1 Samuel 24:6-16

6 and he said to his men, "May the Lord keep me from doing any harm to my master, whom the Lord chose as king! I must not harm him in the least, because he is the king chosen by the Lord!" 1
7 So David convinced his men that they should not attack Saul. Saul got up, left the cave, and started away.
8 Then David went out after him and called to him, "Your Majesty!" Saul turned around, and David bowed down to the ground in respect
9 and said, "Why do you listen to people who say that I am trying to harm you?
10 You can see for yourself that just now in the cave the Lord put you in my power. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I felt sorry for you and said that I would not harm you in the least, because you are the one whom the Lord chose to be king.
11 Look, my father, look at the piece of your robe I am holding! I could have killed you, but instead I only cut this off. This should convince you that I have no thought of rebelling against you or of harming you. You are hunting me down to kill me, even though I have not done you any wrong.
12 May the Lord judge which one of us is wrong! May he punish you for your action against me, for I will not harm you in the least.
13 You know the old saying, "Evil is done only by evil people.' And so I will not harm you.
14 Look at what the king of Israel is trying to kill! Look at what he is chasing! A dead dog, a flea! 2
15 The Lord will judge, and he will decide which one of us is wrong. May he look into the matter, defend me, and save me from you."
16 When David had finished speaking, Saul said, "Is that really you, David my son?" And he started crying.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 24.6 1 Samuel 26.11.
  • 2. 24.14 1 Samuel 26.20.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.