1 Samuel 24:16

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when David {H1732} had made an end {H3615} of speaking {H1696} these words {H1697} unto Saul {H7586}, that Saul {H7586} said {H559}, Is this thy voice {H6963}, my son {H1121} David {H1732}? And Saul {H7586} lifted up {H5375} his voice {H6963}, and wept {H1058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After David had finished speaking to Sha'ul, Sha'ul said, "Is that your voice, my son David?" Then Sha'ul cried out and wept;

Berean Standard Bible

When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:16 captures a profoundly emotional and pivotal moment in the tumultuous relationship between King Saul and David. After David, having spared Saul's life in the cave, reveals himself and addresses the king with words of loyalty and respect, Saul is utterly taken aback. His immediate reaction is one of profound recognition, surprise, and deep sorrow, expressed through an audible outpouring of tears, signaling a temporary but potent softening of his hardened heart in the face of David's unexpected and overwhelming mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a dramatic encounter detailed in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life"). The chapter opens with Saul relentlessly pursuing David in the wilderness of En Gedi. David and his men hide in a cave, into which Saul unwittingly enters to relieve himself. David's men urge him to kill Saul, interpreting the situation as divine deliverance, but David refuses to harm "the LORD's anointed." Instead, he secretly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe as proof of his opportunity and restraint. After Saul leaves the cave, David calls out to him, presenting the robe piece and humbly pleading his innocence and loyalty. This verse records Saul's immediate, visceral response to David's unexpected revelation and demonstration of profound mercy, setting the stage for a brief, fragile reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop is the early Israelite monarchy, a period of transition and political instability. Saul, the first king, has been rejected by God due to his disobedience ([1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")), and David has been secretly anointed as his successor ([1 Samuel 16](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King")). Saul's deep-seated jealousy and paranoia, fueled by David's military success and popular acclaim ([1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - Women Sing David's Praises")), have driven him to relentless pursuit of David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. The concept of "the LORD's anointed" (מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה, _mashiach Yahweh_) was sacred; to harm the king, even a disobedient one, was to defy God's chosen instrument. David's refusal to touch Saul, despite clear provocation and opportunity, showcases his profound respect for this divine institution and his unwavering trust in God's timing and justice.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the stark **contrast between Saul's vengeful pursuit and David's demonstration of mercy and restraint**, underscoring David's righteous character and his reliance on God rather than human violence. It also emphasizes the theme of **divine anointing** and the sanctity of God's chosen leaders, even when flawed, as David refused to "stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul")). Saul's emotional outburst speaks to the theme of **recognition and conviction**, as he momentarily acknowledges David's superior character and the wrongness of his own actions. However, the transient nature of Saul's repentance, as he later resumes his pursuit of David ([1 Samuel 26:1-2](/1_samuel/26-1 "1 Samuel 26:1-2 - Saul Resumes Pursuit of David")), underscores the theme of **temporary versus transformative change**, revealing the deep-seated spiritual issues that plagued Saul's reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qol_):** The Hebrew word קֹלְךָ (_qolka_), meaning "your voice," is central here. Saul's immediate recognition of David's voice, even after David had called out from a distance, signifies a profound moment of personal identification. It's not just an auditory recognition but a sudden, shocking realization of David's presence and, by extension, the enormity of David's merciful act. The familiarity of the voice cuts through Saul's rage and paranoia, forcing him to confront the reality of the situation and the character of the man he was pursuing.
* **My son (Hebrew, _b'ni_):** The address בְּנִי (_b'ni_), "my son," is deeply significant. It reflects the former close relationship between Saul and David, when David was a trusted servant, musician, and son-in-law ([1 Samuel 18:27](/1_samuel/18-27 "1 Samuel 18:27 - David Marries Michal")). This term of endearment, coming from the king who had been relentlessly trying to kill David, conveys a sudden, overwhelming wave of paternal affection, regret, and perhaps shame. It's a stark departure from the language of enemy and prey that had characterized their relationship for so long, highlighting the emotional impact of David's mercy.
* **Wept (Hebrew, _vayyevk_):** The phrase וַיִּשָּׂא קֹלוֹ וַיֵּבְךְּ (_vayissa qolo vayyevk_), "lifted up his voice, and wept," is a common biblical idiom for intense, audible weeping, often associated with deep grief, remorse, or overwhelming emotion. This is not a quiet shedding of tears but a loud, unrestrained expression of profound inner turmoil. For a king, especially one as proud and hardened as Saul, such an open display of emotion is highly unusual and underscores the immense psychological and spiritual impact of David's act of grace. It suggests a moment of brokenness and perhaps a fleeting glimpse of genuine repentance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul":** This opening clause establishes the immediate temporal sequence. David has just finished his powerful speech, wherein he humbly but firmly asserts his innocence, his respect for Saul as God's anointed, and his refusal to harm him, even when given the opportunity. The impact of David's words, coupled with the undeniable proof of the robe fragment, has just landed on Saul.
* **"that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David?":** Saul's initial reaction is one of utter astonishment and disbelief, framed as a rhetorical question. The question "Is this thy voice?" implies that he could barely believe what he was hearing and seeing. The addition of "my son David" reveals a sudden, profound shift from animosity to a rediscovered sense of paternal affection and recognition of David's true character, a character so contrary to the murderous intentions Saul had ascribed to him.
* **"And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.":** This final clause vividly portrays the depth of Saul's emotional response. His loud weeping signifies a complete breakdown of his composure, a public display of raw emotion. It suggests a complex mixture of shame, regret, relief, and perhaps a fleeting moment of genuine sorrow for his relentless pursuit of an innocent man. This act of weeping is a powerful testament to the impact of David's mercy, momentarily piercing through Saul's paranoia and pride.

