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.

2 Then 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.

3 And 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.

4 And 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.

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

6 And 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.

7 So 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.

8 David 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?

10 Behold, 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.

11 Moreover, 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.

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

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

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

15 The 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.

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

18 And 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.

19 For 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.

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

21 Swear 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.

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

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David spares Saul's life.
God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:62 1 Samuel 23:19 1 Samuel 23:28 1 Samuel 23:29 Ezekiel 47:10

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David spares Saul's life.
God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Rocks - Which the wild goats used to delight in and climb over. These very rocks are exceeding steep, and full of precipices, and dangerous to travellers, as an eye - witness hath left upon record. And yet Saul was so transported with rage, as to venture himself and his army here, that he might take David, who, as he thought, would judge himself safe, and therefore be secure in such inaccessible places.
McArther Bible Commentary
three thousand chosen men. See 1Sa 26:2. These were the most skilled soldiers. Rocks of the Wild Goats. The location of this cave is unknown, although "wild goats" emphasizes the inaccessibility of the cave (cf. Job 39:1). See the titles of Psalms 57; 142, which could also possibly refer to 1Sa 22:1.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 26:2 2 Samuel 22:2 Job 39:1

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David spares Saul's life.
God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Went in - To sleep there: Saul being a military man, used to sleep with his soldiers upon the ground. And it is not improbable, that being weary with his eager and almost incessant pursuit, first of David, then of the Philistines, and now of David again, he both needed and desired some sleep, God also disposing him thereto, that David might have this eminent occasion to demonstrate his integrity to Saul, and to all Israel. Of the cave - For that there were vast caves in those parts is affirmed, not only by Josephus, but also by Heathen authors; Strabo writes of one which could receive four thousand men.
McArther Bible Commentary
attend to his needs. Lit. "to cover his feet." This is a euphemism for having a bowel movement, as the person would crouch with his inner garment dropped to his feet.
Bible Cross References
Judges 3:24 1 Samuel 26:3 Psalm 57:1 Psalm 142:1

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David spares Saul's life.
God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Behold, &c. - Not that God had said these words, or made any such promise; but they put this construction upon those promises which God had made to him, of delivering him from all his enemies, and carrying him through all difficulties to the throne. This promise they conceived put him under an obligation of taking all opportunities which God put into his hand for their accomplishment.
McArther Bible Commentary
the day of which the Lord said to you. David's men, perhaps, believed that God had providentially placed Saul in the same cave where they were hiding so David could kill the king. However, nothing revelatory had previously been said by the Lord that indicated He wanted David to lift a hand against Saul.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 21:13 1 Samuel 23:17 1 Samuel 24:10 1 Samuel 25:28 1 Samuel 26:8 1 Samuel 26:11 2 Samuel 4:8

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David spares Saul's life.
God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
McArther Bible Commentary
David's heart troubled him. David was able to cut off a piece of Saul's robe undetected. However, touching Saul's clothing was tantamount to touching his person, and David's conscience troubled him on this account.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 24:10 2 Kings 22:19

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David spares Saul's life.
God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(Proverbs 16:32). Who Am I to Raise My Hand?
—The course of David made it manifest that he had a Ruler whom he obeyed. He could not permit his natural passions to gain the victory over him; for he knew that he that ruleth his own spirit, is greater than he who taketh a city. If he had been led and controlled by human feelings, he would have reasoned that the Lord had brought his enemy under his power in order that he might slay him, and take the government of Israel upon himself. Saul's mind was in such a condition that his authority was not respected, and the people were becoming irreligious and demoralized. Yet the fact that Saul had been divinely chosen king of Israel kept him in safety, for David conscientiously served God, and he would not in any wise harm the anointed of the Lord (The Signs of the Times, October 12, 1888).
McArther Bible Commentary
Lord's anointed. David recognized that the Lord Himself had placed Saul in the kingship. Thus, the judgment and removal of Saul had to be left to the Lord.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 12:3 1 Samuel 24:7 1 Samuel 26:9 1 Samuel 26:11 2 Samuel 1:14

