1 Samuel 24:10

KJV

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and [some] bade [me] kill thee: but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he [is] the LORD'S anointed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, this day {H3117} thine eyes {H5869} have seen {H7200} how that the LORD {H3068} had delivered {H5414} thee to day {H3117} into mine hand {H3027} in the cave {H4631}: and some bade {H559} me kill {H2026} thee: but mine eye spared {H2347} thee; and I said {H559}, I will not put forth {H7971} mine hand {H3027} against my lord {H113}; for he is the LORD'S {H3068} anointed {H4899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here, today you have seen with your own eyes that ADONAI put you in my power there in the cave. Some of my men said I should kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I won't raise my hand against my lord, because he is ADONAI's anointed.'

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’

American Standard Version

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that Jehovah had delivered thee to-day into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee; but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is Jehovah’s anointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:10 stands as a profound testament to David's unwavering reverence for God's divine appointments, even when faced with extreme personal persecution. In this pivotal moment, David recounts how the Lord providentially delivered King Saul, his relentless pursuer, directly into his grasp within a cave. Despite the urging of his men to seize the opportunity to eliminate his enemy and secure his own kingship, David adamantly refused to harm Saul, articulating his profound conviction that to lay a hand on "the LORD'S anointed" would be an act of sacrilege against God Himself. This verse powerfully encapsulates David's remarkable faith, patience, and integrity, demonstrating his commitment to God's timing and justice over personal vengeance or ambition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic narrative arc detailing King Saul's increasingly paranoid and vengeful pursuit of David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. Chapters 23 and 24 specifically describe David's life as a fugitive in the wilderness, constantly evading Saul's attempts to capture and kill him. The immediate context of 1 Samuel 24 involves Saul entering a cave at En-gedi to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men were hidden deeper within. David's men interpret this as a divinely orchestrated opportunity to eliminate Saul, urging David to strike. However, David's response, culminating in the declaration of verse 10, reveals his profound theological conviction and moral restraint, choosing instead to merely cut off a corner of Saul's robe as proof of his proximity and mercy, an act he immediately regrets as disrespectful to the king. This incident is paralleled later in [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul a Second Time"), reinforcing the consistency of David's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "anointing" was deeply significant in ancient Israel, signifying divine selection and consecration for a specific office, particularly that of king or priest. Kings were not merely political rulers but were considered God's representatives on earth, chosen and empowered by Him. To harm an anointed king, even a disobedient one like Saul, was seen as an affront to God's sovereign choice and a violation of a sacred trust. Furthermore, the cultural norms of the time often permitted vengeance, especially against one's enemies. David's actions, therefore, stand in stark contrast to the prevailing cultural expectations, highlighting his unique commitment to a higher, divine standard. The wilderness of En-gedi, characterized by its caves and rugged terrain, provided ideal hiding places for fugitives, underscoring the desperate circumstances of David's exile.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 24:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Samuel and beyond. Central to this verse is the theme of **respect for God's anointed**, emphasizing that divine appointment confers a sacred status, regardless of the individual's personal failings or hostility. David's refusal to harm Saul underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty and timing**, demonstrating his trust that God would remove Saul and establish him as king in His own perfect time, without requiring human intervention or violence. This waiting on God is a hallmark of David's character, contrasting sharply with Saul's impulsive and disobedient actions. The verse also highlights **integrity and restraint** in leadership, as David prioritizes obedience to God's principles over immediate personal gain or revenge, even under immense pressure from his men. Finally, it reinforces the biblical principle that **vengeance belongs to the Lord**, not to individuals, a concept echoed in passages like [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delivered (Hebrew, נָתַן, _natan_):** This verb means "to give, put, place, set, allow." In this context, David uses it to emphasize God's active role in the situation. It's not merely that Saul happened to be in the cave, but that the Lord "delivered" him into David's hand. This phrasing highlights David's theological perspective: he saw the opportunity not as a stroke of luck, but as a divine providence, testing his obedience and trust in God's plan. It implies that God could have intended for David to act, yet David chose a different path based on a higher principle.
* **Spared (Hebrew, חָמַל, _chamal_):** Meaning "to pity, have compassion, spare, show mercy." This word encapsulates David's deliberate act of mercy and restraint. Despite the personal danger Saul posed and the strong urging from his men, David chose compassion over retribution. This was not an act of weakness, but a profound demonstration of moral strength and a commitment to a higher ethical standard rooted in his reverence for God's anointing. It reveals a heart that values life and divine order above personal grievance.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, מָשִׁיחַ, _mashiaḥ_):** From which we derive "Messiah." This term refers to someone consecrated by God through an anointing with oil, signifying divine appointment for a specific office, typically king or priest. Saul had been anointed by Samuel in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul"). David's use of this term is the crux of his argument. He recognized that Saul's authority, though misused, originated from God. To harm Saul was not merely to harm a man, but to strike at God's chosen representative, an act David considered sacrilegious. This reveals David's deep understanding of divine authority and his profound respect for God's established order, regardless of the office-holder's personal character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave:"** David begins his address to Saul by asserting the undeniable reality of the situation. He points to the physical evidence ("thine eyes have seen") of God's direct intervention ("the LORD had delivered thee"). This is not a boast of his own power, but an acknowledgment of divine providence. Saul was not merely vulnerable; he was divinely placed within David's grasp, creating a profound test of David's character and faith.
* **"and [some] bade [me] kill thee:"** David openly acknowledges the powerful external pressure he faced. His men, pragmatic and likely weary of their fugitive life, saw this as a clear sign from God to eliminate their persecutor and usher in David's reign. This revelation highlights the immense moral fortitude required for David to resist such counsel, underscoring the depth of his conviction.
* **"but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord;"** This clause reveals David's internal struggle and ultimate decision. "Mine eye spared thee" signifies a deliberate act of mercy and compassion, a conscious choice not to take advantage of Saul's vulnerability. His subsequent declaration, "I will not put forth mine hand against my lord," is a public and personal vow, emphasizing his respect for Saul's position as king, despite Saul's animosity. David sees himself as a loyal subject, not a usurper.
* **"for he [is] the LORD'S anointed."** This is the theological bedrock of David's decision. It is not personal affection for Saul, nor fear of reprisal, but a profound reverence for God's sovereign choice. David understands that Saul's kingship, though flawed, was divinely ordained. To harm Saul would be to oppose God's own appointment, an act David, as a man after God's own heart, could not commit. This phrase encapsulates David's deep theological humility and his commitment to God's will above all else.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 24:10, and the broader narrative it belongs to, is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological and moral weight. **Irony** is prominent, as the hunted David finds himself in a position of power over the hunter Saul, who is completely unaware of his peril. This reversal of roles underscores God's sovereign control over seemingly chaotic human affairs. There is a strong **contrast** between the counsel of David's men, who advocate for immediate and violent action, and David's unwavering commitment to restraint and reverence for God's authority. This highlights David's unique moral compass. The earlier act of cutting the corner of Saul's robe (1 Sam 24:4) serves as powerful **symbolism**, representing David's power to harm Saul and his deliberate choice not to fully exercise it, a symbolic act of taking Saul's life without actually doing so. The cave itself functions as a symbolic space of vulnerability and decision, where the true character of both men is revealed. David's actions here also serve as **foreshadowing** of his future reign, demonstrating the kind of king he would be—one who trusts God's timing and justice, and who values divine appointment above personal ambition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 24:10 is a theological cornerstone, illustrating the profound implications of respecting God-ordained authority, even when that authority is corrupt or hostile. David's actions demonstrate a deep understanding of divine sovereignty, recognizing that God is ultimately in control of all appointments and removals, and that human vengeance or ambition should not preempt His perfect timing. This passage challenges believers to consider their response to injustice and persecution, advocating for patient trust in God's justice rather than resorting to self-help or retaliation. It underscores the sanctity of God's anointing and the principle that one should not "touch God's anointed," a concept that extends beyond kings to any divinely appointed role or person. David's restraint, driven by theological conviction, sets a high standard for ethical conduct in the face of provocation.

