06/09/2026
*Contemporary believers Lessons from the Amalekite who lied to David*
1. Do not lie to gain recognition:
(a) The Amalekite thought his lie would make David happy and earn him a reward.
(b) Instead, his lie cost him his life.
2 Samuel 1V¹⁵′¹⁶ David ordered his ex*****on because he claimed to have killed the Lord’s anointed.
2. Wrong motives can lead to disastrous decisions:
(a)He saw Saul's death as an opportunity for personal advancement.
(a) He chooses to bring himself to the limelight rather than respecting the seriousness of the issue (Israel fallen before their enemies)
(c)Never use another person's misfortune as a ladder to promote yourself.
3. Never tell people what you think they want to hear:
(a) He apparently assumed David would be pleased to hear that Saul was dead.
*NB:* Truth should guide our words, not our desire to please people.
4. Opportunities gained through dishonesty can become traps:
The Amalekite expected recognition, perhaps a reward or position.
Instead, his own words became evidence against him.
Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD.”
5. Be careful about claiming credit for what you did not do:
The Amalekite claimed responsibility for Saul's death when the biblical account says Saul fell on his own sword (1 Samuel 31:3–5).
His desire to appear courageous and useful caused him to incriminate himself.
6. Respect authority even when you disagree with the person:
David would not rejoice over Saul's death. He even mourned for Saul and Jonathan and composed a lamentation for them (2 Samuel 1:17–27).
*NB:* We can disagree with someone's actions without celebrating their downfall.
7. God is more interested in character than recognition:
The Amalekite wanted to be noticed, but his pursuit of recognition exposed his character.
Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
The major lesson
The Amalekite tried to use a lie to manufacture an opportunity for himself.
