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1 Samuel 24

World English Bible

WEB

1When Saul had returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi.” 2Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats. 3He came to the sheep pens by the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were staying in the innermost parts of the cave. 4David’s men said to him, “Behold, the day of which Yahweh said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe secretly. 5Afterward, David’s heart struck him because he had cut off Saul’s skirt. 6He said to his men, “Yahweh forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, Yahweh’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is Yahweh’s anointed.” 7So David checked his men with these words, and didn’t allow them to rise against Saul. Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. 8David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave and cried after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and showed respect. 9David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to men’s words, saying, ‘Behold, David seeks to harm you’? 10Behold, today your eyes have seen how Yahweh had delivered you today into my hand in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is Yahweh’s anointed.’ 11Moreover, my father, behold, yes, see the skirt of your robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the skirt of your robe and didn’t kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor disobedience in my hand. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt for my life to take it. 12May Yahweh judge between me and you, and may Yahweh avenge me of you; but my hand will not be on you. 13As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness;’ but my hand will not be on you. 14Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea? 15May Yahweh therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of your hand.” 16It came to pass, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is that your voice, my son David?” Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17He said to David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have done good to me, whereas I have done evil to you. 18You have declared today how you have dealt well with me, because when Yahweh had delivered me up into your hand, you didn’t kill me. 19For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away unharmed? Therefore may Yahweh reward you good for that which you have done to me today. 20Now, behold, I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand. 21Swear now therefore to me by Yahweh that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.” 22David swore to Saul. Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

1 Samuel 24 recounts a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between #David and #Saul. In this chapter, Saul, driven by jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity, seeks to kill him. However, God providentially delivers Saul into David's hands when Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men are hiding there. David's men urge him to take this opportunity to kill Saul, but David refrains, choosing instead to cut off a corner of Saul's robe. This act demonstrates David's respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed king, highlighting his commitment to God's authority and timing. David's actions reflect a deep understanding of the principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord, as stated in Romans 12:19, and he chooses to trust in God's plan rather than take matters into his own hands.

Afterward, David reveals his act of mercy to Saul by showing him the piece of the robe. This confrontation leads Saul to recognize David's righteousness and his own wrongdoing. Saul acknowledges that David will surely be king and asks him to swear not to cut off his descendants. David promises to honor this request, demonstrating his integrity and commitment to God's covenant. This chapter illustrates the themes of mercy, respect for authority, and the importance of trusting in God's timing, as David continues to navigate the challenges posed by Saul's pursuit. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that God is in control, even in the midst of conflict and adversity.

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Referenced by

  1. Judges 3:20v4In Judges 3:20, Ehud approaches King Eglon with a secret message, leading to Eglon's assassination. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 24:4, David secretly approaches Saul in the cave, though he spares Saul's life, showing restraint.
  2. 1 Samuel 19:6v16In 1 Samuel 19:6, Saul swears an oath not to kill David, which he later breaks. This contrasts with David's integrity in 1 Samuel 24:16-20, where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his righteousness.
  3. 2 Samuel 1:14v6In 2 Samuel 1:14, David questions the Amalekite for not fearing to destroy the Lord's anointed, echoing his own respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed in 1 Samuel 24:6, where David refrains from harming Saul.

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