despite having the perfect opportunity to kill him. David, though anointed by God to be king, refuses to harm Saul, recognizing that only God has the authority to remove a king. This moment underscores David’s humility, obedience, and deep reverence for divine sovereignty. Fr. Mike draws a powerful parallel to modern life, urging listeners to discern when they are called to action and when they should remain in prayerful waiting. He emphasizes that many of today’s conflicts—especially online or in personal relationships—are not our battles to fight unless God specifically calls us to do so. The episode closes with a call to spiritual vigilance, mutual prayer, and reliance on God’s will in the ongoing spiritual warfare against darkness.
Respect God’s sovereignty over leadership—only He can remove a ruler, even if they are wicked.
True strength lies in restraint: David’s decision not to kill Saul reveals greater courage than violence.
Discernment is essential: Ask God before entering any battle, especially in public or digital spaces.
Limitations are not failures—they are boundaries that protect our mission and integrity.
We are in spiritual warfare; our battles are against principalities, not just people.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Day 115: David Spares Saul
Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the episode, setting the stage with the reading from 1 Samuel 24 and Psalm 57, and invites listeners to engage with the Bible in a Year journey through Ascension’s resources.
David Spares Saul in the Cave of Ein Gedi
“The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed.”
David’s Moral and Spiritual Discernment
“God gets to be the Lord over the living and the dead. God gets to be the God of life and death. He gets to be sovereign.”
Application: Knowing Our Limits and Listening to God
“I have to consult the Lord. God, remember with the residents of Keilah... is this a battle you want me to fight?”
“God gets to be the Lord over the living and the dead. God gets to be the God of life and death. He gets to be sovereign.”
“The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed.”
“Our battles are not with flesh and blood, right? Our battles are with principalities and powers.”
Host
David
person
Saul
person
Fr. Mike Schmitz
person
1 Samuel 24
other
Psalm 57
other
Philistines
other
Ascension
organization
The Great Adventure Bible Timeline
other
Keilah
place
Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition
other
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