1 Samuel 24:9-19

9 He said to Saul, "Why do you listen when people say, 'David wants to harm you'?

10 You have seen something with your own eyes today. The Lord put you in my power in the cave. They said I should kill you, but I was merciful. I said, 'I won't harm my master, because he is the Lord's appointed king.'

11 My father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe, but I didn't kill you. Now understand and know I am not planning any evil against you. I did nothing wrong to you, but you are hunting me to kill me.

12 May the Lord judge between us, and may he punish you for the wrong you have done to me! But I am not against you.

13 There is an old saying: 'Evil things come from evil people.' But I am not against you.

14 Whom is the king of Israel coming out against? Whom are you chasing? It's as if you are chasing a dead dog or a flea.

15 May the Lord be our judge and decide between you and me. May he support me and show that I am right. May he save me from you!"

16 When David finished saying these words, Saul asked, "Is that your voice, David my son?" And he cried loudly.

17 He said, "You are a better man than I am. You have been good to me, but I have done wrong to you.

18 You told me what good things you did. The Lord handed me over to you, but you did not kill me.

19 If a person finds his enemy, he doesn't just send him on his way, does he? May the Lord reward you because you were good to me today.

1 Samuel 24:9-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 24

Saul being returned from following the Philistines, renews his pursuit after David, 1Sa 24:1,2; and they meeting in a cave, where David had the opportunity of taking away the life of Saul, which his men pressed him to, yet only cut off the skirt of his robe, 1Sa 24:3-8; which, calling after him, he held up to him to convince him he had his life in his hands, but spared it, 1Sa 24:9,10; upon which he very pathetically reasons with him about the unreasonableness and unrighteousness of his pursuit after him, to take away his life, 1Sa 24:11-15; which so affected Saul, that he confessed he was more righteous than he, and owned that the kingdom would be his, and only desired him to swear to him not to cut off his offspring, which David did, and so they parted, 1Sa 24:16-22.