Lyrics · 1 Samuel
I Will Not Stretch Forth My Hand
1 Samuel 23:1-24:22
[Verse 1]
David hears that Philistines are robbing the threshing floors of Keilah.
David's men fear, so he asks again and receives renewed assurance.
Abiathar arrives with the ephod as Saul hears David is enclosed in a city.
The six hundred leave Keilah before Saul can trap them.
[Pre-Chorus]
No crowd could see the faithfulness begun,
But quiet mercy worked when day was done.
[Chorus]
I Will Not Stretch Forth My Hand, hold the promise near,
Through the quiet road and changing year.
A faithful heart kept walking without fame,
And mercy wrote a future in the name.
[Verse 2]
Saul's forces close around David on opposite sides of a mountain.
A messenger reports a Philistine invasion, forcing Saul to break off pursuit.
David moves to the strongholds of En-gedi.
David's men interpret the moment as God's promised opportunity.
[Bridge]
His conscience smites him, and he restrains his men from attacking the anointed king.
David follows Saul, bows, and denies the accusation of seeking his life.
He displays the cut cloth and leaves judgment to the LORD.
Saul weeps, admits David's righteousness and future kingship.
[Final Chorus]
I Will Not Stretch Forth My Hand, hold the promise near,
Through the quiet road and changing year.
A faithful heart kept walking without fame,
And mercy wrote a future through the name.
[Outro]
The years moved on, the faithful promise stayed.
Mercy was larger than the quiet choice they made.

