1 Samuel 24:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} of David {H1732} said {H559} unto him, Behold the day {H3117} of which the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto thee, Behold, I will deliver {H5414} thine enemy {H341} into thine hand {H3027}, that thou mayest do {H6213} to him as it shall seem good {H3190} unto thee {H5869}. Then David {H1732} arose {H6965}, and cut off {H3772} the skirt {H3671} of Saul's {H7586} robe {H4598} privily {H3909}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and David's men said to him, "Look! The day has come that ADONAI told you about when he said to you, 'I will turn your enemy over to you, and you will do to him whatever seems good to you.'"Then David stole over unobserved and cut off the corner of Sha'ul's cloak.

Berean Standard Bible

So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up secretly and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:4 presents a profound moral and spiritual test for David, as his loyal men urge him to seize a seemingly providential opportunity to eliminate King Saul, his relentless persecutor. Trapped unknowingly in the same cave as David, Saul's vulnerability is interpreted by David's men as divine permission to act. Faced with immense pressure and apparent justification for vengeance, David chooses a path of remarkable restraint, demonstrating unwavering respect for God's anointing on Saul, even in his fallen state, by merely cutting off a piece of Saul's robe rather than taking his life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within a highly dramatic and intense period of David's life, following his anointing by Samuel as the future king of Israel in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King") and his subsequent rise to national prominence. King Saul, consumed by a jealous and malevolent spirit, has become obsessively intent on hunting David down, viewing him as an existential threat to his throne. The narrative of [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul at En-gedi") specifically details Saul's relentless pursuit, which leads him to the wilderness of En-gedi, where David and his 600 men are hiding in a cave. The dramatic irony of Saul entering the very cave where David is concealed, "to cover his feet" (a common euphemism for relieving himself), sets the stage for David's critical moral and spiritual dilemma. David's men interpret this extraordinary coincidence as a direct act of God, fulfilling a perceived divine promise to deliver Saul into David's hands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, kingship was understood as a sacred institution, with the king being "the LORD's anointed" (מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה, _meshiach Yahweh_). To lay hands on the anointed of the Lord, even a disobedient and hostile one like Saul, was considered a grave offense not merely against the individual, but against God Himself, who had established the king's authority. This deeply ingrained cultural and theological understanding profoundly informed David's decision. Furthermore, the "skirt of the robe" (כָּנָף, _kanaph_) in ancient Near Eastern cultures was far more than a mere piece of clothing; it often symbolized a person's authority, honor, dignity, and even their very essence or power. To cut off the skirt was therefore a deeply symbolic act, akin to diminishing or "cutting off" a person's authority or kingdom, a subtle yet profound challenge to Saul's reign without resorting to physical violence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illuminates several key themes central to the book of Samuel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Expediency**. David's men, though perhaps well-intentioned and suffering, advocate for taking matters into human hands, misinterpreting circumstances as divine permission for immediate, self-serving action, rather than trusting God's perfect timing and method for establishing David's kingship. Secondly, it showcases **David's Unwavering Trust and Respect for God's Anointed**. Despite Saul's relentless persecution and the immense personal suffering David endured, he consistently refused to harm Saul, upholding the principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord, as seen again in [1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Spares Saul Again"). This demonstrates David's profound **Integrity and Self-Restraint**, contrasting sharply with the prevailing norms of retribution. Finally, the **Symbolic Act** of cutting the robe foreshadows the eventual transfer of the kingdom from Saul to David, without David needing to commit regicide or usurpation. This echoes the earlier symbolic tearing of Samuel's robe, signifying the tearing of the kingdom from Saul in [1 Samuel 15:27-28](/1_samuel/15-27-28 "1 Samuel 15:27-28 - Samuel Tears Saul's Robe").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâthan'_ H5414):** This Hebrew verb means "to give, put, place, set, allow, appoint." In the context of the men's statement, it carries the strong implication of God actively handing over or surrendering Saul into David's power. Their interpretation suggests a divine mandate for David to act decisively, viewing the situation as a direct fulfillment of a perceived prophecy or promise, thereby justifying any action David might take against Saul.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_ H3027):** This word, often translated as "hand," is a primitive term with a vast semantic range, frequently signifying power, control, means, or authority. When the men declare, "I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand," they are not merely speaking of physical proximity but of the complete transfer of power and control over Saul's fate to David. It implies a divine endorsement of David's absolute authority to "do to him as it shall seem good."
* **Skirt (Hebrew, _kânâph'_ H3671):** While literally meaning "wing" or "extremity," in this context, it refers to the hem or border of a garment. As noted in the historical context, the "skirt" or "hem" was a significant part of one's attire, often symbolizing authority, dignity, and even the wearer's life or power. Cutting it off was not a minor act but a symbolic disempowerment, a tangible representation of David's ability to "cut off" Saul's power or even his life, yet choosing not to.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of David said unto him,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the source of the immense temptation and pressure on David. It is not an external enemy or a random thought, but his own loyal followers, who had suffered alongside him during Saul's relentless pursuit, who are advocating for a course of action that seems logical, expedient, and even divinely sanctioned from a human perspective. Their words carry significant weight, reflecting the common desire for an immediate end to their persecution.
* **"Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand,"**: This is the core of the men's persuasive argument, presenting their interpretation of the extraordinary circumstances as a direct divine confirmation. They claim to recall a specific "word from the LORD" to David, promising the delivery of his enemy. While the exact "word" is not explicitly recorded in prior texts in this specific phrasing, it likely refers to the general understanding that God would establish David's kingdom and deal with his enemies, which the men now believe is being fulfilled in this opportune moment, granting David a divine mandate.
* **"that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee."**: This phrase grants David full discretion, implying that whatever action he takes against Saul, including killing him, would be justified and even divinely sanctioned. It highlights the profound moral and spiritual test David faces, as he is given seemingly free rein to act on his own desires for vengeance or self-preservation, with the apparent backing of God's word.
* **"Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily."**: This final clause describes David's decisive, yet profoundly restrained, action. Instead of yielding to the counsel of his men and taking Saul's life, David performs a symbolic act. The word "privily" underscores his stealth and the absolute ease with which he could have done more, emphasizing his deliberate and conscious choice of restraint. Cutting the robe serves as tangible proof of his proximity and power over Saul, yet also his resolute refusal to harm God's anointed, even in such a compelling situation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Samuel 24:4 is rich with literary devices that enhance its theological and dramatic impact. **Irony** is powerfully present, as Saul, the relentless hunter, unknowingly becomes the vulnerable prey, entering the very lair of his pursued enemy. This situational irony highlights the unexpected turns of divine providence and the precariousness of Saul's position. **Symbolism** is central to David's act of cutting off the skirt of Saul's robe. This seemingly minor act is laden with profound meaning, representing David's power to "cut off" Saul's life or kingdom, while simultaneously demonstrating his refusal to do so physically. It foreshadows the eventual transfer of authority without bloodshed. **Contrast** is vividly drawn between the counsel of David's men, who advocate for immediate and decisive action based on a human interpretation of divine will, and David's own profound restraint and unwavering trust in God's timing. This contrast underscores David's unique character and spiritual maturity. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly indicating that Saul's kingdom is indeed being "cut off" and will be transferred to David, but not through an act of human violence or usurpation, but through God's sovereign hand and David's patient obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 24:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the character of true leadership. David's refusal to seize an opportunity that seemed divinely ordained, but which would have involved taking vengeance into his own hands and harming God's anointed, demonstrates a deep understanding that God's promises are fulfilled in His way and in His time. It underscores the principle that even when circumstances appear to align perfectly with our desires or perceived divine promises, we are still bound by God's moral law and must trust His method, rather than resorting to expedience or violence. This act of restraint, born out of reverence for God's anointing, sets David apart as a man after God's own heart, willing to suffer injustice rather than compromise his integrity or usurp God's role as judge. It teaches us that true faith often involves patient endurance and a refusal to manipulate situations for personal gain, even when the path of least resistance seems to open up.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.")
* [1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David's Second Refusal to Harm Saul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in 1 Samuel 24:4 offer a powerful paradigm for believers navigating difficult circumstances today. We often face "opportunities" that seem to offer a quick resolution to our problems, a chance to get ahead, or even to exact revenge on those who have wronged us. Like David's men, we might interpret such circumstances as God's "delivery" of our enemies or obstacles into our hands, justifying actions that might compromise our integrity or contradict God's clear commands. This passage challenges us to discern between a divinely opened door and a divinely orchestrated test. True faith is not about seizing every perceived advantage, but about waiting patiently on God's perfect timing and method, trusting that He will vindicate His people and fulfill His promises without our resorting to unrighteous means. It calls us to exercise self-restraint, to leave vengeance to the Lord, and to maintain respect for authority, even when that authority is flawed or hostile. David's willingness to suffer injustice rather than compromise his principles reminds us that our character is forged in the crucible of such choices, and that God honors those who honor Him, even when it means enduring hardship and deferring personal gratification for His greater glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "opportunities" in your life might actually be a test of your trust in God's timing, rather than a green light for immediate action?**
* **How do you typically respond when you feel wronged or persecuted? Do you seek personal vindication or trust God to be your avenger?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to "cut off the skirt" of someone's authority, reputation, or dignity, rather than respecting their position, even if you disagree with their actions?**
* **What does David's profound restraint teach us about the nature of true spiritual leadership and integrity in the face of adversity?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't David kill Saul if God "delivered" him into his hand, as his men suggested?**

