1 Samuel 24

3 a cave. The large caves which abound in this neighbourhood are often used for sheltering cattle and sheep.

4 the men of David said, etc. Their words were plausible, but not true. David had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. His answer shows the happy influence of a patient faith.

5. David’s heart smote him. Though he appealed to the fact that he had contented himself with cutting off a portion of Saul’s robe, as a proof of his freedom from evil intentions (11); yet, with a delicacy natural to a generous mind, he felt self-reproach for an act which might be considered as an insult.

12 the Lord avenge me of thee. The meaning of this expression seems to be shown in ver. 15.

21 thou wilt not cut off my seed. Referring to the custom, long prevalent in the East, of putting to death the children and relatives of the preceding monarch, if he belonged to another dynasty.