King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 24:3 Mean?
“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.”
1 Samuel 24:3 · KJV
Context
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. following: Heb. after
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. Saul's: Heb. the robe which was Saul's
5
And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
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 vengeance to God rather than taking matters into one's own hands. David's restraint shows mature faith that trusts God to vindicate and promote in His timing. This passage warns against using apparent opportunities to advance personal interests when doing so requires violating godly principles.
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 vengeance to God rather than taking matters into one's own hands. David's restraint shows mature faith that trusts God to vindicate and promote in His timing. This passage warns against using apparent opportunities to advance personal interests when doing so requires violating godly principles.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.
Reflection Questions
- How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
- What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
- How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 18 wordsעַל5 of 18
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙6 of 18
“by the way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לְהָסֵ֣ךְ11 of 18
“to cover”
H5526properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
אֶת12 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רַגְלָ֑יו13 of 18
“his feet”
H7272a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֔יו15 of 18
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בְּיַרְכְּתֵ֥י16 of 18
“in the sides”
H3411properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess
יֹֽשְׁבִֽים׃18 of 18
“remained”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 24:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 24:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge