1 Samuel 24:18

18 Today you have shown how good you are to me, because you did not kill me, even though the Lord put me in your power.

1 Samuel 24:18 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 24:18

And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt well
with me
The cutting off of the skirt of his robe only, when his life was in his hand, was a clear proof and full demonstration of his dealing well with him, and might sufficiently convince him he had no ill design upon him: forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou
killedst me not;
this was a plain proof and evidence of his kindness to him, which he owns, and also the providence of God in this affair, which had delivered him into the hands of David; by which he might see the Lord was for David, and against him, and might have deterred him from seeking David's hurt hereafter; but it did not.

1 Samuel 24:18 In-Context

16 When David had finished speaking, Saul said, "Is that really you, David my son?" And he started crying.
17 Then he said to David, "You are right, and I am wrong. You have been so good to me, while I have done such wrong to you!
18 Today you have shown how good you are to me, because you did not kill me, even though the Lord put me in your power.
19 How often does someone catch an enemy and then let him get away unharmed? The Lord bless you for what you have done to me today!
20 Now I am sure that you will be king of Israel and that the kingdom will continue under your rule.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.