1 Samuel 24:18

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.

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 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.

19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day.

20 Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.