1 Samuel 24:3

KJV

And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where [was] a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he came {H935} to the sheepcotes {H1448}{H6629} by the way {H1870}, where was a cave {H4631}; and Saul {H7586} went in {H935} to cover {H5526} his feet {H7272}: and David {H1732} and his men {H582} remained {H3427} in the sides {H3411} of the cave {H4631}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Near some sheep pens along the way was a cave, and Sha'ul went inside to relieve himself. It happened that David and his men were sitting in the recesses at the back of the cave;

Berean Standard Bible

Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave.

American Standard Version

And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet. Now David and his men were abiding in the innermost parts of the cave.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:3 masterfully sets the stage for one of the most pivotal encounters in David's life, describing King Saul's unwitting entry into a cave in the wilderness of En-gedi. Unbeknownst to Saul, David and his loyal men are already concealed deep within its recesses, creating a moment of unparalleled vulnerability for the king and an extraordinary opportunity for David. This verse encapsulates the dramatic irony of the situation, highlighting Saul's relentless pursuit culminating in his unexpected exposure to the very man he sought to destroy, thereby laying the groundwork for a profound test of David's character, faith, and his respect for God's divine appointments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's fugitive years, immediately following Saul's renewed and intense pursuit. [1 Samuel 24:1-2](/1_samuel/24-1-2 "1 Samuel 24:1-2 - Saul's Relentless Pursuit of David") details Saul's mobilization of 3,000 elite soldiers to hunt David in the rugged wilderness of En-gedi, emphasizing the king's obsessive determination. The narrative builds considerable tension as David is constantly on the run, his life perpetually in danger. [1 Samuel 24:3](/1_samuel/24-3 "1 Samuel 24:3 - Saul Enters David's Hiding Place") marks the dramatic turning point, as Saul inadvertently places himself in David's power, setting up the profound moral dilemma that David faces in the subsequent verses, where he famously spares Saul's life ([1 Samuel 24:4-7](/1_samuel/24-4-7 "1 Samuel 24:4-7 - David Spares Saul's Life")). The entire chapter, [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life"), is dedicated to this singular event, serving as a powerful contrast between Saul's unrighteous vengeance and David's righteous restraint, foreshadowing David's character as Israel's future king.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, the wilderness of En-gedi, is crucial to understanding the scene. This region, located on the western shore of the Dead Sea, is characterized by its harsh, arid landscape, marked by deep ravines, steep cliffs, and numerous natural caves. These caves were commonly used as shelters by shepherds, travelers, and, as in David's case, fugitives, offering protection from the elements and concealment from enemies. "Sheephcotes by the way" refers to stone enclosures or pens, often constructed near or within natural shelters like caves, where shepherds would gather their flocks for protection. The phrase "to cover his feet" is a well-established ancient Hebrew euphemism for relieving oneself, specifically defecating. This detail signifies a moment of extreme privacy and vulnerability, indicating that Saul was alone, likely disarmed, and completely unaware of any threat. This cultural nuance underscores the depth of Saul's exposed position, making David's hidden presence and subsequent actions all the more remarkable and unexpected from Saul's perspective. The broader political context is Saul's increasingly paranoid and unstable reign, a consequence of his rejection by God and David's anointing as the future king ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")).

