1 Samuel, Chapter 24:
advertising
Verses from 1 Samuel, Chapter 24 of the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible.
David spares Saul's life
- 1. Saul returned from battle against the Philistines and was told that David was in the wilderness of En-gedi.
- 2. Then Saul gathered three thousand of his best soldiers from all Israel and went in search of David and his men, near the cliffs of the Wild Goats.
- 3. Along the way, Saul came to a sheepfold where there was a cave. He entered the cave to relieve his needs. David and his men were deep inside the cave.
- 4. David's soldiers said, “Today is the day that the Lord spoke to you: 'I will deliver your enemy into your hands to do as you wish.'” Then David cautiously approached and cut off a corner of Saul's cloak, without him noticing.
- 5. But soon David regretted it and felt bad about cutting off Saul's cloak.
- 6. And he said to his soldiers, “May the Lord forbid me from doing anything against my lord, the Lord's anointed. I will not stretch out my hand against him.”
- 7. With these words, David rebuked his soldiers and did not allow them to attack Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way.
- 8. David also came out of the cave and shouted to Saul, “O my lord the king!” When Saul looked back, David fell face down on the ground.
- 9. And he said, “Why does the king listen to those who say that I plan to harm him?
- 10. Today you can see with your own eyes that the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some wanted to kill me, but I spared him, for I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, for he is the Lord's anointed.'
- 11. Look, my father, see this corner of your cloak in my hand! I cut it, but I didn't kill it. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of harming you or rebelling against you. I have not harmed you, even if you are chasing me to take my life.
- 12. May the Lord judge between us and decide. May he avenge the injustices you have committed against me, but I will not lift my hand against you.
- 13. As the old proverb says: 'From the wicked come wicked things.' Therefore, I will not lift my hand against you.
- 14. Against whom did the king of Israel go out? Who is he chasing? To a dead dog? To a flea?
- 15. May the Lord be the judge between us and judge us. He considers my cause and defends me. May he judge me and deliver me from his hands.”
- 16. After David had said these words, Saul asked, “Is that you, my son David?” And he cried aloud.
- 17. “You are more righteous than I,” Saul said to David. “You treated me well, while I treated you badly.
- 18. You have shown kindness to me today, for the Lord has delivered me into your hands, but you have not killed me.
- 19. When a man meets his enemy, does he let him go in peace? May the Lord reward you for the good you have done for me today.
- 20. Now I am sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be safe in your hands.
- 21. Therefore, swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants or erase my name from my father's family.”
- 22. Then David swore an oath to Saul. And Saul returned home, but David and his men went to the stronghold.
