1 Samuel 24:8

KJV

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

KJV (with Strong's)

David {H1732} also arose {H6965} afterward, and went out {H3318} of the cave {H4631}, and cried {H7121} after {H310} Saul {H7586}, saying {H559}, My lord {H113} the king {H4428}. And when Saul {H7586} looked {H5027} behind {H310} him, David {H1732} stooped {H6915} with his face {H639} to the earth {H776}, and bowed {H7812} himself.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David too got up and went outside the cave, where he called after Sha'ul, "My lord the king!" When Sha'ul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.

Berean Standard Bible

After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence

American Standard Version

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of David and Saul, capturing David's extraordinary act of humility and reverence after sparing Saul's life in the cave of Engedi. Emerging from concealment, David courageously addresses Saul, not with accusation or defiance, but with profound respect, acknowledging Saul's royal authority. His subsequent act of prostration demonstrates deep submission and unwavering deference to God's anointed king, despite Saul's relentless and unjust persecution, setting the stage for a dramatic and emotionally charged encounter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of this verse is the intense and morally complex encounter between David and Saul in the cave of Engedi. Prior to this, Saul, driven by a malevolent spirit and consuming jealousy, has been relentlessly pursuing David to kill him ([1 Samuel 18:8-9](/1_samuel/18-8 "1 Samuel 18:8-9 - Saul's Jealousy of David")). Unbeknownst to Saul, he enters the very cave where David and his men are hiding 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 divinely-given opportunity to eliminate his persecutor ([1 Samuel 24:4](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4 - David's Men Urge David to Kill Saul")). However, David, demonstrating remarkable self-restraint and reverence for God's chosen king, refuses to harm "the LORD's anointed," instead merely cutting off a corner of Saul's robe as proof of his proximity and mercy ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Refuses to Harm Saul")). [1 Samuel 24:8](/1_samuel/24-8 "1 Samuel 24:8 - David's Respect for Saul") directly follows this act of restraint, as David steps out of the cave to reveal himself and address Saul, transforming a moment of potential assassination into one of profound moral and spiritual declaration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event is set against the backdrop of Israel's transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy, with Saul as its first, albeit deeply flawed, king, and David as God's divinely chosen successor ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King")). The geographical setting, the [wilderness of Engedi](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul at Engedi"), was known for its rugged terrain, numerous caves, and strategic remoteness, making it an ideal hiding place for fugitives like David and his band. Culturally, the address "My lord the king" was the standard, formal, and highly respectful way to address a reigning monarch in the ancient Near East, signifying acknowledgment of their supreme authority. Furthermore, the act of "stooping with his face to the earth, and bowed himself" was the most extreme form of prostration, a common gesture of profound deference, humility, and submission. This was not merely social etiquette but a deeply symbolic act, universally understood to acknowledge the superior status and authority of the one being honored, often bordering on an act of worship when directed towards a deity.
* **Key Themes:** The actions depicted in [1 Samuel 24:8](/1_samuel/24-8 "1 Samuel 24:8 - David's Humility and Respect") are central to several profound themes woven throughout the book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **respect for God-ordained authority**, even when that authority is corrupt or actively persecuting. David's unwavering reverence for Saul as "the LORD's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Refusal to Harm Saul"); [1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Spares Saul Again")) highlights a principle of submission to divine institutions, regardless of the individual's character. Secondly, the verse showcases David's profound **humility** and self-control, contrasting sharply with Saul's pride, paranoia, and vengefulness. Despite being God's chosen king, David refuses to assert his claim through violence or human maneuvering. Finally, David's actions underscore his unwavering **trust in God's sovereignty and timing**. Instead of seizing the throne by force, David patiently relies on divine providence to establish him as king, demonstrating a deep faith that God would accomplish His purposes without human intervention, a recurring motif in his early life ([1 Samuel 26:10](/1_samuel/26-10 "1 Samuel 26:10 - David's Trust in God's Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This term (H113) signifies a sovereign, master, or owner. When used in the phrase "My lord the king," it functions as a formal and highly respectful address, acknowledging the recipient's superior authority and position. David's use of this term for Saul, despite being hunted by him, is a deliberate and public affirmation of Saul's legitimate, God-given kingship, demonstrating David's profound reverence for the office itself.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** The word (H4428) denotes a monarch or royal ruler. Coupled with "my lord," it completes the formal title, unequivocally recognizing Saul's status as the reigning king of Israel. This acknowledgment from David, who knows he is God's chosen successor, underscores his commitment to God's established order and his refusal to usurp authority through violent means.
