1 Samuel 24 explained: David Spares Saul in a Cave

Saul hunts David again (vv. 1-2)

Fresh from fighting the Philistines, Saul takes three thousand picked soldiers after David into the rugged desert hills near En Gedi, by the Dead Sea. David is now an outlaw leading a band of followers, hiding from the king he once served.

An opening in the cave (vv. 3-4)

Saul steps alone into a cave used to shelter sheep, to relieve himself, not knowing David's men are hiding in its dark back corners. David's men say God promised to hand over his enemy, though no such promise is recorded anywhere else, and they treat the moment as permission to kill.

Cutting the robe (vv. 5-7)

David only slices off a corner of Saul's robe, then feels guilty, possibly because the edge of a robe could stand for a person's rank and authority, as many scholars suggest. He refuses to harm Saul because Saul is the king God chose and set apart by pouring oil on him, and he holds his men back.

David pleads his case (vv. 8-15)

David bows to Saul and holds up the piece of cloth as proof he could have killed him but chose not to. Calling himself a dead dog and a flea, meaning nobody worth chasing, he says he is no threat and leaves any judgment to God.

Saul breaks down (vv. 16-22)

Saul weeps, admits David has acted better than he has, says David will be king, and asks him to swear not to wipe out his family, since new kings often killed off the old royal line. David swears but stays in his stronghold, and two chapters later Saul is hunting him again.

Key verse: 1 Samuel 24:12

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether David's refusal to harm the king teaches obedience to any ruler however unjust, or was a special case tied to Israel's God-chosen king.

Something to think about

What do you think it takes to pass up a real chance to get even with someone who has truly wronged you?