1 Samuel 24:1-22

David’s decision here presents all Christians with a vital principle for dealing with adversaries: refuse revenge and risk reconciliation. No one is ever weak who stands in the truths of God’s Word. Although David risked the ridicule of his own men, it was far more important that he maintain his integrity before the Lord, so he even restrained his men from hurting Saul.

24:2 | Saul’s paranoia was evidenced by the fact that he took 3,000 men to hunt David, which was more than three times the number of men in David’s company.

24:4-7 | For David to cut off a corner of Saul’s robe was both a literal and symbolic statement of his ability to usurp the throne. Perhaps David’s subsequent regret helped him remain true to his conviction to wait until God gave him the throne.

24:9-15 | David believed Saul should be avenged for his sins, but he left the judgment to God.

24:17-22 | Saul had a moment of clarity in which he acknowledged that David was not a threat to him, but his jealousy so consumed him that he failed to act accordingly, and before long, he began hunting David again.