1 Samuel 24

King James Version

Full text for 1 Samuel Chapter 24

1¶ And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David [is] in the wilderness of Engedi.

2Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

3And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where [was] a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.

4And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.

5And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

6And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD.

7So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on [his] way.

8David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

9¶ And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

10Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and [some] bade [me] kill thee: but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he [is] the LORD'S anointed.

11Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

12The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

13As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

14After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

15The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

16¶ And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

17And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

18And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.

19For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.

20And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.

21Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

22And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

King Saul pursued David into the wilderness of Engedi with three thousand chosen men. While Saul was in a cave, David, who was hidden deeper within, had the opportunity to kill him but chose not to, instead secretly cutting off a piece of Saul's robe. David then revealed himself, demonstrating his innocence and reverence for Saul as the Lord's anointed, which moved Saul to weep and acknowledge David's righteousness and future kingship.

Medium Summary

Saul, returning from fighting the Philistines, was informed of David's location in the wilderness of Engedi and pursued him with a large army. Saul entered a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men were hidden within. David's men urged him to kill Saul, interpreting it as divine deliverance, but David refused to harm the Lord's anointed, only cutting off a piece of Saul's robe. Afterward, David called out to Saul, showing him the robe piece as proof that he harbored no evil intent, despite Saul's relentless pursuit. Saul was deeply affected, weeping and confessing David's greater righteousness, acknowledging that David would surely be king and requesting an oath not to destroy his lineage.

Long Summary

Upon learning of David's whereabouts in the wilderness of Engedi, King Saul gathered three thousand chosen men and relentlessly pursued him. Saul entered a cave, where David and his men were concealed, to 'cover his feet.' David's men saw this as a divine opportunity, urging him to kill Saul, believing the Lord had delivered his enemy into his hand. However, David's heart smote him after he secretly cut off only the skirt of Saul's robe. He then restrained his men, declaring it unthinkable to stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed. After Saul departed the cave, David called out to him, bowing respectfully. David confronted Saul, questioning why he listened to those who accused David of seeking his harm. He presented the robe piece as evidence that he had spared Saul's life when he had the chance, emphasizing his refusal to harm the Lord's anointed and asserting his innocence of any transgression. David called upon the Lord to judge between them and deliver him from Saul's hand, likening himself to a 'dead dog' or a 'flea' in Saul's pursuit. Saul was deeply moved by David's words, weeping aloud and confessing David's superior righteousness, acknowledging that David had rewarded him good for evil. Saul recognized that David would indeed become king and that the kingdom of Israel would be established in his hand. He then requested David swear an oath not to cut off his descendants or destroy his name, which David swore.

Core Concepts

  • Reverence for the Lord's AnointedDavid repeatedly refused to harm King Saul, even when given the opportunity, because Saul was 'the LORD'S anointed.' This demonstrates David's profound respect for God's chosen leader, regardless of Saul's actions.
  • David's Restraint and IntegrityDespite being pursued by Saul and urged by his men to kill him, David chose not to take Saul's life. His act of cutting the robe and his subsequent address to Saul showcased his innocence and commitment to not repaying evil for evil.
  • Divine Providence and OpportunityDavid's men interpreted Saul's presence in the cave as God delivering Saul into David's hand. While David acknowledged God's hand in the situation, he chose to act with mercy rather than vengeance, trusting God for ultimate justice.
  • Saul's Recognition and RepentanceAfter David's demonstration of mercy and integrity, Saul was deeply moved, weeping and confessing David's righteousness. He acknowledged David's future kingship and sought an oath from him regarding his lineage, showing a moment of humility and clarity.
  • The Oath and CovenantSaul requested David swear by the Lord that he would not destroy Saul's descendants or name after becoming king. David swore this oath, highlighting the importance of covenants and promises in their relationship and the future of Israel.