1 Samuel 24:18
And you have shown this day how well you have dealt with me; for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.
And you have shown today
This phrase highlights the immediacy and the present nature of David's actions. The Hebrew root for "shown" is "ra'ah," which means to see or to perceive. In this context, it implies a demonstration or revelation of character. David's actions are a visible testament to his integrity and righteousness. The word "today" emphasizes the specific moment in time when David's mercy was evident, underscoring the immediacy of his decision to spare Saul's life.

how well you have dealt with me
The phrase "how well" is derived from the Hebrew word "tov," which means good, pleasant, or agreeable. This reflects the moral and ethical quality of David's actions. "Dealt with me" comes from the Hebrew "asah," meaning to do or to make. Together, these words convey the idea of David's just and honorable treatment of Saul, despite having the opportunity to harm him. This highlights David's adherence to God's standards of righteousness and his respect for Saul as the anointed king.

for when the LORD delivered me into your hand
The phrase "the LORD delivered" uses the Hebrew "nathan," meaning to give or to deliver. This indicates that Saul's presence in David's grasp was not by chance but by divine orchestration. The term "into your hand" is a common biblical expression denoting power or control over someone. This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty in the situation, suggesting that David's restraint was an act of obedience to God's will, recognizing that it was God who allowed Saul to be vulnerable.

you did not kill me
The Hebrew word for "kill" is "harag," which means to slay or to destroy. This phrase is a powerful testament to David's mercy and self-control. Despite having the opportunity and perhaps even the justification to kill Saul, David chose to spare his life. This decision reflects David's deep respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's timing and justice. It serves as an example of the Christian principle of loving one's enemies and leaving vengeance to the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is being pursued by King Saul. In this chapter, David spares Saul's life, demonstrating mercy and restraint.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is jealous of David and seeks to kill him. Saul acknowledges David's righteousness in this verse.

3. The Wilderness of En Gedi
A rugged, desert area where David and his men hide from Saul. It is here that David encounters Saul in a cave.

4. The Cave
The specific location within En Gedi where David has the opportunity to kill Saul but chooses not to, illustrating his respect for God's anointed king.

5. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who orchestrates events and tests the hearts of His people. David's actions reflect his trust in God's timing and justice.
Teaching Points
Mercy Over Revenge
David's choice to spare Saul's life teaches us the importance of showing mercy, even when we have the power to retaliate. This reflects God's character and commands.

Trust in God's Justice
David's restraint shows his trust in God's justice and timing. We are reminded to rely on God to right wrongs rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Respect for Authority
Despite Saul's unjust actions, David respects Saul's position as God's anointed king. This teaches us to honor and respect authority, even when it is difficult.

The Power of Forgiveness
By forgiving Saul, David breaks the cycle of violence and sets an example of peace. Forgiveness can transform relationships and bring healing.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
David's experience in the cave is a reminder that God is sovereign over our circumstances. He uses trials to test and grow our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's response to Saul in 1 Samuel 24:18 challenge our natural inclinations towards those who wrong us?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "leaving room for God's wrath" in our personal conflicts, as seen in Romans 12:19?

3. How does David's respect for Saul's authority, despite Saul's actions, inform our understanding of respecting authority figures today?

4. Reflect on a time when you had the opportunity to retaliate but chose mercy instead. How did that decision impact your relationship with the other person?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of forgiveness and trust in God's sovereignty during times of personal trial, as demonstrated by David in this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. David's actions towards Saul exemplify this teaching.

Romans 12:19
Paul instructs believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath. David's decision to spare Saul aligns with this principle.

Proverbs 25:21-22
Advises showing kindness to one's enemy, which can lead to reconciliation and peace. David's mercy towards Saul is a practical demonstration of this wisdom.
David Sparing His EnemyT. W. Hooper, D. D.1 Samuel 24:3-22
David Sparing His EnemyMonday Club Sermons1 Samuel 24:3-22
Saul and David in the CaveH. E. Stone.1 Samuel 24:3-22
The Goodness of Bad MenB. Dale 1 Samuel 24:16-22
People
David, Saul
Places
Engedi, Wildgoats' Rocks
Topics
Clear, Dealt, Death, Declared, Delivered, Didn't, Forasmuch, Hands, Hast, Kill, Killedst, Shewed, Showed, Shut, Slay, To-day, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 24:18

     6672   grace, in relationships

1 Samuel 24:1-22

     5934   restraint

1 Samuel 24:2-22

     4218   cave

1 Samuel 24:8-22

     8428   example

1 Samuel 24:16-19

     5501   reward, human

Library
Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo
'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, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. 5. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had out off Saul's skirt. 6. And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Exile --Continued.
There are many echoes of this period of Engedi in the Psalms. Perhaps the most distinctly audible of these are to be found in the seventh psalm, which is all but universally recognised as David's, even Ewald concurring in the general consent. It is an irregular ode--for such is the meaning of Shiggaion in the title, and by its broken rhythms and abrupt transitions testifies to the emotion of its author. The occasion of it is said to be "the words of Cush the Benjamite." As this is a peculiar name
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 5.) Differently to be admonished are subjects and prelates: the former that subjection crush them not, the latter that superior place elate them not: the former that they fail not to fulfil what is commanded them, the latter that they command not more to be fulfilled than is just: the former that they submit humbly, the latter that they preside temperately. For this, which may be understood also figuratively, is said to the former, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: but to
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
[Sidenote: Role of the sages in Israel's life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. xviii. 18; Ezek. vii. 26) three distinct classes of religious teachers were recognized by the people: the prophets, the priests, and the wise men or sages. From their lips and pens have come practically all the writings of the Old Testament. Of these three classes the wise men or sages are far less prominent or well known. They wrote no history of Israel, they preached no public sermons, nor do they appear
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

How those are to be Admonished with whom Everything Succeeds According to their Wish, and those with whom Nothing Does.
(Admonition 27.) Differently to be admonished are those who prosper in what they desire in temporal matters, and those who covet indeed the things that are of this world, but yet are wearied with the labour of adversity. For those who prosper in what they desire in temporal matters are to be admonished, when all things answer to their wishes, lest, through fixing their heart on what is given, they neglect to seek the giver; lest they love their pilgrimage instead of their country; lest they turn
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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