1Sa 24:11 | MHM | STEP | v. 11 : David called Saul “father,” reminding him of their family connection and showing respect, since Saul was both king and David’s father-in-law . He hoped Saul would show him compassion, as a father should toward his children. David firmly declared his innocence, saying, “There is neither evil nor transgression in my hand… I have not sinned against thee, yet thou huntest my soul” . David appealed to God as a witness, just like he did in Psalm 7:3-5 , and reminded Saul that he had not tried to harm him. David showed proof of his innocence by holding up the piece of Saul’s robe he had cut. He said, “See…the skirt of thy robe” (1 Samuel 24:11 ). If David had wanted to hurt Saul, he could have killed him. This piece of cloth proved that David would not harm Saul, even when he had the chance. David also reminded Saul that his men had urged him to kill, but David refused out of respect for God’s anointed king.

‏ 1 Samuel 24:11

v. 11: David called Saul “father,” reminding him of their family connection and showing respect, since Saul was both king and David’s father-in-law . He hoped Saul would show him compassion, as a father should toward his children.

David firmly declared his innocence, saying, “There is neither evil nor transgression in my hand… I have not sinned against thee, yet thou huntest my soul” . David appealed to God as a witness, just like he did in Psalm 7:3-5 ^a, and reminded Saul that he had not tried to harm him.

David showed proof of his innocence by holding up the piece of Saul’s robe he had cut. He said, “See…the skirt of thy robe” (1 Samuel 24:11 ^b). If David had wanted to hurt Saul, he could have killed him. This piece of cloth proved that David would not harm Saul, even when he had the chance. David also reminded Saul that his men had urged him to kill, but David refused out of respect for God’s anointed king.