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1 Samuel 24:8 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
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And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Afterward, however, David got up and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then David also got up afterward and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and lay himself face down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called to Saul, “My lord the king! ” When Saul looked behind him, David knelt low with his face to the ground and paid homage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed to the ground in homage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Soon, David also got up and left the cave. "Your Majesty!" he shouted from a distance. Saul turned around to look. David bowed down very low <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Later, David got up, left the cave, and called to Saul, "Your Majesty!" When Saul looked back, David knelt down with his face touching the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then David went out after him and called to him, "Your Majesty!" Saul turned around, and David bowed down to the ground in respect <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul: "Your majesty!" Saul looked behind him, and David bowed down with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Afterward David got up and went out of the cave. He called out after Saul, "My lord, O king!" When Saul looked behind him, David kneeled down and bowed with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Afterward David also got up and left the cave, and called out after Saul, saying, "My lord the king." When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and did homage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />David also rose 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave and cried after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and showed respect. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and David rises afterward, and goes out from the cave, and calls after Saul, saying, “My lord, O king!” And Saul looks attentively behind him, and David bows—face to the earth—and pays respect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and David riseth afterwards, and goeth out from the cave, and calleth after Saul, saying, 'My lord, O king!' And Saul looketh attentively behind him, and David boweth -- face to the earth -- and doth obeisance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will rise up after him and will come forth from the cave, and he will call after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And Saul will look behind him, and David will bow down his face to the earth, and worship him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And David also rose up after him: and going out of the cave cried after Saul, saying: My lord the king. And Saul looked behind him: and David bowing himself down to the ground, worshipped, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 24:9> Then David also rose up after him. And departing from the cave, he cried out behind the back of Saul, saying: “My lord, the king!” And Saul looked behind him. And David, bowing himself face down to the ground, reverenced.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked back, David bowed, his face to the ground in homage,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Afterwards David also rose up and went out of the cave and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />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 him obeisance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David arose after this and went out from the cave, and he called after Shaul, and said: “My Lord, the King!” And Shaul turned back around, and David fell on his face on the ground, and he bowed<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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 prostrated himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David rose up <i>and went</i> after him out of the cave: and David cried after Saul, saying, <i>My</i> lord, <i>O</i> king! and Saul looked behind him, and David bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7124" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm">David Spares Saul</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê- (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">After</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">that,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">got up,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">went out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/4631.htm" title="4631: ham·mə·ʿå̄·rå̄h (Prep-m, Art:: N-fs) -- ">the cave,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">and called out</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê- (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">“My lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">When Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/5027.htm" title="5027: way·yab·bêṭ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To look. A primitive root; to scan, i.e. Look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care.">looked</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">behind him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/6915.htm" title="6915: way·yiq·qōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to shrivel up, i.e. Contract or bend the body in deference.">bowed</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap·pa·yim (N-md) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">facedown</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·tā·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">in reverence</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-19.htm">Genesis 50:19-21</a></span><br />But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? / As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. / Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-22</a></span><br />Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a></span><br />If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17-18</a></span><br />Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, / or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-6.htm">James 5:6</a></span><br />You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">My lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm">1 Samuel 26:17</a></b></br> And Saul knew David's voice, and said, <i>Is</i> this thy voice, my son David? And David said, <i>It is</i> my voice, my lord, O king.</p><p class="hdg">David stooped</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">1 Samuel 20:41</a></b></br> <i>And</i> as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of <i>a place</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23,24</a></b></br> 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, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Genesis 17:3</a></b></br> And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">Cave</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/numbers/24-9.htm">Stooped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">Cave</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-14.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Stooped</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">He shows thereby his innocence,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-16.htm">Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>After that, David got up</b><br>David's actions follow a moment of intense moral decision. He had the opportunity to kill Saul, who was pursuing him unjustly, but chose to spare his life. This reflects David's respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's timing for his own kingship. It highlights the biblical principle of leaving vengeance to God (<a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>).