1 Samuel 24:8-22

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln’s tomb was pried open twice? The first time was in 1887 – twenty-two years after his assassination. Why did they do this? The answer is a rumor that was sweeping the country that his coffin was empty. A group of selected witnesses observed the casket’s remains and watched as the casket was sealed with lead. Fourteen years later, Lincoln’s body was viewed again and this time by more witnesses. Why did they do it this time? The answer is the same reason as the first… rumors that his grave was empty. Public pressure had become so intense that leaders were forced to open the grave again in spite of the protests of Lincoln’s son, Robert. The corpse was finally laid to rest in Springfield, IL, under ten feet of concrete.

The power of rumors and gossip is absolutely amazing.

David’s life has been one complication after another. Because of the inaccurate report of an Edomite named Doeg, the entire town of Nob was wiped out by King Saul who has been pursuing David with a vengeance. Saul believes David is disloyal to him and wants to destroy him. Much of his opinion is based on hearsay and rumors and part from his jealousy of David.