THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
Though Saul held the title of king, it would have been wrong for him to take the life of an innocent person. Eventually, even David, who had already assumed his reign, upon learning that the innocent Abenir had been slain by Joab, the commander of his forces, proclaimed, ‘I am innocent, and my kingdom before the Lord bears the blood of Abenir son of Nirvah.’ Then he mourned through fasting. My intention in sharing this is not to perplex you, but rather to provide the kings' example as a means for you to rid your realm of sin, which can only be done by humbling your heart before God. You, too, are a man and faced with trial—rise above it. Sin cannot be cleansed without heartfelt tears and true repentance. No celestial being has the authority to atone for it; only the Lord can proclaim, ‘I am with you’ (Matthew 28:20). Should we falter, His forgiveness is contingent upon our repentance.