1 Samuel 24:8

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.

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.

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.

After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, โ€œMy lord the king!โ€ When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence

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

Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8 KJV

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the dramatic relationship between David and King Saul. Having just had the opportunity to kill Saul in the cave of Engedi and choosing not to, David now steps out to confront the king, not with aggression, but with profound respect and humility.

Context

The scene takes place in the wilderness of Engedi, where Saul was relentlessly pursuing David to take his life. Unbeknownst to Saul, David and his men were hidden in the very cave where Saul entered to relieve himself. David's men urged him to kill Saul, but David refused, famously stating that he would not "stretch forth mine hand against the LORD's anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6). This verse immediately follows that decision, as David leaves the safety of the cave to address Saul, who had already departed.

Key Themes

  • Profound Respect for Authority: Despite Saul's relentless and unjust persecution, David addresses him as "My lord the king," demonstrating unwavering respect for Saul's God-given position. This was not merely a political gesture but a deep reverence for the office of the king, established by God.
  • Humility and Submission: David's act of stooping with his face to the earth and bowing himself was a traditional gesture of extreme deference and submission to a superior. It underscored his humility and his recognition of Saul's continued authority, even as David himself was God's chosen successor.
  • Trust in God's Timing: David's actions here reinforce his consistent refusal to take matters into his own hands. Instead of seizing the throne through violence, he trusts in divine providence to establish him as king in God's perfect timing, a theme further emphasized in another instance of David sparing Saul's life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "My lord the king" in Hebrew is adoni hammelech (ืึฒื“ึนื ึดึคื™ ื”ึทืžึถึผึ™ืœึถืšึฐึ™). The term adoni is a respectful address, often used for a master or superior, reinforcing David's acknowledgement of Saul's sovereignty. The act of "stooping with his face to the earth, and bowed himself" describes a deep prostration, indicating utmost respect, humility, and submission, far beyond a simple bow. It was a gesture of profound reverence, almost worshipful in its intensity, but directed at a human king.

Practical Application

This passage offers powerful lessons for believers today. It challenges us to:

  • Respect Authority: Even when those in authority are flawed or act unjustly, David's example calls us to show respect for the office, recognizing that all authority is ultimately permitted by God (Romans 13:1).
  • Practice Humility: David, though anointed by God to be the next king, did not demand his position but humbled himself before his persecutor. This teaches us the value of humility in our interactions, even when we are in the right.
  • Trust God's Justice and Timing: Instead of seeking revenge or taking shortcuts, David patiently waited for God to work out His purposes. This encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and justice, rather than relying on our own strength or schemes to resolve difficult situations.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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.
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