#### Literary Devices
This verse is rich in **Pathos**, evoking deep emotion from both the characters and the reader. Saul's sudden, overwhelming weeping after recognizing David's voice and understanding the extent of David's mercy creates a powerful emotional climax. There is also significant **Dramatic Irony** at play, as the audience knows David's whereabouts and intentions, while Saul, initially, is completely unaware that his life was in David's hands. The scene functions as a classic **Recognition Scene**, where a character (Saul) suddenly perceives the true identity and character of another (David), leading to a profound shift in understanding and emotion. The entire encounter is built upon **Contrast** – the stark difference between Saul's vengeful pursuit and David's unwavering mercy, highlighting David's righteous character against Saul's spiritual decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 24:16 powerfully illustrates the transformative potential of grace and mercy in the face of hostility. David's refusal to retaliate against Saul, despite immense provocation and personal danger, is not merely a strategic move but a profound act of faith, trusting God to deal with His anointed rather than taking matters into his own hands. Saul's weeping, though temporary in its effect, demonstrates how an unexpected act of kindness can break through hardened hearts, exposing the ugliness of one's own sin and the beauty of righteous conduct. It underscores the biblical principle that our response to evil should be characterized by goodness, reflecting God's own character, which often convicts more powerfully than retribution. This scene serves as a powerful reminder that while human repentance can be fleeting, the impact of God-honoring mercy can be profoundly moving, even if it doesn't always lead to lasting change in the other party.

* [Proverbs 25:21-22](/proverbs/25-21-22 "Proverbs 25:21-22 - Feeding Your Enemy")
* [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17-21 "Romans 12:17-21 - Overcoming Evil with Good")
* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Samuel 24:16 offers profound insights into the power of grace and the nature of true leadership. David's decision to spare Saul’s life, even when Saul was actively seeking his destruction, exemplifies a radical trust in God's sovereignty and a deep respect for God's anointing. This act of mercy, rather than an act of vengeance, completely disarms Saul, leading to a moment of raw, unadulterated emotion. For us, this narrative challenges our natural inclination to retaliate or seek justice through our own means. It calls us to consider how we respond to those who wrong us, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or broader societal interactions. David's example encourages us to choose the path of grace, even when it seems counterintuitive or costly, trusting that God's ways are higher and ultimately more effective in revealing truth and fostering conviction. While Saul's repentance was fleeting, David's character remained steadfast, demonstrating that our integrity in the face of adversity is a powerful testimony to God's work within us, regardless of the outcome in others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's act of mercy challenge your own natural inclinations when faced with injustice or personal attack?**
* **What does Saul's emotional response reveal about the power of unexpected grace to break through hardened hearts?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to respond with mercy and restraint, rather than retaliation, even when it feels undeserved by the other party?**
* **How does trusting God's sovereignty, as David did, empower us to act with grace even when we have the opportunity to take matters into our own hands?**