Answer: David's refusal to kill Saul, despite the urging of his men and the perfect opportunity, stemmed from his deep reverence for God and His anointed. While his men interpreted the situation as a direct fulfillment of a divine promise to "deliver" Saul, David understood that God's promises of kingship would be fulfilled through God's own timing and method, not through human assassination or usurpation of God's judgment. Saul, though disobedient and hostile, was still "the LORD's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Conscience Struck")), and David believed it was not his place to lay a hand on him. This act demonstrated David's profound faith, patience, and commitment to leaving vengeance and the establishment of his kingdom entirely in God's sovereign hands, rather than resorting to violence or expediency.

**What was the significance of cutting off the skirt of Saul's robe?**

Answer: Cutting off the skirt of Saul's robe was a highly symbolic act. In ancient cultures, the hem or "skirt" of a garment could represent a person's authority, honor, or even their very essence and power. By cutting it, David was tangibly demonstrating that he had been close enough to kill Saul and had the power to do so, yet chose not to. It was a non-violent, yet potent, act of symbolic disempowerment, subtly foreshadowing the transfer of the kingdom from Saul to David. It also served as tangible proof to Saul later that David meant him no harm, despite having had the perfect opportunity to do so, as seen in David's subsequent address to Saul in [1 Samuel 24:8-15](/1_samuel/24-8-15 "1 Samuel 24:8-15 - David's Plea to Saul"). This act was a deliberate choice to assert his presence and power without resorting to bloodshed, respecting Saul's anointing while subtly challenging his authority.

**Was David's act of cutting the robe a sin, given his later remorse?**

Answer: David's immediate remorse after cutting the robe ([1 Samuel 24:5](/1_samuel/24-5 "1 Samuel 24:5 - David's Heart Struck Him")) suggests that even this symbolic act was seen by him as a transgression against the "LORD's anointed." While it was far from the act of murder his men proposed, David's conscience was pricked because he had, in a sense, "laid a hand" on the king's dignity and authority. His remorse highlights his extreme reverence for God's chosen king, even a fallen one. It wasn't a sin in the same category as murder, but it was an act of disrespect towards the office of the king, which David deemed inappropriate for himself. This deep sensitivity to even minor transgressions against God's anointed underscores David's profound piety and his consistent refusal to harm Saul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 24:4, with David's remarkable restraint and reverence for God's anointed, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, though a "man after God's own heart," was still a flawed human king, prone to sin. His refusal to seize power by force, instead trusting God's timing and respecting the "LORD's anointed," foreshadows the perfect obedience and non-violent path of the true King, Jesus. Unlike David, who was tempted to take a kingdom by human means, Christ, the ultimate "Anointed One" (Messiah), willingly emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, rather than asserting His divine prerogative or seizing an earthly throne ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus refused to take the kingdoms of the world by bowing to Satan, choosing instead the path of perfect obedience to the Father ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation of Jesus")). He did not fight to establish His kingdom, declaring, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Instead of cutting off the robe of His enemies, He allowed Himself to be stripped and crucified, becoming the suffering servant who "was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus, the true Lamb of God, willingly submitted to the injustice of human authority and the wrath of God for the sake of humanity, thereby securing a kingdom that is eternal and righteous, not through violence, but through ultimate self-sacrifice and resurrection. He is the perfectly patient King, who will return not as a fugitive, but as the triumphant Lord of Lords, whose reign is established by divine power, not human force ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")).

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 26:8

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 26:11

The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that [is] at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

1 Samuel 26:23

The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into [my] hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

1 Samuel 24:10

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.

1 Samuel 25:28

I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee [all] thy days.

1 Samuel 25:30

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel;

1 Samuel 23:7

¶ And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.