* **Key Themes:** The incident in the cave at En-gedi is replete with profound theological and narrative themes. **Divine Providence** is a paramount theme, as God orchestrates this seemingly accidental encounter, placing Saul directly into David's hands. This is presented not as mere coincidence but as a divinely arranged test of David's character and faith. Another central theme is **David's Integrity and Respect for God's Anointed**. Despite Saul's relentless persecution and repeated attempts on his life, David demonstrates profound reverence for the office of the king and for Saul as "the Lord's anointed." This refusal to take vengeance into his own hands, powerfully articulated in [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Reverence for God's Anointed"), sets David apart from typical ancient Near Eastern rulers and highlights his unique moral compass. The theme of **Vulnerability and Opportunity** is starkly presented; Saul's moment of extreme vulnerability becomes David's unparalleled opportunity to seize power and end his suffering, yet he chooses restraint. Finally, the narrative emphasizes **The Test of Patience and Trust in God's Timing**. David, though divinely appointed as king, patiently waits for God to remove Saul and elevate him to the throne, rather than resorting to violence or manipulation. This patience is a hallmark of his trust in God's sovereign plan, a theme echoed throughout his life, as seen in [Psalm 27:14](/psalm/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Waiting on the Lord's Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sheepcotes (Hebrew, _gᵉdêrâh'_):** This term (H1448) refers to an "enclosure (especially for flocks)," a "(sheep-) cote (fold), hedge, [or] wall." These were typically stone structures or natural formations augmented with walls, used by shepherds to protect their flocks (H6629, _tsôʼn_) from predators and the elements. The presence of "sheepcotes by the way" suggests a known, perhaps even frequented, location in the wilderness, making it a plausible spot for someone to seek temporary shelter or privacy. For Saul to enter such a place indicates his need for a secluded spot, reinforcing the unexpected nature of David's hidden presence.
* **to cover his feet (Hebrew, _çâkak'_ and _regel'_):** This phrase combines the primitive root H5526 (_çâkak_), meaning "to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over," and H7272 (_regel_), meaning "a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda." Together, "to cover his feet" is a well-established euphemism in Hebrew for relieving oneself, specifically defecating. It signifies a moment of extreme personal vulnerability and privacy. The act implies that Saul had disarmed himself, was alone, and was completely unaware of any impending danger, making David's proximity and the opportunity presented even more profound. This detail is crucial for understanding the depth of Saul's exposed position and the moral weight of David's subsequent decision.
* **remained (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This primitive root (H3427) properly means "to sit down (specifically as judge, in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain." David and his men were not merely passing through but had taken up residence, "abiding" or "dwelling" in the cave's recesses. This word emphasizes their settled, hidden presence, implying a state of stillness and concealment that allowed them to observe Saul's arrival and vulnerable state without being detected. Their "remaining" transforms a simple cave into a crucible of moral decision for David, presenting him with an unparalleled opportunity to end his persecution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where [was] a cave":** This clause establishes the setting for the pivotal encounter. Saul, in his relentless pursuit of David, arrives at a common landmark in the wilderness—sheephcotes—which happens to be adjacent to or incorporate a cave. The seemingly mundane detail of "by the way" underscores the natural, unforced arrival of Saul, suggesting divine orchestration rather than human design. The presence of the cave is the crucial element, providing the stage for the hidden drama.
* **"and Saul went in to cover his feet":** This is the critical action of the verse, revealing Saul's purpose for entering the cave. As a euphemism for relieving himself, it signifies a moment of private vulnerability. Saul enters alone, likely disarmed and relaxed, completely unaware of any threat. This act of seeking solitude and privacy sets up the dramatic irony of the situation, as he is unknowingly walking into the presence of his most feared adversary.
* **"and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave":** This final clause reveals the astonishing reality: David and his men were already inside the cave, hidden in its deepest recesses (H3411, _yᵉrêkâh_, meaning "the rear or recess" of the cave, H4631, _mᵉʻârâh_, "a cavern"). They were not merely passing by but had taken refuge there. Their "remaining" implies a state of stillness and concealment, allowing them to observe Saul's arrival and vulnerable state without being detected. This detail transforms a simple cave into a crucible of moral decision for David, presenting him with an unparalleled opportunity to end his persecution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. **Euphemism** is prominently featured in the phrase "to cover his feet," which discreetly conveys Saul's vulnerable act of relieving himself. This polite substitution for a more direct description highlights the intimacy and privacy of the moment, making Saul's unawareness of David's presence all the more striking. **Irony** pervades the scene: Saul, the powerful king, relentlessly hunting David, unknowingly enters the very hiding place of his quarry and places himself in a position of extreme weakness before him. The hunter becomes the hunted's unwitting prey. The **Setting** of the cave itself acts as a powerful symbol. It represents both refuge and confinement, a place of hiddenness and unexpected encounter. For David, it is a sanctuary; for Saul, it becomes a trap. This confined space intensifies the personal confrontation and the moral stakes. Furthermore, the verse serves as an act of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at David's future character as a king who respects divine authority and waits for God's timing, rather than seizing power through violence or treachery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 24:3 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in human affairs, demonstrating how seemingly random circumstances can be divinely orchestrated to test character and advance His purposes. It underscores the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and that believers are called to trust in God's timing and methods for justice, rather than taking matters into their own hands. David's restraint, born from his deep reverence for God's anointed, sets a powerful precedent for how believers should relate to authority, even when that authority is flawed or persecutory. This narrative emphasizes that true power lies not in physical might or opportunistic action, but in moral integrity and faithful submission to divine will. It is a testament to the fact that God often works in hidden ways, placing His servants in positions where their faith and obedience are profoundly tested, ultimately revealing His faithfulness to His promises and demonstrating His ultimate control over all circumstances.

