1 Samuel 24:6 ESV

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 24:1-22

David spares Saul’s Life at EngediWe have a similar incident narrated in 1 Samuel 26, and some critics hold that the two are merely varying accounts of the same event. But it. is to be noticed that almost every detail that could vary, does vary. Nor is there any difficulty in supposing that David spared Saul’s life twice.2. Rocks of the wild goats] Some cliffs near Engedi, so called because wild goats congregated there. They are still numerous in this district. 3. Sheepcotes] These were rough,... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Samuel 24:1-22

A Providence Or a Temptation? 1 Samuel 24:10 The touching and picturesque incident here related is an extract from the life of an outlaw. It took place amid the wild deep ravines that overhang the oasis of Engedi. This spot, situate about halfway down the western shore of the Dead Sea, owes its name, as it does its luxuriant growth of vegetation, to a fountain which rises from the limestone rock and falls in long silver ribbands to the sloping plain below. There were many reasons why David... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 24:1-22

CHAPTER XXXI.DAVID TWICE SPARES THE LIFE OF SAUL.1 Samuel 24:1-22; 1 Samuel 26:1-25.THE invasion of the Philistines had freed David from the fear of Saul for a time, but only for a time. He knew full well that when the king of Israel had once repelled that invasion he would return to prosecute the object on which his heart was so much set. For a while he took refuge among the rocks of Engedi, that beautiful spot of which we have already spoken, and which has been embalmed in Holy Writ, as... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Samuel 24:1-22

CHAPTER 24 1. In the wilderness of En-gedi (1 Samuel 24:1-8 ) 2. David’s words to Saul (1 Samuel 24:9-15 ) 3. Saul’s answer to David (1 Samuel 24:16-22 ) Saul continues in the pursuit of David and with 3000 chosen men he sought David at the rocks of the wild goats. It was in En-gedi, which means “the fountain of the young goat.” There were wild rocks and the fountains of water and here David had found his refuge and strongholds. God trained him also amidst the hardships and difficulties... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 24:1-22

Having 600 men with him, David could not easily be hidden, and Saul gets the report of his being in the wilderness of En-gedi. Not being exactly a brave man himself, Saul required 3000 chosen men of Israel (five times as many men as were with David) to go with him to seek David and his men. Thus the army, maintained at the expense of the people of Israel, is used by their king, not for the benefit of Israel, but for the king's personal wicked enterprise! He would allow nothing to stand in the... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 24:1-22

DAVID IN EXILE DECEIVING THE PRIEST (1 Samuel 21:0 ) Nob was northeast of Jerusalem and about five miles from Gibeah. David’s unexpected presence there, and alone, caused alarm (1 Samuel 21:1 ). His falsehood was unnecessary and wrong (1 Samuel 21:2 ), and is not commended of God (Psalms 119:29 ). “Hallowed bread” (1 Samuel 21:4 ) was the shew-bread in the tabernacle, which we studied in Exodus and Leviticus. It was removed the day before the Sabbath when it became lawful for the priests... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Samuel 24:1-22

The Reconciliation of Saul 1Sa 24:16 WE have considered the discipline of the anointed man. Without attempting to cover the whole ground of David's trials, we laid down a few general principles showing that men need to be taught their weakness as well as their power. David, the deliverer of Israel, was hated and pursued by the very man who should have honoured and loved him most. "Saul said, I will smite David even to the wall;" "Saul said, Let the hand of the Philistines be upon him;" "Saul... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Samuel 24:4-7

(4) 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 cut 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... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 24:6

Heart struck him; viz., with remorse, as fearing he had done amiss. (Challoner) --- A tender conscience is uneasy about things which are not sinful, while some stick at nothing. (Worthington) --- The action of David seemed disrespectful. (Calmet) --- "The subjects of kings adore the royal name as a divinity." (Curtius vii.) Regium nomen....pro deo colunt. read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 24:1-7

1-7 God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he... read more