1 Samuel 24:9

9 And David said to Saul, Why do you give any attention to those who say that it is my desire to do you wrong?

1 Samuel 24:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 24:9

And David said to Saul, wherefore hearest thou men's words,
&c.] The false charges and accusations, that some of Saul's courtiers brought against David, as Doeg the Edomite, and such like sycophants and flatterers, to whom Saul hearkened, and believed what they said, and acted upon it. David chose rather to lay the blame on Saul's courtiers than on himself; and he began with him in this way, the rather to reconcile him to him, and cause him to listen to what he had to say: and represents them as saying
to him, behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
seeks to take away thy life, and seize upon thy crown and throne; than which nothing was more foreign from him.

1 Samuel 24:9 In-Context

7 So with these words David kept his servants back, and did not let them make an attack on Saul. And Saul got up and went on his way.

8 And after that David came out of the hollow rock, and crying after Saul said, My lord the king. And when Saul gave a look back, David went down on his face and gave him honour.

9 And David said to Saul, Why do you give any attention to those who say that it is my desire to do you wrong?

10 Look! you have seen today how the Lord gave you up into my hands even now in the hollow of the rocks: and some would have had me put you to death, but I had pity on you: for I said, Never will my hand be lifted up against my lord, who has been marked with the holy oil.

11 And see, my father, see the skirt of your robe in my hand: for the fact that I took off the skirt of your robe and did not put you to death is witness that I have no evil purpose, and I have done you no wrong, though you are waiting for my life to take it.