1
And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.
3
And he came to the sheepcotesby the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his menremained in the sides of the cave.
4
And the men of Davidsaid unto him, Behold the day of which the LORDsaid unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then Davidarose, and cut off the skirt of Saul'srobeprivily.
6
And he said unto his men, The LORDforbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'Sanointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
8
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and criedafterSaul,saying, My lord the king. And when Saullookedbehind him, Davidstooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
10
Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'Sanointed.
11
Moreover, my father,see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
16
And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saulsaid, Is this thy voice, my sonDavid? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
18
And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealtwell with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
21
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seedafter me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father'shouse.