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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Samuel 24:4 is a pivotal moment in the dramatic pursuit of David by King Saul, showcasing David's remarkable character and faith amidst extreme pressure. The verse describes David's men urging him to seize what they perceived as a divinely given opportunity to eliminate his enemy, Saul, who had unexpectedly entered the very cave where David and his men were hiding.

Context

At this point in the narrative (1 Samuel 24), David is a fugitive, relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who is consumed by jealousy and fear that David will usurp his throne. David and his 600 men are hiding in the wilderness of En-gedi. Saul, unaware of their presence, enters the same cave "to cover his feet" (a euphemism for relieving himself). This presents David with what appears to be the perfect chance to end his suffering and secure his future. David had already been anointed by Samuel as the next king of Israel, but he had not yet taken the throne, choosing to trust God's timing rather than his own.

Key Themes

  • Temptation and Opportunity: David's men saw this as a clear sign from God, interpreting the circumstance as the fulfillment of a prophecy or promise ("Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand"). They believed God had delivered Saul directly into David's hands for judgment.
  • Misinterpretation of Divine Will: While it was an opportune moment, the men's counsel represented a temptation to take matters into David's own hands, rather than waiting on God's perfect timing and method for removing Saul. God's promises to David about kingship did not involve assassinating the reigning monarch.
  • David's Restraint and Respect for God's Anointed: Despite the immense personal suffering Saul had inflicted upon him and the strong encouragement from his men, David chose not to harm Saul. His action of merely cutting off the skirt of Saul's robe, though symbolic, demonstrated his clear choice against bloodshed. This act foreshadowed David's deep respect for Saul as "the LORD's anointed," a principle he upheld even when his own life was in danger. He later reiterates this principle in 1 Samuel 26:9.
  • Symbolic Act: Cutting off the skirt of Saul's robe was a significant gesture. It was a tangible proof that David had been close enough to kill Saul, yet chose not to. In ancient cultures, the hem or skirt of a garment could symbolize authority, honor, or even the wearer's life. By cutting it, David symbolically "cut off" a piece of Saul's power or kingdom, subtly foreshadowing the transfer of the throne.

Linguistic Insights

The word "privily" (or "secretly" in some translations) emphasizes the stealth and vulnerability of the situation. David was able to approach Saul entirely undetected, highlighting the ease with which he could have accomplished the deed his men suggested. The phrase "skirt of Saul's robe" refers to the hem or border of his outer garment, which was a significant part of one's attire, often associated with dignity and authority.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Trusting God's Timing: It teaches us not to seize "opportunities" that contradict God's moral law or His established plan, even when they seem to be divinely presented. God works in His own way and time to fulfill His promises.
  • Self-Restraint and Integrity: David's refusal to take revenge or force God's hand is a model of integrity. We are called to act with restraint, especially when wronged, and to leave vengeance to the Lord (Romans 12:19).
  • Respect for Authority: Even when authority figures are flawed or hostile, David's example reminds us to respect the office, recognizing that all authority is ultimately permitted or appointed by God (Romans 13:1).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 26:8 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.