Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When Saul had finished pursuing the Philistines, he was informed that David was hiding in the wilderness of En Gedi.

Saul gathered three thousand skilled warriors from all Israel and set out to track down David and his men on the rocky terrain where wild goats roamed free. As he approached the sheepcotes along the way, Saul spotted a cave and entered it to rest his feet, while David and his companions remained outside the cave.

The men accompanying David told him, "This is the day when the Lord said he would deliver your enemy into your hands. You can do with him as you see fit." But instead of attacking Saul, David secretly cut off a piece of his robe. He was overcome with guilt for doing this and realized that it wasn't right to harm God's anointed king.

David told his men, "The Lord forbid that I should harm my lord, the Lord's chosen one. He is the Lord's anointed." So he restrained his companions from attacking Saul. But when Saul emerged from the cave and continued on his way, David also exited the cave and called out to him, saying, "My king!"

Saul looked back and saw David bowing down, his face to the ground. David said, "Why do you believe what people say about me wanting to harm you? Today your own eyes have seen how the Lord delivered you into my hands in that cave. Some of my men urged me to kill you, but I spared your life because you are the Lord's anointed.

"Look at this piece of your robe in my hand. When I had the chance to end your life, I instead cut off a part of your garment. This shows there was no evil or wrongdoing in my heart. The Lord will judge between us and avenge me against you, but my hand won't be raised against you."

David added, "It's an old saying: wickedness comes from those who are wicked. But my actions towards you have been pure." He continued, "Why would the king of Israel pursue someone like me? I'm just a humble servant, not worth your time and effort."

The Lord is my judge," David declared. "He will settle our dispute and deliver me from your grasp." When David finished speaking, Saul asked if that was indeed his voice. As he listened to David's words, Saul broke down in tears.

David acknowledged that Saul had treated him kindly despite his evil actions towards the king. He praised Saul for not killing him when the Lord handed him over. "A man who catches his enemy usually takes revenge," David said. "But you chose to show mercy instead. May God reward you for your kindness."

Saul acknowledged that he would indeed become the king, and the kingdom of Israel would be established in his hands. He asked David to make a promise before the Lord that he wouldn't destroy David's family or erase his name from his father's line.

David made this vow, and Saul returned home while David and his men retreated to their stronghold.