In the biblical narrative, King David is portrayed as a man after God's own heart, demonstrating a profound respect for life and God's anointed leaders. His abhorrence of assassination is evident in several key events throughout his life, reflecting his commitment to righteousness and divine justice.

Respect for Saul, the Lord's Anointed

David's respect for King Saul, despite Saul's relentless pursuit to kill him, is a significant example of his aversion to assassination. Even when given the opportunity to kill Saul, David refrains, citing his reverence for God's anointed. In 1 Samuel 24:6 , David says to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed." This statement underscores David's belief that taking the life of the Lord's anointed is a grave sin, one that he refuses to commit even in self-defense.

The Death of Abner

David's reaction to the assassination of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, further illustrates his disdain for such acts. Abner was killed by Joab, David's own commander, in an act of vengeance. David publicly mourns Abner's death and distances himself from the murder, declaring his innocence. In 2 Samuel 3:28-29 , David states, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. May it whirl over the head of Joab and his father’s whole house." David's lamentation and curse upon Joab's house reveal his deep-seated belief that assassination is a grievous wrongdoing.

The Execution of Ish-bosheth's Murderers

David's response to the murder of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, is another testament to his abhorrence of assassination. When two men, Rechab and Baanah, kill Ish-bosheth and bring his head to David, expecting a reward, David is appalled. He orders their execution, stating in 2 Samuel 4:9-11 , "As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more, when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed, should I not now demand his blood from your hand and remove you from the earth?" David's actions demonstrate his unwavering commitment to justice and his rejection of treachery and murder.

David's Own Experience with Betrayal

David's personal experiences with betrayal and attempts on his life also inform his perspective on assassination. His flight from Saul, the rebellion of his son Absalom, and the treachery of Ahithophel and others contribute to his understanding of the destructive nature of such acts. Despite these challenges, David consistently seeks God's guidance and refrains from taking matters into his own hands through assassination or murder.

David's abhorrence of assassination is a reflection of his deep faith and adherence to God's commandments. His life serves as a testament to the belief that vengeance and justice belong to the Lord, and that human life, especially that of God's anointed, is sacred and inviolable.2 Samuel 4:9-12
And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity,
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