After their escape from Saul in the wilderness of Maon, David and his men betook themselves to “the strongholds of En-gedi.” This place was situated on the western shore of the Dead Sea, about midway between its northern and southern extremities. Rich verdure here lines the banks of a stream of warm water issuing from the limestone rock, about 400 feet (122 m) above the level of the sea. The cliffs in the region are full of natural caverns – in one or more of which, David’s band of men found a hiding-place. When Saul returned from his campaign against the Philistines and was informed that David had gone to the wilderness of En-gedi, he immediately set out with 3,000 men – determined to destroy his enemy. But so far from accomplishing his purpose, he was actually put entirely into David’s power in a very singular way. Seeking relief from the midday heat, and desiring to refresh himself with slumber, he went – unknowingly, of course – into the very cave in which David and his men were concealed! Going inward from the light of day, it was impossible for him to see them. But their eyes were accustomed to the darkness; and as they sat in the back part of the cave, looking toward the dim light at its mouth, they could see Saul perfectly.

David’s companions regarded this as a special opportunity of ridding themselves of their adversary, and so they endeavored to persuade their leader to kill him. “Behold,” said they, “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.” But David could not bring himself to regard the situation in this light. The king was still the anointed of the Lord, and David would not permit himself to harm him. It was true that God had rejected Saul, and that He had caused David to be anointed in his place; but that did not give David the right to deal with him in this way. David knew that when – in the course of Divine Providence – Saul would be removed, he would be set up on his throne; and he would patiently wait for the Lord’s timing! He would not take Providence into his own hands! So David stood firm against the entreaties of his men, and would not slay the king; nor would he allow those around him to do it, either. Thus he rendered good for evil to him from whom he had received evil for good, and herein he was a beautiful picture of our meek and lowly Jesus.

David did content himself with cutting off a portion of the bottom of Saul’s robe – which, in these circumstances, he could easily do without disturbing his rest. But even this caused him some misgivings of heart – perhaps because after he had done it, his men might have been emboldened by his example, and felt themselves at liberty to go further and lay hands on the king himself.

Saul slept until he was thoroughly refreshed, and then he arose and passed out of the cave to rejoin his troops – entirely unconscious of the 600 pairs of eyes that had been watching him all this time! But as he left the cave, he was followed by David, who was holding the piece of his robe. David cried after him, “My lord the king!” And he bowed before him with his face to the earth. It was a bold thing to do, and we hardly know which to admire more – the magnanimity that spared Saul in the cave, or the valor that braved him and his troops outside of it. But as he stood before Saul, pleading his cause with him, not one of the royal troops interfered. The king himself was deeply moved – with sorrow, rather than revenge. And it was no marvel that such an effect was produced upon him; for seldom has a more tender, earnest, manly, and candid appeal been made by one man to another, than that which David here addressed to Saul. He denied that he had ever, in any way, sought the king’s hurt; and as a proof, he pointed to the piece of Saul’s garment which he held in his hand – which he had cut from the royal robe, when he might just as easily have cut off his head! He affirmed that he was entirely unworthy of Saul’s notice – even of his enmity. He observed that the king might find something more dignified to do than coming out after such an insignificant person as he was. Then, coming around again to their common responsibility to God, he concluded by placing his cause implicitly in the hands of the Lord.

As he finished, Saul burst into tears and cried, “Is this thy voice, my son David? Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil… And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. Swear now therefore unto me by the Lord, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house.” This oath, David willingly took; and Saul went home, taking his men with him. Yet David was reluctant to trust himself to one who was so unpredictable and capricious as Saul, and so he would not forsake his stronghold.

Saul spoke as if he was overcome by David’s kindness. But many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them. Nevertheless, God made good to David that word upon which he had caused him to hope – that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light (Ps. 37:6). Saul went home convinced, but not converted. He was ashamed of his envy to David, yet he retained in his heart a root of bitterness. But whether the Lord binds people’s hands, or moves their hearts to not hurt His people – the deliverance is equally from Him! It is an evidence of His love and a pledge of our salvation, and it should make us thankful!

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