1 Samuel 24:5

KJV

And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass afterward {H310}, that David's {H1732} heart {H3820} smote {H5221} him, because he had cut off {H3772} Saul's {H7586} skirt {H3671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after doing this, David felt remorse over cutting Sha'ul's garment.

Berean Standard Bible

Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:5 captures a profound moment of spiritual sensitivity in David, where his conscience immediately convicts him after he secretly cuts off a piece of King Saul's robe. This seemingly minor act, performed while Saul was vulnerable in a cave, deeply troubles David, revealing his unwavering reverence for God's anointed, even when that anointed leader is unjustly persecuting him. The verse underscores David's unique character as a man after God's own heart, prioritizing divine honor over personal vengeance or opportunistic gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within a dramatic narrative detailing Saul's relentless pursuit of David, driven by jealousy and paranoia. Immediately preceding [1 Samuel 24:5](/1_samuel/24-5 "1 Samuel 24:5 - David's Heart Smote Him"), David and his men are hiding in a cave at En-gedi. Saul, unaware of their presence, enters the very same cave to relieve himself ([1 Samuel 24:3](/1_samuel/24-3 "1 Samuel 24:3 - Saul Enters the Cave")). David's men urge him to seize this "God-given" opportunity to kill Saul, but David refuses, instead merely cutting off the corner of Saul's robe ([1 Samuel 24:4](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4 - David Cuts Saul's Robe")). The verse in question, [1 Samuel 24:5](/1_samuel/24-5 "1 Samuel 24:5 - David's Immediate Remorse"), highlights David's immediate and profound remorse *after* this act, setting the stage for his subsequent confrontation with Saul, where he uses the cut garment as proof of his innocence and respect ([1 Samuel 24:8-15](/1_samuel/24-8 "1 Samuel 24:8-15 - David Confronts Saul")). This moment is pivotal in demonstrating David's character and his commitment to God's timing and sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel, where kingship was understood as a divinely appointed office. Saul, though rejected by God for his disobedience ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection")), still held the title of "the LORD's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Respect for Saul")). To "touch" or harm God's anointed, even symbolically, was considered a grave offense against God Himself. The "skirt" or "hem" of a garment, particularly a king's robe, often symbolized authority, honor, and identity. Cutting it off could be seen as a symbolic act of undermining or usurping that authority, or even a magical act of weakening the wearer. Caves like those in En-gedi were common hiding places in the rugged Judean wilderness, offering refuge for outlaws and fugitives. David's actions reflect a deep understanding of the sacred nature of the king's office, a cultural norm that transcended Saul's personal unworthiness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Respect for God's Anointed**, even when that individual is acting unjustly. David's immediate remorse reveals his profound reverence for the office of king, ordained by God, irrespective of the incumbent's personal failings. This theme is reiterated when David later refuses to harm Saul a second time ([1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Spares Saul Again")). Secondly, it highlights David's **Sensitive Conscience** and spiritual maturity. Unlike Saul, whose heart had hardened, David's conscience was quick to convict him of even a symbolic transgression, demonstrating his desire to live blamelessly before God. Thirdly, the verse underscores David's **Trust in Divine Justice and Sovereignty**. By refusing to take vengeance or justice into his own hands, David exemplifies a profound trust that God would ultimately deal with Saul and establish David as king in His own perfect timing, a principle echoed in the wisdom literature ([Proverbs 20:22](/proverbs/20-22 "Proverbs 20:22 - Do Not Seek Vengeance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** The Hebrew verb נָכָה (_nakah_) literally means "to strike," "to hit," or "to wound." While it often describes a physical blow (e.g., striking an enemy in battle), its use here in the phrase "David's heart smote him" is metaphorical, conveying a powerful internal blow or wound to his conscience. It signifies a sudden, sharp, and profound conviction of wrongdoing, an immediate and deeply felt pang of guilt and regret that struck David's innermost being. This is not a fleeting thought but a significant spiritual and emotional impact.
* **Skirt (Hebrew, _kanaph'_):** The Hebrew word כָּנָף (_kanaph_) literally means "wing" or "extremity," and in the context of clothing, refers to the "corner," "hem," or "fringe" of a garment. In ancient Israel, the corners of garments often had special significance, sometimes bearing tassels or fringes (Numbers 15:38-39). More broadly, the "skirt" or "hem" of a king's robe was a symbol of his authority, honor, and even his very person. Cutting it off was not merely damaging fabric; it was a symbolic act of disrespect, an undermining of his royal authority, or even a claim to his power. David's remorse indicates his recognition of the profound symbolic weight of his action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass afterward":** This introductory phrase serves as a temporal marker, indicating that David's remorse was not immediate *during* the act of cutting the skirt, but rather occurred "afterward" – perhaps moments later, as the full weight and implications of his action settled upon him. It highlights the reflective nature of his conviction.
* **"that David's heart smote him":** This is the core of the verse, describing David's immediate and intense internal reaction. His "heart" (לֵב, _lev_) refers to his inner being, his conscience, his moral and spiritual core. The verb "smote" (נָכָה, _nakah_) powerfully conveys a sudden and painful internal blow. It signifies a profound sense of guilt, regret, and conviction that he had done something deeply wrong, even if his intentions were not malicious. This demonstrates David's spiritual sensitivity and his alignment with God's standards.
* **"because he had cut off Saul's skirt":** This clause explicitly states the cause of David's remorse. The act of cutting the skirt, though not physically harmful to Saul, was a symbolic transgression. David understood that by "touching" the garment of the LORD's anointed, he had, in a sense, "touched" or dishonored God's chosen king. His conscience was smitten not because he feared Saul's retaliation, but because he felt he had acted improperly against God's established order and against the person God had set apart.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, as Saul's "skirt" or "hem" functions as a symbol of his royal authority, dignity, and even his very person. David's act of cutting it off is a symbolic undermining of that authority, even if not a direct physical assault. The immediate remorse following this act underscores the profound symbolic weight David attributed to it. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present: David, the hunted and seemingly powerless fugitive, demonstrates a far greater reverence for God's anointed office than Saul, the reigning king, who is actively seeking to murder God's chosen successor. Furthermore, the phrase "heart smote him" is a powerful **Metaphor**, transforming a physical action ("smote" or "struck") into an internal, psychological, and spiritual experience of profound conviction and regret. This vivid imagery effectively conveys the depth of David's moral distress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's immediate remorse in 1 Samuel 24:5 serves as a powerful theological statement about the sanctity of God's anointing and the importance of a sensitive conscience. It underscores that God's chosen instruments, even when flawed or actively hostile, retain a certain sacred status in the eyes of those who truly fear the Lord. David's refusal to take matters into his own hands, even when presented with a seemingly perfect opportunity, demonstrates his unwavering trust in divine justice and timing. This act of self-restraint and reverence, despite extreme provocation, sets David apart as a man whose heart was attuned to God's will, even in the face of immense personal danger and injustice. It teaches us that true faith often manifests not in aggressive action, but in patient submission to God's sovereign plan and a deep respect for His established order.

