And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.
After Israel's victory over the Ammonites at Jabesh-gilead, Saul forbade that anyone be put to death that day because the Lord had wrought salvation and deliverance for Israel. By ascribing the deliverance to the Lord he gave God the glory and credit instead of claiming the victory and honor for himself. In refusing revenge he showed compassion and forgiveness toward those who would have been killed.
This merciful, God-honoring response showed his heart was changed. It evidenced that God's grace and power were working in him, transforming his natural temperament as he took up the responsibilities of kingship. Although he initially gave God the glory for this saving work, he later took the honor to himself and lost sight of his dependence on God.
After Israel's victory over the Ammonites at Jabesh-gilead, Saul forbade that anyone be put to death that day because the Lord had wrought salvation and deliverance for Israel. By ascribing the deliverance to the Lord he gave God the glory and credit instead of claiming the victory and honor for himself. In refusing revenge he showed compassion and forgiveness toward those who would have been killed.
This merciful, God-honoring response showed his heart was changed. It evidenced that God's grace and power were working in him, transforming his natural temperament as he took up the responsibilities of kingship. Although he initially gave God the glory for this saving work, he later took the honor to himself and lost sight of his dependence on God.