Standing Upon the Truth: 1 Samuel 22:11-15
The truth may not always save us from this world, but the truth is solid rock upon which we can always stand in God. Honesty is the best policy. I teach my students all the time how lying is too much work. It is far easier to tell the truth, even if it means accepting consequences. Telling lies and then weaving lies together is far more complicated than being honest in the first place.
Saul hears the testimony of Doeg, indicating Ahimelech aided David at Nob. While it is impossible to know what lay in Saul’s heart at the time, consider Saul’s response as an indicator. Instead of sending someone to investigate the claim, Saul summons Ahimelech to come to him. Not only does Saul summon Ahimelech, but he summons the entire group of priests serving at Nob!
Saul’s response to the priests is utterly irrational. Instead of investigating and having personal dialogue with just Ahimelech, Saul accuses every member of the priesthood with treason. At this point, Saul’s anger is simply looking for targets. He doesn’t care what common sense dictates or even how a king should treat his subjects. Saul is angry that David isn’t dead and is willing to find anyone guilty of subordination and treason.
Ahimelech comes to Saul and begins in deference. Ahimelech calls Saul lord. Ahimelech respects Saul’s position. Ahimelech knows Saul and has heard stories about his irrational tendencies. He tries to deference to avoid provoking an easily provoked man.
When Saul accuses Ahimelech of conspiracy without hearing his side of the story, Ahimelech knows the summons is not an interview but a condemnation. Saul’s mind is already decided. Ahimelech’s posture pivots quickly. Instead of deference, Ahimelech stands upon the truth.
Ahimelech reminds Saul how David is a great commander. He reminds Saul how David is his son-in-law. He reminds Saul about David’s honor and faithfulness towards Saul. David has done all Saul asked. Saul has no reason to condemn David except his own jealousy.
Neither Ahimelech nor his priests were cognizant of misbehavior on David’s part. David told them he was on the king’s business. By giving assistance to David, they believed they were helping the king’s agenda. Because David was a good commander and the king’s son-in-law, they had no reason to believe David would lie. Ahimelech does not deny he aided David, but he rightly claims his assistance was not treasonous.
Ahimelech takes two righteous stands in this passage. When confronted by a superior, Ahimelech tries deference and humility. When that fails, Ahimelech stands firm upon the truth. Ahimelech knows Saul, and he deserves credit for standing up for truth where the truth is not what an irrational superior wants to hear. Ahimelech knows to pursue God implies pursuing truth. The truth may not always save us from this world, but the truth is solid rock upon which we can always stand in God.
