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Then David crept up secretly and cut off a corner of Saul's robe.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/24-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/09_1Sa_24_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 24:4 - David Spares Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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.' 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Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/24.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’ ” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then David’s men said to him, “Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold; I am about to hand your enemy over to you, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” Then David got up and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1995</a> The men of David said to him, &#8220Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, &#8216Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.&#8217&#8221 Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul&#8217s robe secretly. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the men of David said to him, “Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the men of David said to him, “Behold, this is the day of which Yahweh said to you, ‘Behold, I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good in your eyes.’” Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a> David’s men said to him, “Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will hand over your enemy to you, and you shall do to him as seems good to you.’” Then David arose [in the darkness] and stealthily cut off the hem (edge) of Saul’s robe. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> so they said to him, “Look, this is the day the LORD told you about: ‘I will hand your enemy over to you so you can do to him whatever you desire.’ ” Then David got up and secretly cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> so they said to him, &#8220Look, this is the day the LORD told you about: &#8216I will hand your enemy over to you so you can do to him whatever you desire.&#8217&#8221 Then David got up and secretly cut off the corner of Saul&#8217s robe. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/24.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They whispered to David, "The LORD told you he was going to let you defeat your enemies and do whatever you want with them. This must be the day the LORD was talking about." David sneaked over and cut off a small piece of Saul's robe, but Saul didn't notice a thing. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/24.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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, 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. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David's men told him, "Today is the day the LORD referred to when he said, 'I'm going to hand your enemy over to you. You will do to him whatever you think is right.' " David quietly got up and cut off the border of Saul's robe. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/24.htm">Good News Translation</a> They said to him, "This is your chance! The LORD has told you that he would put your enemy in your power and you could do to him whatever you wanted to." David crept over and cut off a piece of Saul's robe without Saul's knowing it. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/24.htm">International Standard Version</a> David's men told him, "Look, today is the day about which the LORD spoke to you when he said, 'I'll give your enemy into your hand.' Do to him whatever you want!" David rose and stealthily cut off the corner of Saul's robe. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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 and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul?s robe. <a href="/net/1_samuel/24.htm">NET Bible</a> David's men said to him, "This is the day about which the LORD said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hand, and you can do to him whatever seems appropriate to you.'" So David got up and quietly cut off an edge of Saul's robe. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The men of David said to him, "Look, the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Look, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.'" Then David arose, and cut off an edge of Saul's robe secretly. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the men of David said to him, Behold the day of which the LORD said to thee, Behold, I will deliver thy enemy into thy hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good to thee. Then David arose, and privately cut off the skirt of Saul's robe. <a href="/web/1_samuel/24.htm">World English Bible</a> David’s men said to him, “Behold, the day of which Yahweh said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe secretly. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the men of David say to him, “Behold, the day of which YHWH said to you, Behold, I am giving your enemy into your hand, and you have done to him as it is good in your eyes”; and David rises and cuts off the skirt of the upper robe which [is] on Saul with stealth. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the men of David say unto him, 'Lo, the day of which Jehovah said unto thee, Lo, I am giving thine enemy into thy hand, and thou hast done to him as it is good in thine eyes;' and David riseth and cutteth off the skirt of the upper robe which is on Saul -- gently. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David's men will say to him, Behold the day of which Jehovah spake to thee, Behold, I give thine enemy into thy hand, and do to him as it will be good in thine eyes. And David will rise and cut off the wing of the upper garment which is to Saul, secretly.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the servants of David said to him: Behold the day, of which the Lord said to thee: I will deliver thy enemy unto thee, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good in thy eyes. Then David arose, and secretly cut off the hem of Saul's robe. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 24:5> And the servants of David said to him: “Behold the day, about which the Lord said to you, ‘I will deliver your enemy to you, so that you may do to him as it will be pleasing in your eyes.’ ” Then David rose up, and he quietly cut off the edge of Saul’s cloak. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Bible</a> David’s servants said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you: I will deliver your enemy into your hand; do with him as you see fit.” So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul’s robe. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” Then David went and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s cloak.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the men of David said to him, Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hands, that you may do to him as shall seem good in your sight. Then David arose and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe stealthily. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And his men said to David: “This is the day that LORD JEHOVAH spoke to you. Behold, your enemy is delivered into your hands. Do to him according to what is excellent in your eyes.” And David arose and slowly cut off the skirt of the robe of Shaul<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the men of David said unto him: 'Behold the day in which the LORD hath 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. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the men of David said to him, Behold, this is the day of which the Lord spoke to thee, that he would deliver thine enemy into thy hands; and thou shalt do to him as it is good in thy sight. So David arose and cut off the skirt of Saul's garment secretly. