1Sa 24:9-16 | KingComments | STEP | When David has calmed his men, he leaves the cave and calls after Saul. It is impressive to see the attitude of David toward Saul and how he speaks to him. Despite all the disappearance of the dignity of the kingship of Saul, David continues to honor him as his lord and shows him his respects by bowing down before him. He also calls Saul “my father”. It is the opportunity for David, through this event, to show Saul his mind opposite the false accusations made against him. He does not even talk about Saul’s attitude toward him. He generously ignores that. He talks about the people who talk to Saul and influence him. It does not make Saul less responsible, but it shows how David tries to win Saul’s heart. David wants to convince Saul that he does not want to destroy him. He does not boast that he got Saul in his hands but says that the LORD had given him into his hand. He could have killed him. He tells Saul that his men even strongly urged him to do so, but he did not do it. As undeniable proof of his words he shows Saul the edge of his robe. This should convince him that David has no intention of doing anything bad to him. In David’s actions we find a foundation for the life of the Christian who is wronged. David does not want to take the matter between Saul and him into his own hands. He surrenders it into the hand of the LORD ( ). That hand will meet Saul if he continues like this. David points out to Saul what comes of wickedness. He leaves revenge to the LORD and does not exercise it himself ( ). The repayment will come from Him. He sees himself as completely insignificant, a dead dog, a single flea. After he has said this of himself, David hands over his case once more to the LORD and lets Him decide. He is convinced that the LORD sees it and will look after his cause. The LORD will do him justice and make him stay out of the hand of Saul.

‏ 1 Samuel 24:9-16

David Speaks to Saul

When David has calmed his men, he leaves the cave and calls after Saul. It is impressive to see the attitude of David toward Saul and how he speaks to him. Despite all the disappearance of the dignity of the kingship of Saul, David continues to honor him as his lord and shows him his respects by bowing down before him. He also calls Saul “my father”. It is the opportunity for David, through this event, to show Saul his mind opposite the false accusations made against him.

He does not even talk about Saul’s attitude toward him. He generously ignores that. He talks about the people who talk to Saul and influence him. It does not make Saul less responsible, but it shows how David tries to win Saul’s heart. David wants to convince Saul that he does not want to destroy him.

He does not boast that he got Saul in his hands but says that the LORD had given him into his hand. He could have killed him. He tells Saul that his men even strongly urged him to do so, but he did not do it. As undeniable proof of his words he shows Saul the edge of his robe. This should convince him that David has no intention of doing anything bad to him.

In David’s actions we find a foundation for the life of the Christian who is wronged. David does not want to take the matter between Saul and him into his own hands. He surrenders it into the hand of the LORD (1Pet 2:23). That hand will meet Saul if he continues like this. David points out to Saul what comes of wickedness. He leaves revenge to the LORD and does not exercise it himself (Rom 12:19). The repayment will come from Him. He sees himself as completely insignificant, a dead dog, a single flea.

After he has said this of himself, David hands over his case once more to the LORD and lets Him decide. He is convinced that the LORD sees it and will look after his cause. The LORD will do him justice and make him stay out of the hand of Saul.

Saul Speaks to David

When David has spoken, we hear Saul’s reaction. The heart of Saul is really touched. He calls David “my son”, but further it has no effect. There is no turning to God. Saul weeps, but there is no repentance. It is just a mood condition, an emotion without depth.

Saul acknowledges what David said. He calls David more righteous than himself and wishes him the reward of the LORD. He acknowledges the good that David did to him and that he owes his life to David. He admits that David will become king, something he knows for a long time, for that is how it was pronounced by Jonathan (1Sam 23:17). However, it is a forced acknowledgment that leads to even greater hatred.

Saul asks as a favor of David that he will not cut off his descendants after him. David swears he will not. However, he knows Saul well enough not to go to town with him. The ways of David and Saul continue separately.

Faith is not naive. We can be grateful if the persecution ceases, but we cannot follow the enemy to his house and start to feel at home in the same rest of the world. It does not change the world in terms of the hatred it has for the children of God. Following the enemy will change the believer, but in a negative sense.