1 Samuel 24:16

David’s Oath to Saul

16 When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud

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 Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?
15 May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”
16 When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud
17 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.
18 And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.
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