King James Version
1 Samuel 24
22 verses with commentary
David Spares Saul's Life
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. following: Heb. after
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 En-gedi.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **When Saul was returned.**—How intent Saul was on his bloody purpose with regard to his supposed rival is clear, for no sooner was the Philistine raid repulsed than with sleepless animosity he at once set forth with a force, as the next verse relates, of considerable magnitude to hunt down his foe. Saul was encouraged in this fresh enterprise by the offer of the Ziphites (see preceding 1Sam 1...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' tea...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Three thousand chosen men.**—This large and carefully selected force is an indication how thoroughly impressed Saul was with the power of David at this juncture. He, indeed, evidently looked on him as a rival king, who must be met by a numerous and disciplined force.
**Upon the rocks of the wild goats.**—“Ibex rocks,” so called because probably only these ibexes, the chamois of Syria, would ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **The sheepcotes.**—Thomson (*The Land and the Book*) saw, he says, hundreds of these sheepcotes around the mouth of the caves, of which there are so many in Palestine. In that land and among these Eastern peoples, whose customs change so little, they are as common now as they were then. “These sheepcotes are generally made by piling up loose stones in front of the cave’s entrance in a circula...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →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. Saul's: Heb. the robe which was Saul's
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee.**—This was the version by David’s men of such predictions as 1Samuel 15:28; 1Samuel 16:1; 1Samuel 16:12. Jonathan’s words (1Samuel 20:15; 1Samuel 23:17) show clearly that these predictions were known; and the version of them here given was a very natural one in the mouth of David’s men (*Speaker’s Commentary*)*. *It is, however, quite possible...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of leaving v...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **David’s heart smote him.**—Not for what he had done to Saul, but his conscience smote him for the momentary thought that had stained his soul of slaying the Lord’s Anointed. This is better than with Clericus to say, “David was afraid that Saul would take this, though a clear sign of his [David’s] magnanimity, in bad part, and regard it as a violation of his royal majesty.” There is no sign a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he canno...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →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. stayed: Heb. cut off
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LOR...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-26. I have sinned ... turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord--**The erring, but proud and obstinate monarch was now humbled. He was conscience-smitten for the moment, but his confession proceeded not from sincere repentance, but from a sense of danger and desire of averting the sentence denounced against him. For the sake of public appearance, he besought Samuel not to allow their se...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction tha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And cried after Saul.**—The outlaw suffered the king and his companion to proceed some little way—possibly down the deep ascent which led up to the cave’s mouth—and then called after Saul, but with an address of the deepest reverence, accompanied too (see next clause) with an act of the profoundest homage which an inferior could pay to a superior. He would show Saul at least he was no rival ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-26. I have sinned ... turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord--**The erring, but proud and obstinate monarch was now humbled. He was conscience-smitten for the moment, but his confession proceeded not from sincere repentance, but from a sense of danger and desire of averting the sentence denounced against him. For the sake of public appearance, he besought Samuel not to allow their se...
Read full commentary →And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of leaving...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Wherefore hearest thou men’s words?**—David had many deadly enemies at the court of Saul, who evidently laboured with success to deepen Saul’s jealousy, and to widen the breach which already existed between the king and David. Doeg has been already mentioned as one of the more prominent of these slanderers; another was Cush the Benjamite, who was alluded to in the inscription which heads the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-26. I have sinned ... turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord--**The erring, but proud and obstinate monarch was now humbled. He was conscience-smitten for the moment, but his confession proceeded not from sincere repentance, but from a sense of danger and desire of averting the sentence denounced against him. For the sake of public appearance, he besought Samuel not to allow their se...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures ev...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Thine eyes have seen.**—David and a crowd of armed men around him were standing at the entrance of the cave which King Saul had just left; thus the king’s eye had seen—nay, was seeing that very moment—that his life had been in his enemy David’s hand.
**And some bade me kill thee.**—The literal translation here would be *Jehovah delivered thee to-day into mine hand in the cave, and bade *[me...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-28. he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle--**the moil, upper tunic, official robe. In an agony of mental excitement, he took hold of the prophet's dress to detain him; the rending of the mantle [1Sa 15:27] was adroitly pointed to as a significant and mystical representation of his severance from the throne.
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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **My father.**—Not in the sense of “my father-in-law.” The Princess Michal before this time probably had been given to Phalti. The *time *when this wicked act was carried out by Saul is left quite indefinite in the notice of 1Samuel 25:44*; *but the relations of David and Saul were evidently far more bitter before than after the En-gedi incident, hence the probability of Michal’s being given ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-28. he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle--**the moil, upper tunic, official robe. In an agony of mental excitement, he took hold of the prophet's dress to detain him; the rending of the mantle [1Sa 15:27] was adroitly pointed to as a significant and mystical representation of his severance from the throne.
The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of l...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. the Strength of Israel will not lie--**Hebrew, "He that gives a victory to Israel," a further rebuke of his pride in rearing the Carmel trophy, and an intimation that no loss would be sustained in Israel by his rejection.
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the princ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **The proverb of the ancients.**—Clericus, quoted by Lange, explains these words: “David means to say, that if he had been guilty of conspiracy against the king, he would not have neglected this favourable opportunity to kill him, since men usually indulge their feelings, and from a mind guilty of conspiracy nothing but corresponding deeds could come forth.” So Grotius, who writes how “action...
