1 Samuel 24:16

16 After David had finished speaking to Sha'ul, Sha'ul said, "Is that your voice, my son David?" Then Sha'ul cried out and wept;

1 Samuel 24:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 24:16

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking
these words unto Saul
And wonderful it is that Saul, so full of wrath and fury, and so eager of David's life, should stand still and hear him out, and not fall upon him; this must be owing to the restraining providence of God, and to the surprise Saul was in at the sight of David coming out of the cave, whom he expected not; and especially what awed and quieted him was the sight of the skirt of his robe in his hand, which was a sure token he had his life in his hand, and spared it, which made him listen attentively to all he said: that Saul said, [is] this thy voice, my son David?
he changes his language; before, when he spoke of David, it was only the so of Jesse now my son David, as he was by marriage to his daughter, and as appeared by his filial affection to him; and though he was at such a distance from him, that he was not able to discern his countenance, yet he knew his voice, at least supposed it to be his, as his question implies, and which he might conclude fro in the whole of his discourse: and Saul lifted up his voice and wept;
being affected with the kindness of David to him, and with his deliverance from the danger he was in, and yet without true repentance of his sins; for there may be many tears shed where there is no real repentance, as in the case of Esau.

1 Samuel 24:16 In-Context

14 The king of Isra'el has come on a campaign - after whom? Whom are you chasing? A dead dog! A single flea!
15 ADONAI be the judge; let him decide between you and me. May he take my side and rescue me from your power!"
16 After David had finished speaking to Sha'ul, Sha'ul said, "Is that your voice, my son David?" Then Sha'ul cried out and wept;
17 and he said to David, "You are more righteous than I, because you have treated me well, while I have been treating you badly.
18 You have made it clear to me today that you have done me good; for when ADONAI put my fate in your hands, you didn't kill me.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.