David’s Oath

David’s oath highlights the importance of keeping our promises. Be faithful in your words and actions, honoring God with your integrity.

“‘You will certainly be king … swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not eliminate my name from my father’s household.’ And David swore an oath to Saul.’”—1 Samuel 24:20–22 NASB

Determined to eliminate the threat to his kingship, Saul ordered his son Jonathan to kill David. But Jonathan convinced Saul to change his mind. The king swore an oath that David would not be killed. Yet Saul soon changed his mind and sent messengers seeking David’s death.

Saul demonstrated similar flip-flops throughout his life. He would make an oath in the heat of the moment, then forget or ignore it. No wonder God was so angry with him!

When we look at David’s life, we see a sharp contrast: He took his words seriously. After David had spared Saul’s life, Saul realized he had been wrong and that David would indeed become king. He asked David to swear that he would not cut off his descendants or destroy his name. David swore an oath to Saul.

David kept his oath; he went out of his way to find an offspring of Saul, so he could fulfill his promise and show kindness (2 Samuel 9).

The Bible makes it clear that God rewards people who keep their promises. He honors those who will not reinterpret His words, as Saul did, but will believe and obey them, as David did.

Today, think about your words. Be careful about what you say. Don’t make promises you won’t keep, either to God or to other people. Seek to be faithful and trustworthy in all you do.

Reflection Question: How can you be more faithful in keeping your promises?