1 Samuel 24

In 1 Samuel 24, we see a remarkable moment of mercy and restraint from David toward Saul. Though David has the opportunity to kill Saul, his respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed king prevents him from doing so. This chapter highlights themes of loyalty, integrity, and divine justice, showing David’s unwavering trust in God to deliver him from his enemies without taking matters into his own hands.

1 Samuel 24:1 (NKJV)
Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, “Take note! David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi.”

Saul, having temporarily shifted his focus to deal with the Philistines, hears that David is hiding in the wilderness of En Gedi, an area with caves and cliffs. This location becomes significant in the upcoming events. Saul's relentless pursuit of David continues, but it’s also where David will show restraint toward Saul, despite being hunted.

1 Samuel 24:2 (NKJV)
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

Saul, determined to capture David, gathers a large and elite force of 3,000 men. These were specially chosen soldiers, indicating the seriousness of Saul’s intent. The reference to the "Rocks of the Wild Goats" emphasizes the difficult, rugged terrain where David and his men sought refuge.

1 Samuel 24:3-5 (NKJV)
3 So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. (David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.)
4 Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.
5 Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe.

Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men are hiding deeper within. David’s men see this as an opportunity from God for David to kill Saul. David, however, only cuts a piece of Saul’s robe, showing both his reluctance to harm Saul and his respect for the Lord's anointed king. Yet, David feels remorseful even for this small act, reflecting his sensitive conscience and deep regard for God’s will.

1 Samuel 24:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And he said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.”
7 So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.

David's reverence for God's choice of Saul as king is evident as he refuses to harm him, despite the danger Saul poses to him. David’s restraint not only reflects his respect for God’s authority but also his unwillingness to achieve his future kingship by unjust means. He prevents his men from attacking Saul, highlighting his leadership and integrity.

1 Samuel 24:8-10 (NKJV)
8 David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down.
9 And David said to Saul: “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Indeed David seeks your harm’?
10 Look, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’

David humbly reveals himself to Saul and respectfully addresses him as "my lord the king," bowing down in submission. He questions why Saul believes that David seeks to harm him, highlighting that despite having the chance to kill him, David chose mercy. David's actions underscore his respect for God's chosen leader and his desire to prove his innocence to Saul.

1 Samuel 24:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it.
12 Let the Lord judge between you and me, and let the Lord avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you.

David holds up the piece of Saul’s robe as proof that he had the opportunity to kill him but chose not to. He emphasizes that he harbors no ill intentions and is not guilty of rebellion against Saul. David then leaves the matter in God's hands, trusting in divine justice and vowing that he will not personally seek vengeance against Saul.

1 Samuel 24:13-15 (NKJV)
13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be against you.
14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea?
15 Therefore let the Lord be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my case, and deliver me out of your hand.”

David uses an old proverb to stress that he will not act wickedly, even though Saul unjustly pursues him. He humbly compares himself to a "dead dog" or a "flea," illustrating how insignificant and harmless he is to Saul. David again declares his trust in God as the ultimate judge who will vindicate him and deliver him from Saul’s pursuit.

1 Samuel 24:16-18 (NKJV)
16 So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.
17 Then he said to David: “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.
18 And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when the Lord delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.

Saul, moved by David’s words and actions, begins to weep. He acknowledges David’s righteousness and recognizes his own unjust behavior. Saul admits that David has returned good for evil, sparing his life when he could have taken it. Saul’s emotional response reveals the impact of David’s integrity and mercy.

1 Samuel 24:19-20 (NKJV)
19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.
20 And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.

Saul marvels at David’s mercy, acknowledging that it is uncommon for one’s enemy to let them go unharmed. He blesses David, asking the Lord to reward him for his kindness. Saul then makes a remarkable admission, recognizing that David will indeed become king and that the kingdom will be established under his rule, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship.

1 Samuel 24:21-22 (NKJV)
21 Therefore swear now to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s house.”
22 So David swore to Saul. And Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

Saul, fearing for his family’s future, asks David to swear an oath not to destroy his descendants or erase his family name once David becomes king. David agrees to this, showing his continued mercy and respect for Saul. Afterward, Saul returns home, but David remains cautious, returning with his men to a stronghold for safety.