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David spares Saul's life.
God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 24:6 1 Samuel 24:8 1 Samuel 26:9 Psalm 7:4

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David shows his innocence.
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 24:7 1 Samuel 24:9 1 Samuel 25:23 1 Samuel 25:24 1 Samuel 28:14 1 Kings 1:31

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David shows his innocence.
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 20:1 1 Samuel 24:8 1 Samuel 24:10 1 Samuel 26:18 1 Samuel 26:19 Jeremiah 37:18

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David shows his innocence.
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Mine eye - The eye is said to spare, because it affects the heart with pity, and moves a man to spare.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 21:13 1 Samuel 24:4 1 Samuel 24:9 Psalm 7:3 Psalm 7:4 Psalm 125:3

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David shows his innocence.
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.
McArther Bible Commentary
neither evil nor rebellion. If David were a wicked rebel against the rule of Saul, as Saul had said (1Sa 22:8, 1Sa 22:13), he would have killed Saul when given this opportunity. The corner of the robe was proof to Saul that David was not his enemy.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 23:14 1 Samuel 23:23 1 Samuel 25:28 1 Samuel 26:18 1 Samuel 26:20 2 Kings 5:13 Psalm 7:3 Psalm 59:3 Psalm 119:161

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David shows his innocence.
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Will avenge - If thou persistest in thy injuries and cruel designs against me.
McArther Bible Commentary
Let the Lord judge. David called for the Lord Himself, the only fair and impartial Judge (cf. Jdg 11:27), to decide the fate of David and Saul (also 1Sa 24:15).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 16:5 Genesis 31:53 Judges 11:27 1 Samuel 24:15 1 Samuel 26:10 1 Samuel 26:11 1 Samuel 26:23 2 Samuel 22:48

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David shows his innocence.
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wickedness, &c. - That is, wicked men will do wicked actions, among which this is one, to kill their sovereign lord and king; and therefore if I were so wicked a person as thy courtiers represent me, I should make no conscience of laying violent hands upon thee.
McArther Bible Commentary
proverb. A traditional pithy statement that evil deeds are perpetrated only by evil men. A similar point is made by Jesus in Mat 7:16, Mat 7:20.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 7:16 Matthew 12:34 Ezekiel 16:44

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David shows his innocence.
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.
McArther Bible Commentary
A dead dog? A flea? David hereby expresses his lowliness and entire committal of his cause to God, who alone is the Judge and to whom alone belongs vengeance.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 17:43 1 Samuel 26:20 2 Samuel 3:8 2 Samuel 9:8

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David shows his innocence.
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.
Bible Cross References
Judges 11:27 1 Samuel 24:12 1 Samuel 25:39 Psalm 35:1 Psalm 43:1 Psalm 119:154 Micah 7:9

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul acknowledges his fault.
Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, (Psalm 37:6). Those who take care to keep a good conscience, may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. Sooner or later, God will force even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and to own those whom he has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy to David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness; vexed that when at last he had found David, he could not find in his heart to destroy him, as he had designed. Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord bind men's hands, or affect their hearts, so that they do not hurt us, the deliverance is equally from him; it is an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our salvation, and should make us thankful.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thy voice - He knew his voice, though being at a great distance from him, he could not discern his face. Wept - From the sense of his sin against God, and his base carriage to David. He speaks as one quite overcome with David's kindness, and as one that relents at the sight of his own folly and ingratitude.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 2:2 1 Samuel 26:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul acknowledges his fault.
Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, (Psalm 37:6). Those who take care to keep a good conscience, may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. Sooner or later, God will force even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and to own those whom he has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy to David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness; vexed that when at last he had found David, he could not find in his heart to destroy him, as he had designed. Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord bind men's hands, or affect their hearts, so that they do not hurt us, the deliverance is equally from him; it is an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our salvation, and should make us thankful.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
More righteous than I - He ingenuously acknowledges David's integrity, and his own iniquity.
McArther Bible Commentary
You are more righteous than I. Upon hearing David's testimony, Saul was moved with emotion and acknowledged that David was more righteous than he was. His testimony to David's righteousness recognized David's right to the kingship.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:44 Genesis 38:26 1 Samuel 26:21