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/24-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7073" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm">David Spares Saul</a> …3Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave. 4<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·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.">So David’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“This is</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">the day</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ăšer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">about which</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">‘Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nō·ṯên (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">will deliver</a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ʾō·yə·ḇɛ·ḵå̄ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 2ms) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">your enemy</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into your hand,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">that you may do</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: yi·ṭaḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">you wish.’”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></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.">Then 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.">crept up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3909.htm" title="3909: bal·lāṭ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A form of la't or else participle from luwt; properly, covered, i.e. Secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or covertly.">secretly</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: way·yiḵ·rōṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">and cut off</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3671.htm" title="3671: kə·nap̄- (N-fsc) -- Wing, extremity. From kanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle.">a corner</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: lə·šā·’ūl (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">of Saul’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4598.htm" title="4598: ham·mə·‘îl (Art:: N-ms) -- A robe. From ma'al in the sense of covering; a robe.">robe.</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> 5Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/57-2.htm">Psalm 57:2-3</a> I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. / He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. <a href="/psalms/142-1.htm">Psalm 142:1-2</a> A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. / I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a> 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.” <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a> Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> 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. <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> 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. <a href="/2_kings/19-7.htm">2 Kings 19:7</a> Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’” <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Psalm 54:1-3</a> For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might! / Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. / For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah <a href="/psalms/18-48.htm">Psalm 18:48</a> who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-22</a> 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! <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a> 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. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a> Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” <a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a> Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the men of David said to him, Behold the day of which the LORD said to you, Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it shall seem good to you. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privately.the men<a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">1 Samuel 26:8-11</a> 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… <a href="/2_samuel/4-8.htm">2 Samuel 4:8</a> And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.<a href="/job/31-31.htm">Job 31:31</a> If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.I will deliver<a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">1 Samuel 24:10,18</a> 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… <a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">1 Samuel 23:7</a> 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.<a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">1 Samuel 26:23</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-16.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-20.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-19.htm">Edge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-17.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-20.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">Privately</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Privily</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-4.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-13.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-27.htm">Skirt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">Edge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-19.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Privately</a> <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Privily</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-37.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">Skirt</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 24</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">He shows thereby his innocence,</a> 16. <a href="/1_samuel/24-16.htm">Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>So David’s men said to him David's men, likely referring to his loyal followers and warriors, were with him in the cave at En Gedi. This group of men had gathered around David as he fled from King Saul, who sought his life. The loyalty of these men is significant, as they saw David as their leader and future king, despite his current status as a fugitive.“This is the day about which the LORD said to you The men believed that this moment was divinely appointed, suggesting that God had previously revealed to David that he would have an opportunity to confront his enemy. This reflects a common belief in divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises, though there is no specific recorded prophecy in the text where God explicitly states this to David.‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand The phrase indicates a belief in God's sovereignty and control over events. The men interpreted Saul's vulnerable position as a sign that God had delivered him into David's hands. This reflects the biblical theme of God orchestrating events for His purposes, as seen in other scriptures where God delivers enemies into the hands of His chosen people (e.g., <a href="/joshua/10-8.htm">Joshua 10:8</a>).that you may do with him as you wish.’” David's men assumed that God was giving David the freedom to act against Saul, possibly to kill him and end his pursuit. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice where a king or leader would eliminate threats to secure their position. However, David's subsequent actions demonstrate his restraint and respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed.Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. David's action of cutting off a corner of Saul's robe was symbolic. In ancient Israel, a robe represented authority and identity. By cutting Saul's robe, David demonstrated that he could have harmed Saul but chose not to. This act of restraint highlights David's respect for God's anointed king and his trust in God's timing for his own ascension to the throne. It also foreshadows the eventual transfer of kingship from Saul to David, as the robe is a symbol of royal authority.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently fleeing from King Saul. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_men_of_david.htm">The Men of David</a> Loyal followers and warriors who support David during his time of exile. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_cave.htm">The Cave</a> A location in the wilderness of En Gedi where David and his men are hiding when Saul enters. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The God of Israel, who has anointed David as the future king and is sovereign over the events.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a> David's refusal to harm Saul, despite the opportunity, teaches us to respect those in authority, recognizing God's sovereignty in their appointment. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> David's patience and trust in God's promise remind us to wait on the Lord's timing rather than taking matters into our own hands. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_adversity.htm">Integrity in Adversity</a> David's actions demonstrate integrity and faithfulness to God's commands, even when pressured by others to act otherwise. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_restraint.htm">The Power of Restraint</a> Exercising restraint and mercy, as David did, can be a powerful testimony of faith and obedience to God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> This passage highlights God's control over circumstances and His ability to fulfill His promises in His own time and way.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 24</a> <a href="/q/how_does_cutting_saul's_robe_prove_innocence.htm">How does David’s act of cutting Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:4–5) reliably prove his innocence when no neutral witnesses are mentioned? </a> <a href="/q/proof_of_divine_intervention_in_psalm_138_7.htm">Psalm 138:7 promises deliverance in the midst of trouble. Where is the historical or archaeological proof that such divine intervention occurred for the Psalm’s author? </a> <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> <a href="/q/how_does_david_justify_punishing_killers.htm">2 Samuel 4:8–11 – How can David both punish the men for killing Ishbosheth and still claim God’s hand in his rise to power without contradiction? </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>(4) Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee.--This was the version by David's men of such predictions as <a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm" title="And Samuel said to him, The LORD has rent the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, that is better than you.">1Samuel 15:28</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm" title="And the LORD said to Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill your horn with oil, and go, I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.">1Samuel 16:1</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm" title="And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and with of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.">1Samuel 16:12</a>. Jonathan's words (<a href="/1_samuel/20-15.htm" title="But also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD has cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.">1Samuel 20:15</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/23-17.htm" title="And he said to him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saul my father knows.">1Samuel 23:17</a>) show clearly that these predictions were known; and the version of them here given was a very natural one in the mouth of David's men (Speaker's Commentary). It is, however, quite possible that a prophet such as Gad had predicted publicly, in the hearing of David's band of followers, that the days would come when their now outlawed captain, the son of Jesse, the "Anointed of Jehovah"--all his enemies being overthrown--would reign in peace and glory over all the land.Then David arose.--For a moment the "king to be" listened to the seductive voice of the tempter; and we may imagine him, with the sword of Goliath naked in his hand, advancing towards his unconscious adversary, sleeping in the cave's mouth, resolved with one good blow to end the long, cruel war, and then, his great rival being gone, to seat himself at once on the empty throne which he knew the Eternal meant him one day to occupy--but only for a moment; for through the soul of David rapidly passed the thought that the helpless sleeping one was, after all, the "Anointed of Jehovah." How could he, himself "an anointed king," touch another of the same order to do him harm? So with a matchless generosity, unequalled, indeed, in those rough days, he spared the man who so ruthlessly and so often had sought his life, and even at that moment, with all the power of the land, was trying to do him to death; and David the outlaw bent over the sleeping king who hated him with so deep a hate, and deftly cut off the skirt, perhaps some of the golden fringe which edged the royal m'il, and as he bent over him, and saw once more the face of Saul--from whose brow so often his minstrelsy had chased the dark clouds of madness--we can fancy the son of Jesse once more loving the great hero of his boyhood: loving him as he did in the old days when he played in the king's dark hours. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 4, 5. - Behold the day of which Jehovah said unto thee, etc. David's men regard this deliverance of Saul into their band as providential, and the fulfilment of the promises made in David's favour, with which, no doubt, they were well acquainted. But with a noble self-control he refuses to take the matter into his own hand, and leaves unto God in trusting faith the execution of his purposes. To prove, nevertheless, to Saul his innocence, to soften his bitterness, and refute the suspicion that he was lying in wait to murder him, he cuts off the corner - Hebrew, wing - of his meil (see <a href="/1_samuel/2-19.htm">1 Samuel 2:19</a>). Even for this his heart smote him. So tender was his conscience that he condemned himself for even deviating so slightly from the respect due to the anointed king. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/24-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The men אַנְשֵׁ֨י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of David דָוִ֜ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּאמְרוּ֩ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to him, אֵלָ֗יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to “This is הִנֵּ֨ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! the day הַיּ֜וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day about which the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said אָמַ֧ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to you, אֵלֶ֗יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to ‘Behold, הִנֵּ֨ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! I אָנֹכִ֜י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I will deliver נֹתֵ֤ן (nō·ṯên) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set your enemy אֹֽיִבְךָ֙ (’ō·yiḇ·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> Hating, an adversary into your hands בְּיָדֶ֔ךָ (bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand to do וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ (wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make with him לּ֔וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> as כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you wish.’” יִטַ֣ב (yi·ṭaḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> To be good, well, glad, or pleasing Then David דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse crept up וַיָּ֣קָם (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand secretly בַּלָּֽט׃ (bal·lāṭ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3909.htm">Strong's 3909: </a> Covered, secret, incantation, secrecy, covertly and cut off וַיִּכְרֹ֛ת (way·yiḵ·rōṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant a corner כְּנַֽף־ (kə·nap̄-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3671.htm">Strong's 3671: </a> An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle of Saul's לְשָׁא֖וּל (lə·šā·’ūl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites robe. הַמְּעִ֥יל (ham·mə·‘îl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4598.htm">Strong's 4598: </a> A robe <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 24:4 The men of David said to him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:5" /></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>