* [1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David's Refusal to Harm Saul")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's immediate and profound remorse over cutting Saul's robe offers a timeless lesson for believers. It challenges us to cultivate a conscience that is not only sensitive to overt sin but also to actions that, while seemingly minor, may dishonor God or those He has placed in authority. In a world that often encourages immediate retaliation, self-vindication, or the opportunistic seizing of advantage, David's example calls us to a higher standard of spiritual discernment and self-control. It reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God, and our actions, even in private, reflect our reverence for His sovereignty and His appointed order. When faced with injustice or provocation, rather than taking matters into our own hands, we are called to trust God's perfect timing and justice, allowing Him to vindicate us and deal with our adversaries in His way. This requires humility, patience, and a deep-seated conviction that God is ultimately in control and will work all things for good for those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How sensitive is my conscience to actions that might subtly dishonor God or His established authorities, even if they don't seem like "major" sins?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take justice or vengeance into my own hands, rather than trusting God's timing and sovereignty?**
* **What does David's immediate remorse teach me about the importance of quick repentance and a heart that is quick to respond to the Holy Spirit's conviction?**

### FAQ
**Why was cutting Saul's skirt such a big deal that David's heart "smote him"?**

Answer: Cutting Saul's skirt was a significant act for several reasons, even though it wasn't physically harmful. Firstly, in ancient cultures, the hem or corner of a garment, especially a king's robe, was a powerful symbol of his authority, honor, and even his very person. To cut it off was a symbolic act of undermining, dishonoring, or even attempting to usurp that authority. It was a direct affront to Saul's status as the LORD's anointed king, regardless of Saul's personal failings. David understood the sacred nature of the kingship, as God had established it. His conscience was "smitten" because he recognized that he had disrespected God's chosen office, even if he didn't intend to harm Saul physically. It was a transgression against a divinely ordained order, which David, as a man after God's own heart, took very seriously. He felt he had gone too far, even in merely proving his innocence.

**Why didn't David just kill Saul when he had the chance? Wouldn't that have been God's will, given Saul's persecution?**

Answer: David explicitly refused to kill Saul because Saul was "the LORD's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Respect for Saul")). While Saul was indeed persecuting David and had been rejected by God as king ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection")), David believed that only God had the right to remove His anointed. Taking Saul's life would have been an act of taking justice into his own hands, usurping God's prerogative, and potentially establishing himself as king through violence rather than divine appointment. David consistently demonstrated a profound trust in God's sovereignty and timing. He believed that God would establish him as king when and how He saw fit, without David needing to resort to ungodly means. This principle is further reinforced when David spares Saul a second time in [1 Samuel 26:9-11](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9-11 - David Spares Saul Again").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound respect for God's anointed, even in the face of extreme provocation, beautifully foreshadows the character and mission of Jesus Christ. While David refrained from harming Saul, the earthly king who unjustly persecuted him, Jesus, the true and eternal King, willingly submitted to the unjust authorities of His day, allowing Himself to be arrested, tried, and crucified, even though He had the power to summon legions of angels ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Summon Angels")). Unlike David, who merely cut a garment, Jesus allowed His own body to be "cut off" and broken for the sins of humanity, demonstrating ultimate humility and submission to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Where David refused to take vengeance, Jesus, "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 in Suffering")). David's sensitive conscience and trust in God's justice point to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, never allowing personal gain or retaliation to divert Him from His divine mission. His ultimate vindication came not through earthly power, but through His resurrection, proving His sovereignty over all things, including death and sin ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "1 Romans 1:4 - Christ Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Thus, David's restraint is a shadow of the perfect, non-retaliatory love and submission embodied by our Savior, who perfectly trusted the Father to bring about His ultimate reign and justice.

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

2 Samuel 24:10

¶ And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

2 Samuel 12:9

Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife [to be] thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

1 John 3:20

¶ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 3:21

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

2 Kings 22:19

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD.