David Spares Saul at En-gedi

Saul returned from following the Philistines and was informed that David was in the wilderness of En-gedi. Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. During the pursuit, Saul entered a cave to cover his feet (1 Samuel 24:1-3). David and his men were remaining in the sides of the same cave. David's men suggested that the Lord had delivered his enemy into his hand, but David arose and privately cut off the skirt of Saul's robe. Afterward, David's heart smote him because he had cut Saul's robe (1 Samuel 24:4-5).

David stayed his servants with these words and did not allow them to rise against Saul. David identified Saul as the Lord's anointed and refused to stretch forth his hand against him. Saul rose up out of the cave and went on his way. David also arose, went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, calling him 'My lord the king.' When Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth and bowed himself (1 Samuel 24:6-8). David questioned why Saul listened to men's words claiming David sought his hurt. He displayed the skirt of the robe as evidence that though he had the opportunity to kill Saul in the cave, he spared him.

David stated that the Lord would judge between them and avenge him, but his hand would not be upon the king. He compared himself to a dead dog or a flea to illustrate his perceived insignificance. When David finished speaking, Saul asked if it was the voice of his son David and lifted up his voice and wept (1 Samuel 24:12-16). Saul acknowledged that David was more righteous than he was, for David had rewarded him with good whereas Saul had rewarded David with evil. The text does not say how long Saul wept. Saul acknowledged that David would surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel would be established in his hand (1 Samuel 24:17-20).