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul acknowledges his fault.
Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, (Psalm 37:6). Those who take care to keep a good conscience, may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. Sooner or later, God will force even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and to own those whom he has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy to David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness; vexed that when at last he had found David, he could not find in his heart to destroy him, as he had designed. Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord bind men's hands, or affect their hearts, so that they do not hurt us, the deliverance is equally from him; it is an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our salvation, and should make us thankful.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 26:23 1 Samuel 24:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul acknowledges his fault.
Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, (Psalm 37:6). Those who take care to keep a good conscience, may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. Sooner or later, God will force even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and to own those whom he has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy to David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness; vexed that when at last he had found David, he could not find in his heart to destroy him, as he had designed. Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord bind men's hands, or affect their hearts, so that they do not hurt us, the deliverance is equally from him; it is an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our salvation, and should make us thankful.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The Lord reward thee - Because he thought himself not able to recompense so great a favour, he prays God to recompense it.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 2:12 1 Samuel 23:17 1 Samuel 26:23 1 Samuel 26:25 Psalm 18:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul acknowledges his fault.
Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, (Psalm 37:6). Those who take care to keep a good conscience, may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. Sooner or later, God will force even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and to own those whom he has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy to David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness; vexed that when at last he had found David, he could not find in his heart to destroy him, as he had designed. Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord bind men's hands, or affect their hearts, so that they do not hurt us, the deliverance is equally from him; it is an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our salvation, and should make us thankful.
McArther Bible Commentary
you shall surely be king. Saul emphatically acknowledged that David would be the ruler over the kingdom of Israel. Saul had already been told by Samuel that God would take the kingdom away from him and give it to a man after his own heart (1Sa 13:14; 1Sa 15:28). Jonathan had testified that Saul already knew that David would be king (1Sa 23:17). However, this recognition did not mean that Saul was ready to give up the kingdom. Key Word King: 1Sa 2:10; 1Sa 8:6; 1Sa 10:24; 1Sa 15:11; 1Sa 18:22; 1Sa 21:11, 1Sa 21:16; 1Sa 24:20-may describe a petty ruler of a small city (Jos 10:3) or a monarch of a vast empire (Est 1:1-5). An ancient king's jurisdiction included the military (1Sa 8:20), the economy (1Ki 10:26-29), international diplomacy (1Ki 5:1-11), and the legal system (2Sa 8:15). He often served as a spiritual leader (2Ki 23:1-24), although Israel's kings were prohibited from some priestly functions (1Sa 13:9-14). The Bible presents David as an example of the righteous king who set his heart on faithfully serving God (Act 13:22). God's promise to give David an everlasting kingdom (2Sa 7:16) has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose human ancestry is through the royal family of David (Luk 2:4).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 13:14 1 Samuel 23:17

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul acknowledges his fault.
Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, (Psalm 37:6). Those who take care to keep a good conscience, may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. Sooner or later, God will force even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and to own those whom he has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy to David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness; vexed that when at last he had found David, he could not find in his heart to destroy him, as he had designed. Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord bind men's hands, or affect their hearts, so that they do not hurt us, the deliverance is equally from him; it is an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our salvation, and should make us thankful.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 21:23 1 Samuel 20:14 2 Samuel 21:6

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul acknowledges his fault.
Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, (Psalm 37:6). Those who take care to keep a good conscience, may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. Sooner or later, God will force even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and to own those whom he has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy to David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness; vexed that when at last he had found David, he could not find in his heart to destroy him, as he had designed. Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord bind men's hands, or affect their hearts, so that they do not hurt us, the deliverance is equally from him; it is an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our salvation, and should make us thankful.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Unto the hold - Of En - gedi, (1 Samuel 24:1) , for having had by frequent experience of Saul's inconstancy, he would trust him no more.
McArther Bible Commentary
David swore to Saul. By solemn oath, David agreed to preserve Saul's family and family name. While most of Saul's family was later killed (2Sa 21:8-9), this pledge was fulfilled in the life of Mephibosheth (see note on 2Sa 21:7).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 23:29 1 Samuel 26:25