1 Samuel 24:11

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

Moreover, my father {H1}, see {H7200}, yea, see {H7200} the skirt {H3671} of thy robe {H4598} in my hand {H3027}: for in that I cut off {H3772} the skirt {H3671} of thy robe {H4598}, and killed {H2026} thee not, know {H3045} thou and see {H7200} that there is neither evil {H7451} nor transgression {H6588} in mine hand {H3027}, and I have not sinned {H2398} against thee; yet thou huntest {H6658} my soul {H5315} to take {H3947} it.

Moreover, my father, look! Here in my hand you see the corner of your cloak. By the fact that I only cut off a piece of your cloak and didn't kill you, you can see and understand that I have no plan to do harm or rebel, and that I haven't sinned against you -even though you are seeking every chance you get to take my life.

See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in my hand, and I have not sinned against thee, though thou huntest after my life to take it.

Commentary

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between King Saul and David. David, having been anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), was relentlessly pursued by a jealous and paranoid Saul, who saw David as a threat to his throne. The scene unfolds in the wilderness of Engedi, where Saul, unaware of David's presence, entered a cave where David and his men were hiding. David's men urged him to kill Saul, but David refused. Instead, he secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe while Saul was in the cave. This verse captures David's appeal to Saul immediately after Saul exits the cave, using the piece of robe as irrefutable proof of his intentions and integrity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • David's Integrity and Restraint: David's act of cutting the robe, rather than taking Saul's life, powerfully demonstrates his deep respect for God's anointed and his refusal to usurp authority through violence. He chose mercy over opportunity, even when his own life was in danger. This aligns with the principle of leaving vengeance to God.
  • Proof of Innocence: The physical evidence of the robe's skirt serves as undeniable proof that David could have killed Saul but chose not to. It underscores David's claim that there was "neither evil nor transgression in mine hand."
  • Unjust Persecution: The contrast between David's clear innocence and Saul's relentless, baseless pursuit ("thou huntest my soul to take it") highlights the profound injustice David faced.
  • Respect for Authority (even flawed authority): Despite Saul's irrational hatred, David addresses him respectfully as "my father" and refuses to harm him, demonstrating a profound reverence for the office of king, which God had established. David would later reiterate this principle in 1 Samuel 26:9.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my father" (Hebrew: ืึฒื‘ึดื™, 'avi) is a term of respect and endearment, acknowledging Saul's seniority and former position as David's father-in-law and king. It also carries a tone of lament, appealing to a relationship that Saul has broken. The terms "evil nor transgression" (Hebrew: ืจึธืขึธื” ื•ึธืคึถืฉึทืืข, ra'ah va'pesha') emphasize David's blamelessness. Ra'ah refers to general wrongdoing or harm, while pesha' specifically denotes rebellion or revolt, a charge Saul constantly leveled against David. David vehemently denies both.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Exhibit Restraint and Mercy: Like David, we are called to show mercy and restraint even towards those who seek to harm us or are unjust towards us. It challenges us to respond to evil with good, trusting God for vindication.
  • Trust God for Vindication: David chose not to take vengeance into his own hands, trusting that God would ultimately deliver him and deal with Saul. This encourages us to wait on God's timing and justice, rather than acting in the flesh.
  • Maintain Integrity Under Pressure: David's character shines under extreme duress. The passage encourages us to uphold our integrity, even when facing false accusations or intense persecution, knowing that God sees our hearts and actions.
  • Evidence of Character: Our actions, like David's piece of robe, can speak volumes about our true intentions and character, serving as powerful testimony to others.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 26:20 (5 votes)

    Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.

  • 1 Samuel 23:14 (4 votes)

    ยถ And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

  • 1 Samuel 23:23 (4 votes)

    See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.

  • 1 Samuel 26:18 (3 votes)

    And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil [is] in mine hand?

  • 2 Kings 5:13 (3 votes)

    And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

  • John 15:25 (3 votes)

    But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

  • Job 10:16 (2 votes)

    For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.