* [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "David's Respect for the Lord's Anointed")
* [1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "David Spares Saul Again")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance Belongs to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in the cave at En-gedi offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider how we respond when presented with "easy" opportunities to gain an advantage, especially over those who have wronged us. David's choice to spare Saul, despite the immense personal cost of continued persecution, exemplifies a radical trust in God's justice and sovereignty. In a world that often rewards ruthless ambition and immediate gratification, this narrative calls us to cultivate patience, integrity, and a deep respect for divine authority, even when human authority is corrupt or unjust. It reminds us that our true vindication comes from God, not from our own efforts to exact revenge or manipulate circumstances. We are invited to reflect on whether we truly believe that God is capable of working all things for our good and His glory, even when it means enduring hardship and waiting on His perfect timing. This passage encourages us to surrender our desire for immediate retribution and instead commit to a path of faithful obedience, trusting that God will ultimately set all things right in His perfect way and time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you been presented with an "easy" opportunity to gain an advantage over someone who has wronged you? How did you respond, and what principles guided your decision?**
* **How does David's respect for "the Lord's anointed" challenge your own views on respecting authority, especially when you disagree with or are harmed by those in power?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to trust God's timing, feeling tempted to take matters into your own hands?**
* **What does David's choice in the cave teach us about the nature of true spiritual power and integrity?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart that seeks God's justice and timing over our own desire for immediate retribution?**

### FAQ

**What does "to cover his feet" mean in this context?**

Answer: "To cover his feet" is an ancient Hebrew euphemism for relieving oneself, specifically defecating. It signifies a moment of extreme privacy, vulnerability, and often, a temporary state of being unarmed or relaxed. This detail is crucial because it highlights that King Saul was completely unaware of David's presence in the cave and was in a highly exposed position, making David's subsequent restraint all the more remarkable. It underscores the perfect, divinely orchestrated opportunity David had to eliminate his persecutor without a struggle, a testament to God's sovereign hand in the narrative.

**Why didn't David kill Saul when he had the perfect opportunity?**

Answer: David chose not to kill Saul primarily out of profound respect for God's anointing on Saul. Despite Saul's unrighteous actions and relentless pursuit, David recognized that Saul was still "the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Respect for Saul's Anointing")). David believed that it was not his place to lay a hand on God's chosen king, even if that king was acting unjustly. He trusted that God, in His perfect timing and sovereignty, would remove Saul and establish him as king. This decision demonstrated David's deep faith, integrity, and commitment to letting God be the ultimate judge and vindicator, a principle echoed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord").

**What is the significance of the cave in this narrative?**

Answer: The cave holds multiple layers of significance. Practically, it served as a natural hiding place and shelter for David and his men, common in the rugged wilderness of En-gedi. Symbolically, it represents a place of hiddenness and unexpected encounter. For Saul, it was a place of privacy and vulnerability, a seemingly safe refuge that ironically became a trap. For David, it was a crucible, a place where his character and faith were intensely tested. The darkness and confinement of the cave amplify the tension and the moral weight of David's decision, transforming a simple geographic feature into a stage for a profound theological drama about divine providence and human integrity. It underscores that even in the most obscure and confined spaces, God is at work, orchestrating events for His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic encounter in the cave at En-gedi, where David spares Saul, serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ's character and mission. David, though divinely appointed as the next king, endures unjust suffering and persecution at the hands of the reigning, yet rejected, king. He refuses to seize power through violence or by harming God's anointed, choosing instead a path of submission, patience, and trust in divine timing. This mirrors Christ, the true King, who, though possessing all power and authority ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), willingly subjected Himself to suffering and death at the hands of a corrupt religious and political establishment. Jesus, like David, refused to call down legions of angels to defend Himself ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Refuses to Call Angels")), choosing instead the path of self-sacrifice and obedience to His Father's will ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). David's integrity in not touching "the Lord's anointed" points to Christ's perfect integrity, who, "when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). Ultimately, David's vindication and ascension to the throne, not by his own hand but by God's, prefigures Christ's resurrection and exaltation, demonstrating that true kingship is established through humble obedience and divine appointment, not through human might or opportunistic violence ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Made Jesus Both Lord and Christ")).

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

Judges 3:24

When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour [were] locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.

Psalms 142:1

¶ Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.

Psalms 142:7

Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Psalms 57:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.

Psalms 57:11

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.

Psalms 141:6

When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.