* [1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Spares Saul Again")
* [Psalm 105:15](/psalms/105-15 "Psalm 105:15 - Do Not Touch My Anointed")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David sparing Saul in the cave offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own responses when faced with injustice, betrayal, or opportunities for personal gain at the expense of moral integrity. David's example calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for God's sovereign hand in all circumstances, trusting that He will ultimately right all wrongs and establish His purposes in His perfect timing. This means resisting the urge to take matters into our own hands, to seek vengeance, or to manipulate situations for our own advantage, even when such actions seem justified or expedient. Instead, we are called to embody the difficult but transformative virtues of patience, self-restraint, and unwavering integrity, prioritizing obedience to God's principles above immediate gratification or personal vindication. True strength, as demonstrated by David, often lies not in the exercise of power, but in its deliberate restraint, motivated by a profound respect for God's authority and a steadfast trust in His ultimate justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel wronged or unjustly treated by someone in authority?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "take matters into my own hands" rather than trusting God's timing and justice?**
* **What does it mean for me to "respect the Lord's anointed" in my own context, whether it's spiritual, civic, or familial authority?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater spirit of mercy and restraint, even towards those who actively oppose or harm me?**

### FAQ
**Why did David refer to Saul as "the LORD'S anointed" when Saul was clearly disobedient and trying to kill him?**

Answer: David's reference to Saul as "the LORD'S anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ יְהוָה, _mashiaḥ Yahweh_) was not an endorsement of Saul's character or actions, but a recognition of his divinely appointed office. Saul had been chosen and consecrated by God through the prophet Samuel (see [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul")). For David, this anointing conferred a sacred status upon Saul, making him God's representative. To harm Saul, even in self-defense or to seize a rightful throne, would be to act against God's established order and His sovereign choice. David understood that God would remove Saul in His own time and way, and it was not his place to usurp God's prerogative or to lay hands on someone God had set apart. This demonstrates David's deep theological conviction and his commitment to God's will above personal vengeance or ambition, even when Saul was actively seeking his life, as seen throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "The Book of 1 Samuel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound reverence for "the LORD'S anointed" in 1 Samuel 24:10 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Anointed One, the Messiah. David, in his refusal to seize power through violence and his submission to God's timing, foreshadows the perfect obedience of Jesus. Unlike Saul, who was a flawed and disobedient king, Jesus is the perfectly righteous King, the ultimate "Anointed One" of God (cf. [Psalm 2:2](/psalms/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - God's Anointed King")). He did not come to overthrow earthly rulers by force, even those who unjustly persecuted Him, but submitted Himself to the will of His Father, even unto death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). When Peter drew his sword to defend Him, Jesus commanded him to put it away, declaring, "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?" ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Refuses Earthly Defense")). Jesus, the true King, allowed Himself to be "delivered into the hands" of His enemies, not to be spared, but to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). David's act of sparing Saul, the flawed anointed one, points forward to the perfect Lamb of God who, though having all power, chose not to retaliate but to suffer, thereby securing an eternal kingdom not by human might, but by divine love and self-sacrifice (cf. [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb's Worthy Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 24:4

And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.

Psalms 105:15

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

1 Samuel 26:8

Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time.

1 Samuel 26:9

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?