Take Your Best Shot

“As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.” (1Sa 24:13 AV)

These words are spoken to Saul from David.  This follows the opportunity David had to kill Saul while Saul was relieving himself in a cave.  After cutting off a corner of Saul’s skirt, David refrained from taking Saul’s life.  These words are as much a condemnation of Saul as they are a statement of David’s faith.  In essence, David is stating that no matter how horrible Saul may treat him or how much of a threat Saul becomes, David will trust the LORD to defend him.  David is telling Saul he will never take up arms against him.  He would rather suffer loss than to stretch his hand against the anointed of God.  Keep in mind, at this point, David is also anointed.  He could have used the reasoning they were both anointed, and that God had determined to replace Saul with David.  Yet, David swore he would wait on the LORD and not take matters into his own hand.

In the end, all we have left is our integrity.  There is something about drawing a line in the sand.  There is something about a determination that no matter the outcome, one will not cross a line.  It may cost everything, but not even the Devil can rob us of the choice to stay firm on a certain thing.  This was David.  When he stood, he stood.  He was willing to lay down his life for a principle.  He knew the promises of God.  He knew God had anointed him to be king once Saul was dispatched.  He had all faith in the word spoken to him.  God would honor His word.  There was no reason to take matters into his own hands.  This is a stark contrast to Saul.  Saul was a manipulator of the will of God.  His reasoning trumped the will of God.  If there was a more convenient way, Saul took it.  Not David!  Note also David’s characterization of Saul.  David is saying to Saul that Saul cannot be anything but wicked.  Because Saul is wicked, wickedness is predictable.  David knows that whatever Saul says, Saul will do wickedness.  Saul can promise all day long that he will cease pursuing David, but David knows that will not be the case.  Which makes his statement even more impressive.

There is a saying I like to use.  Take your best shot!  I don’t know the origin of the saying, but what it means is for the antagonist to try his best to defeat the protagonist but the latter is guaranteed to win.  It is an offer to the antagonist to try its best at defeating the protagonist, even though it will come to naught.  It has the understanding of the protagonist standing idle, allowing the antagonist to ‘take his best shot’ before the protagonist responds.  The victor already knows the outcome.  So, he takes whatever attempt there might be at defeating him.  He stands firm and waits until his foe is completely worn out.  That is what David is saying.  Take your best shot.  I will not respond.  Try as you might, I am invincible.  As long as God’s covenant remains, I am undefeatable.  So, take your best shot and then be prepared.  God will have the last word.