* **bowed (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This primitive root (H7812) means "to depress," "to prostrate," or "to worship." In this context, combined with "stooped with his face to the earth," it describes a complete prostration, falling flat on one's face. This was the most extreme form of deference and submission in ancient Near Eastern culture, signifying profound humility, respect, and recognition of the other's superior status and authority. David's action is a public declaration of his non-aggression and submission to Saul's royal prerogative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying,":** This clause marks a decisive and courageous turning point. Having just demonstrated incredible restraint by not harming Saul within the cave, David now takes the initiative to emerge from his hidden sanctuary. His act of "crying after Saul" indicates a deliberate and public call, ensuring Saul hears him, thereby initiating a direct confrontation that is both risky and unprecedented given their fraught relationship. It highlights David's bold and righteous character.
* **"My lord the king.":** This is David's opening address, a profound and unexpected declaration of respect. Despite being relentlessly hunted by Saul, David does not use terms of defiance, accusation, or self-pity. Instead, he uses a formal title that unequivocally acknowledges Saul's legitimate, God-given authority as the reigning monarch of Israel. This verbal affirmation sets the tone for David's subsequent actions and speech, emphasizing his submission to the office, if not the man.
* **"And when Saul looked behind him,":** This brief interjection signifies Saul's surprise and curiosity. He had just left the cave, completely unaware of David's presence or his recent act of mercy. The act of looking back suggests a moment of hesitation or confusion, perhaps expecting a pursuer or an enemy, but certainly not a respectful address from the man he sought to kill. It underscores the dramatic tension and Saul's ignorance of the true situation.
* **"David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.":** This describes the physical manifestation of David's profound humility and respect. "Stooping with his face to the earth" (prostration) and "bowed himself" are redundant but emphatic phrases, indicating the deepest possible gesture of deference and submission in ancient culture. This was not a casual bow but a full obeisance, signifying David's non-threatening posture, his recognition of Saul's royal dignity, and his willingness to place himself entirely at Saul's mercy, trusting in God's ultimate vindication.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Samuel 24:8](/1_samuel/24-8 "1 Samuel 24:8 - David's Respect for Saul") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological and dramatic impact. **Dramatic Irony** is powerfully at play, as Saul is completely unaware that David had just held his life in his hands within the cave ([1 Samuel 24:4-7](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4-7 - David Spares Saul")). David's subsequent act of profound respect and submission is thus rendered even more striking against the backdrop of Saul's ignorance and his murderous intent. The act of "stooping with his face to the earth, and bowed himself" serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only David's personal humility but also his unwavering respect for the divine institution of kingship, even when embodied by a flawed ruler. This gesture visually communicates David's non-aggression and his trust in God's timing rather than human force. Furthermore, the entire scene presents a stark **Contrast** between David's righteous character—marked by self-control, humility, and reverence—and Saul's unrighteous character, defined by paranoia, vengefulness, and a disregard for God's will. This contrast highlights David's fitness for kingship, not through military might or political maneuvering, but through moral and spiritual integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound humility and respect displayed by David in [1 Samuel 24:8](/1_samuel/24-8 "1 Samuel 24:8 - David's Humility and Respect") carry significant theological weight. David's actions underscore the biblical principle of respecting God-ordained authority, even when that authority is exercised unjustly or abusively. His refusal to harm "the LORD's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Refusal to Harm Saul")) and his subsequent public display of deference illustrate a deep trust in God's sovereign control over human affairs and His ultimate justice. David understood that vengeance belonged to God, and that God would establish His chosen king in His own time and way. This passage challenges believers to consider their posture towards those in authority, recognizing that all power is ultimately permitted by divine providence, and that true spiritual strength often lies in humility and patient endurance rather than retaliation or self-vindication.

* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:17](/1_peter/2-17 "1 Peter 2:17 - Honor All People")
* [Proverbs 20:22](/proverbs/20-22 "Proverbs 20:22 - Do Not Seek Revenge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in [1 Samuel 24:8](/1_samuel/24-8 "1 Samuel 24:8 - A Model of Humility") offer a compelling model for believers navigating difficult relationships and unjust circumstances. In a world that often encourages self-assertion, retaliation, and the pursuit of personal advantage, David's humility and unwavering respect for Saul's office, despite Saul's malevolent intent, stand as a powerful counter-cultural witness. This passage calls us to examine our own hearts: do we truly trust God to vindicate us and establish His purposes, or do we succumb to the temptation to take matters into our own hands? David's example teaches us that true strength is found not in wielding power for personal gain or revenge, but in humble submission to God's will, patiently waiting for His perfect timing and justice. It challenges us to extend grace and respect even to those who may be our adversaries, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to God and His principles of righteousness, and that our character in the face of injustice speaks volumes about our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's posture of humility and respect towards Saul challenge my own reactions when I feel wronged or unjustly treated?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take matters into my own hands rather than trusting God's timing and justice?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper respect for authority, even when I disagree with or am hurt by those in positions of power?**

### FAQ
**Why did David bow so deeply to Saul, given that David was God's chosen king?**

Answer: David's deep bow, or prostration, was a deliberate and profound gesture of respect for the office of king, even though Saul himself was acting unjustly. David understood that Saul was still "the LORD's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Refusal to Harm Saul")), and therefore, his authority, though flawed, was divinely permitted. This act was not an endorsement of Saul's character or actions, but a demonstration of David's own humility, his non-aggressive intent, and his trust that God would remove Saul and establish him as king in His own perfect timing, without David needing to resort to violence or usurpation. It was a testament to David's character and his commitment to God's ways, rather than human ambition.

**Did David's act of humility change Saul's heart permanently?**

Answer: While David's profound act of humility and his subsequent words ([1 Samuel 24:9-15](/1_samuel/24-9 "1 Samuel 24:9-15 - David's Plea to Saul")) deeply moved Saul, leading him to acknowledge David's righteousness and even weep ([1 Samuel 24:16-17](/1_samuel/24-16 "1 Samuel 24:16-17 - Saul's Confession")), this change was not permanent. Saul's paranoia and jealousy were deeply ingrained, and he would later resume his pursuit of David ([1 Samuel 26:1-2](/1_samuel/26-1 "1 Samuel 26:1-2 - Saul Resumes Pursuit")). This episode highlights the fleeting nature of human repentance when it is not rooted in a true transformation of the heart, and the persistent struggle against deeply entrenched sin, even in the face of overwhelming grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's extraordinary humility, non-retaliation, and submission to God-ordained authority in [1 Samuel 24:8](/1_samuel/24-8 "1 Samuel 24:8 - Foreshadowing Christ's Humility") powerfully foreshadow the ultimate example of these virtues found in Jesus Christ. Like David, Jesus, though the rightful King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")), did not seize His throne through force or human means. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), and humbly submitted to the will of His Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). When unjustly accused and persecuted, Jesus did not retaliate but "opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")), entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). David's reverence for Saul as "the LORD's anointed" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's perfect submission to the Father's plan, demonstrating that true divine kingship is established not through human power struggles, but through radical humility, sacrificial love, and obedience to God's sovereign will, leading to His ultimate exaltation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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 25:23

And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,

1 Samuel 25:24

And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, [upon] me [let this] iniquity [be]: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.

1 Samuel 20:41

[And] as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of [a place] toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Genesis 17:3

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

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.