### FAQ

**Why did Saul weep so intensely upon hearing David's voice?**

Answer: Saul's intense weeping was a multifaceted emotional response to the profound realization of David's mercy and his own egregious error. He had been relentlessly pursuing David to kill him, believing him to be a traitor and a threat. When David revealed himself, having had the perfect opportunity to kill Saul but choosing instead to spare him and show respect for his anointing, the sheer magnitude of David's character overwhelmed Saul. His tears likely stemmed from a mixture of shame for his own murderous intentions, regret for his unjust pursuit, relief that David had not harmed him, and a sudden, painful recognition of David's righteousness and his own spiritual decline. It was a moment where the truth of David's innocence and the depth of Saul's sin were laid bare before him.

**Was this a true and lasting change of heart for Saul?**

Answer: While Saul's emotional response in [1 Samuel 24:16](/1_samuel/24-16 "1 Samuel 24:16 - Saul Weeps") was undeniably powerful and seemingly sincere in the moment, it proved to be temporary rather than a true, transformative change of heart. Immediately following this encounter, Saul acknowledges David's righteousness and even prophesies that David will indeed be king ([1 Samuel 24:17-20](/1_samuel/24-17 "1 Samuel 24:17-20 - Saul Acknowledges David's Righteousness")). However, Saul's deep-seated paranoia, jealousy, and spiritual rebellion quickly resurfaced. Shortly after, he resumed his pursuit of David ([1 Samuel 26:1-2](/1_samuel/26-1 "1 Samuel 26:1-2 - Saul Resumes Pursuit of David")), demonstrating that his weeping was more an emotional reaction to a specific event than a fundamental shift in his character or a genuine turning back to God. This highlights the difference between worldly sorrow, which can be fleeting, and godly sorrow, which leads to true repentance ([2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")).

**What does David's act of mercy teach us about responding to our enemies?**

Answer: David's act of mercy in the cave teaches us a profound lesson about responding to hostility with grace, trust in God's justice, and respect for divine authority. Instead of retaliating against Saul, David chose to honor God's anointing on Saul and to trust God to vindicate him in His own time. This demonstrates that true strength lies not in vengeance but in restraint and reliance on divine providence. It teaches us to "not repay evil for evil" but to "overcome evil with good" ([Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17-21 "Romans 12:17-21 - Overcome Evil with Good")). David's actions, driven by faith and reverence for God, ultimately served as a powerful testimony to his character and momentarily exposed the darkness in Saul's heart, proving that grace can be a more potent force than retribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic encounter in 1 Samuel 24, culminating in Saul's weeping, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate act of mercy and non-retaliation found in Jesus Christ. David, though innocent and persecuted, refused to harm God's anointed, leaving vengeance to the Lord. This act of self-restraint and love for an enemy finds its perfect and ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, though innocent and perpetually pursued by those who hated Him, never retaliated. Instead, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His life for His enemies, offering forgiveness even from the cross ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")). While David spared Saul's life in the cave, Christ, through His death and resurrection, offered eternal life to humanity, who were His enemies in their sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us While We Were Still Sinners")). Saul's temporary weeping in response to David's mercy pales in comparison to the transformative repentance and eternal salvation offered through the overwhelming grace of Christ, who conquers not with a sword, but with sacrificial love and an open invitation to reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). David's act was a shadow; Christ's was the reality, a perfect demonstration of divine love that disarms sin and offers true, lasting redemption.

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 26:17

And Saul knew David's voice, and said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And David said, [It is] my voice, my lord, O king.

Genesis 33:4

And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

Job 6:25

How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?

Acts 6:10

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Proverbs 15:1

¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 25:11

¶ A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.