“David answered the priest Ahimelech, “The king gave me a mission, but he told me, ‘Don’t let anyone know anything about the mission I’m sending you on or what I have ordered you to do.’” (v. 2)

So…

…David lies.

Admittedly, he is on the run, and his life is in danger. There are political implications for his every action. In a lot of ways, the future of the kingdom hangs on his escape (or his failure to do so).

But, in the midst of that, he lies.

No matter how many times I read it—no matter how many patriarchs or ancestors or Bible “heroes” are involved—I am never comfortable with willful sin in the record.

Here’s the thing: The Bible doesn’t condone it, either. It’s always not OK, even if it seems to be affording the forward momentum of the history. God’s holiness isn’t dimmed by some hero’s momentary need—and sin will be judged. (Which is why David and you and I have nothing to lean on but God’s grace.)

I think our discomfort with readings like this are an ongoing gift from God’s Holy Spirit. We see David and think, Should he be doing that?—and it reminds us that, whatever he has done, we ought not.

It’s OK to not be OK with the sins of those who have gone before.

— Tyler