Read full commentary →After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of lea...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **After a dead dog, after a flea.**—These homely but vivid similes are very common in Oriental discourse. David certainly, in his protestations of loyalty, could scarcely humble himself more than by drawing a comparison between the king of Israel in his grandeur and power and a poor dead dog—evidently an object held in special loathing by the Hebrews. “After a flea”—the original is even stron...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31. Samuel turned again after Saul--**not to worship along with him; but first, that the people might have no ground, on pretense of Saul's rejection, to withdraw their allegiance from him; and secondly, to compensate for Saul's error, by executing God's judgment upon Agag.
The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. deliver: Heb. judge
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.</strong><br><br>David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(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.**—Shall I lay these hands on the Lord’s Anointed? God forbid. No; I will not do it for a kingdom. Such wicked feats I leave for wicked men to act. God can and will in His own due time make good His own promise without my sin. I shall be content to wait His leisure, and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32. Agag came unto him delicately--**or cheerfully, since he had gained the favor and protection of the king.
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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Saul's emotional response reveals a soul momentarily pierced by conscience. The Hebrew interrogative 'haqolekha zeh' (is this thy voice) suggests disbelief—Saul cannot comprehend the mercy shown him. The ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **These words.**—L. Philippson (in the Israelitish Bible, Leipzig) sums up strikingly the general effect of David’s moving but natural words to Saul. “This appeal possesses so much natural eloquence, such warmth, such true earnestness, that no one who has any love for the simple beauties of the Bible can read it unmoved. There is a striking grandeur, too, in the whole scene. We see David stan...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**33. Samuel hewed Agag--**This cruel tyrant met the retribution of a righteous Providence. Never has it been unusual for great or official personages in the East to perform executions with their own hands. Samuel did it "before the Lord" in Gilgal, appointing that same mode of punishment (hitherto unknown in Israel) to be used towards him, which he had formerly used towards others.
And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
View commentary
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.</strong><br><br>Saul's confession employs comparative language that falls short of full repentance. The Hebrew 'tsaddik attah mimmeni' (you are more righteous than I) acknowledges relative moral standing without absolute self-condemnation. His recognition of the exchange...
Read full commentary →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. delivered: Heb. shut up
View commentary
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Saul correctly interprets David's restraint as divine test passed. The Hebrew 'higadta' (you have declared/shown) suggests David's actions spoke louder than words. Saul's acknowledgment that 'the LORD had delivered me into t...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Saul's rhetorical question acknowledges the extraordinary nature of David's mercy. The Hebrew 'veshilleho bederek tovah' (let him go well away/send him off in a good way) describes more than mere release—David actively blessed Saul rather ...
Read full commentary →And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.</strong><br><br>Saul's declaration confirms what Jonathan earlier stated (23:17)—even David's persecutor knew his kingship was inevitable. The Hebrew emphatic construction 'yado'a yadati' (knowing I know/I know well) expresses certainty beyond doubt. The phrase 's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king.**—Clericus (in *Lange*) says: “From this great magnanimity of David, Saul concluded that a man who was much superior in soul to kings could not but reign.” This is a good comment, and doubtless expresses something of what was in Saul’s mind on this occasion; but more must have been behind to have induced the king to make such a sp...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 16
1Sa 16:1-10. Samuel Sent by God to Bethlehem.
**1. the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul--**Samuel's grief on account of Saul's rejection, accompanied, doubtless, by earnest prayers for his restitution, showed the amiable feelings of the man; but they were at variance with his public duty as a prophet. The declared purpose of God to transfer the kingdom of Isr...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Saul's request reveals his true concern—dynastic survival rather than personal life. The Hebrew 'lo tachrit et-zar'i acharai' (you will not cut off my seed after me) asks protection for descendants. Ancient Near Eastern succe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Swear now therefore unto me.**—So strongly was Saul convinced at this moment that David would at no distant period of time occupy the throne of Israel that he entreated him, when that day should come, not to destroy all his (Saul’s) children. This barbarous custom has been always too common a practice in the jealous East. It seems to have been equally dreaded by Jonathan, who made—it will b...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. How can I go?--**This is another instance of human infirmity in Samuel. Since God had sent him on this mission, He would protect him in the execution.
**I am come to sacrifice--**It seems to have been customary with Samuel to do this in the different circuits to which he went, that he might encourage the worship of God.
And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.</strong><br><br>David's oath demonstrates magnanimity that would later shape his treatment of Saul's house. The Hebrew 'vayishava David le-Sha'ul' (David swore to Saul) created binding obligation. Significantly, after this reconciliation scene, they separate—Saul to his 'house' (home/palace), Da...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **And David sware unto Saul.**—The generous son of Jesse at once complied with Saul’s curious request, and for a time, at least, the persecution and pursuit of David ceased. Stricken with remorse, the gloomy king left him to himself; no word, however, seems to have passed as to restoring the exile to his home or rank. Bishop Wordsworth quotes here a characteristic passage from one of Chrysost...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. call Jesse to the sacrifice--**that is, the social feast that followed the peace offering. Samuel, being the offerer, had a right to invite any guest he pleased.