1 Samuel 24:8

8 Afterward David also arose, and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance.

1 Samuel 24:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 24:8

David also arose afterward
After Saul was gone: and went out of the cave;
where he had been all the time that Saul had been in it: and cried after Saul:
with a loud voice: my lord the king; by which titles Saul would know that he was called unto: and when Saul looked behind him;
to see who it was that called unto him: David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself:
giving reverence and honour to him as a king; (See Gill on 1 Samuel 20:41).

1 Samuel 24:8 In-Context

6 He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD'S anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD'S anointed."
7 So David persuaded his men with these words, and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave, and went upon his way.
8 Afterward David also arose, and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance.
9 And David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Behold, David seeks your hurt'?
10 Lo, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave; and some bade me kill you, but I spared you. I said, 'I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.'
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.