1 Samuel 24
Cambridge1 Samuel 24:1-2
Ch. 1 Samuel 24:2. upon the rocks of the wild goats] On precipitous cliffs scarcely accessible except to the ibex and chamois. Wild goats and antelopes still abound on the heights above Ain-Jidy.
1 Samuel 24:3
- the sheepcotes by the way] Sheepfolds are still formed in the East by building a wall of loose stones round the mouth of a cave, which serves for shelter in case of bad weather. See The Land and the Book, p. 603. to cover his feet] An euphemism for performing the necessities of nature. remained, &c.] Were abiding in the recesses of the cave. Large caves with numerous side passages are found in the district. “They are as dark as midnight, and the keenest eye cannot see five paces inward: but one who has been long within, and is looking outward toward the entrance, can observe with perfect distinctness all that takes place in that direction.” Hence David and his men could watch Saul without being seen.
1 Samuel 24:4
- of which the Lord said] David may have received from Samuel and Gad assurances of his ultimate deliverance from Saul’s persecutions, which his followers interpret in their own way. Cp. 1 Samuel 23:17, 1 Samuel 25:28-30. the skirt] See on 1 Samuel 25:27. He wished to have some proof to convince Saul that his life had been in his power.
1 Samuel 24:5
- David’s heart smote him] David’s conscience reproached him for offering even so slight an indignity to the king.
1 Samuel 24:7
- stayed] Lit. tore, or lashed: a strong expression. Vulg. “confregit viros suos sermonibus.”
1 Samuel 24:8
- stooped, &c.] Better, bowed himself with his face to the ground and did obeisance. The usual Oriental gesture of reverence to a king or superior is described. See on 1 Samuel 20:41. Cp. 1 Kings 1:16; 1 Kings 1:31.
1 Samuel 24:9
9–15. David pleads his innocence 9. men’s words] Calumniators like “Cush the Benjamite,” against whom Psalms 7 is directed, strove to inflame Saul’s mind against David. That Psalm has been with much probability referred to this period of his life. David’s protestation of innocence in 1 Samuel 24:3-4 of the Psalm is closely parallel to his words in 1 Samuel 24:10-11; and his appeal to the judgment of Jehovah in 1 Samuel 24:8-9 of the Psalm resembles that in 1 Samuel 24:15.
1 Samuel 24:11
- my father] The address of respect and affection. Cp. 2 Kings 5:13; 2 Kings 6:21. evil] The same word as that rendered “thy hurt” in 1 Samuel 24:9. my soul] i.e. my life.
1 Samuel 24:13
- Wickedness, &c.] A man’s character is known by his actions. If I were wicked at heart, I should have shewn it by killing you. Cp. Matthew 7:16-20. but mine hand shall not be upon thee] It is not clear whether this is part of the proverb or David’s own utterance. In the first case the proverb is a general disclaimer of a desire for vengeance: in the second, David reaffirms his resolution not to touch Saul as a consequence of his moral integrity.
1 Samuel 24:14
- after a dead dog, &c.] “A dead dog, a single flea,” express what is absolutely contemptible, harmless, and insignificant. A worthy object truly for an expedition of the King of Israel with his picked troops!
1 Samuel 24:15
- plead my cause] Cp. Psalms 35:1 ff.; possibly written about this time. deliver me out of thy hand] Lit. judge me out of thy hand: give me my right, and set me free.
1 Samuel 24:16
16–22. Saul’s momentary remorse 16. my son David] The old fatherly feeling revived. The generous loving heart of the old days had not yet utterly perished.
1 Samuel 24:19
- find his enemy] Get him into his power. Cp. 1 Samuel 23:17; Psalms 21:8. will he let him go well away] A negative answer is of course to be supplied. “No: yet thou hast done so to me: wherefore, &c.”
1 Samuel 24:20
- I know well, &c.] See note on 1 Samuel 28:9. And yet, knowing the Will of God, he resists it! the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand] A sad echo of Samuel’s words to himself, “But now thy kingdom shall not be established” (1 Samuel 13:14).
1 Samuel 24:21
- Swear now, &c] Saul pledges his successor not to follow the barbarous Oriental custom. See on 1 Samuel 20:14.
1 Samuel 24:22
- gat them up unto the hold] Returned to the fastnesses of En-gedi. Experience had proved that Saul’s repentance was not to be trusted.