<p><b>went out of the cave</b><br>The cave is significant as a place of refuge and testing. En Gedi, where this event occurs, is a rugged area with many caves, providing a strategic hiding place. This setting underscores the theme of God providing protection and refuge, as seen in Psalms attributed to David, such as <a href="/psalms/57.htm">Psalm 57</a>, which is believed to be written during this period.<p><b>and called out to Saul</b><br>David's decision to reveal himself to Saul demonstrates his courage and faith. By calling out, David seeks reconciliation and demonstrates his innocence. This act of confronting Saul directly is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching on reconciliation in <a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a>.<p><b>“My lord the king!”</b><br>David's respectful address to Saul acknowledges Saul's current position as king, despite Saul's unjust actions. This respect for authority aligns with biblical teachings on honoring leaders (<a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">1 Peter 2:17</a>) and reflects David's understanding of God's sovereignty in appointing leaders.<p><b>When Saul looked behind him</b><br>Saul's turning to look signifies a moment of realization and vulnerability. It is a pivotal moment where Saul is confronted with David's loyalty and integrity. This turning can be seen as a metaphor for repentance, a theme prevalent throughout scripture.<p><b>David bowed facedown in reverence</b><br>David's act of bowing shows humility and respect, not just for Saul as king, but for God's anointed. This gesture is a physical representation of David's heart posture, aligning with the biblical principle of humility before God and others (<a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>). David's humility here can be seen as a type of Christ, who humbled Himself even unto death (<a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Philippians 2:8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently fleeing from King Saul. David is known for his heart after God and his leadership qualities.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and jealous of David, perceiving him as a threat to his throne.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cave.htm">The Cave</a></b><br>A location in the wilderness of En Gedi where David and his men were hiding. It becomes the setting for a significant encounter between David and Saul.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/en_gedi.htm">En Gedi</a></b><br>A desert oasis near the Dead Sea, providing a strategic hiding place for David and his men.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_encounter.htm">The Encounter</a></b><br>A pivotal moment where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king despite Saul's pursuit to kill him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a></b><br>David's reverence for Saul, despite Saul's unjust actions, teaches us to respect those in authority as appointed by God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>David's restraint shows his trust in God's timing for his ascension to the throne, reminding us to wait patiently for God's plans to unfold.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mercy_over_vengeance.htm">Mercy Over Vengeance</a></b><br>David's choice to spare Saul's life exemplifies the power of mercy over vengeance, encouraging us to forgive and show grace to those who wrong us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a></b><br>David's bowing before Saul demonstrates humility, a crucial trait for godly leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_justice.htm">Faith in God's Justice</a></b><br>By not taking matters into his own hands, David shows faith in God's justice, teaching us to rely on God to right wrongs.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_saul_chase_david_in_1_sam_26.htm">If Saul previously admitted David's righteousness in 1 Samuel 24, why is he chasing David again in 1 Samuel 26?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_2_sam_8_2_conflict_with_earlier_moab_ties.htm">In 2 Samuel 8:2, does the severe treatment of the Moabites conflict with the earlier friendly interactions noted elsewhere, suggesting an inconsistency?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_saul's_hostility_persist_later.htm">If Saul recognized David's righteousness (1 Samuel 24:16-21), why did hostilities continue in later chapters, suggesting inconsistency?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_hide_from_saul_in_the_cave.htm">How could David and his men remain completely unnoticed by Saul's large army in the same cave (1 Samuel 24:3)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">And cried after Saul.</span>--The outlaw suffered the king and his companion to proceed some little way--possibly down the deep ascent which led up to the cave's mouth--and then called after Saul, but with an address of the deepest reverence, accompanied too (see next clause) with an act of the profoundest homage which an inferior could pay to a superior. He would show Saul at least he was no rival king.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - Saul apparently had withdrawn from his men, and David seizes the opportunity of proving to him his innocence, and quieting the king's fears. He goes out, therefore, and calls after him, saying, <span class="cmt_word">My lord the king,</span> addressing him thus as his <span class="accented">master</span>, to whom his obedience was due. He also pays him the utmost reverence, bowing his face to the earth and making obeisance. By this lowly bearing David showed that, so far from being a rebel, he still acknowledged Saul's lawful authority, and was true to his allegiance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">After</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that,</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֜ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">got up,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֨קָם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצֵא֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="heb">מן־</span> <span class="translit">(min-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the cave,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽהַמְּעָרָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ham·mə·‘ā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4631.htm">Strong's 4631: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cavern</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and called out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָ֧א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽחֲרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֛וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“My lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sovereign, controller</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king!”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאוּל֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">looked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּבֵּ֤ט</span> <span class="translit">(way·yab·bêṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5027.htm">Strong's 5027: </a> </span><span class="str2">To scan, look intently at, to regard</span><br /><br /><span class="word">behind him,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽחֲרָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bowed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקֹּ֨ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6915.htm">Strong's 6915: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shrivel up, contract, bend the body, in deference</span><br /><br /><span class="word">facedown</span><br /><span class="heb">אַפַּ֛יִם</span> <span class="translit">(’ap·pa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in reverence</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·tā·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/24-8.htm">1 Samuel 24:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 24:8 David also arose afterward and went out (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>