Question 1

Why did David refuse to kill Saul when he had the chance?

Accepted Answer

David refused to kill Saul because he saw Saul as “my master, the Lord’s anointed.” Even though Saul was treating him very unfairly, David believed it was not his place to take Saul’s life or to grab the throne by violence. He knew God had put Saul in that role and that God alone had the right to remove him. David also had a tender conscience. Even cutting off a piece of Saul’s robe bothered him, so he chose to wait on God’s timing and let the Lord judge between them.

Question 2

What does it mean that Saul was the Lord's anointed in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Calling Saul “the Lord’s anointed” means God had chosen and set him apart as king by a special act of anointing. David understood this as a mark of God’s authority on Saul’s life, even though Saul was acting wrongly. Because of that, David felt it would be a sin to attack Saul or lift his hand against him. This shows that David respected the position and God’s choice, not Saul’s behavior, and trusted God to deal with Saul in the right way and at the right time.

Question 3

Why was David’s heart troubled after cutting off Saul’s robe?

Accepted Answer

David’s heart was troubled because he felt that even cutting off the skirt of Saul’s robe was a disrespectful act against the one God had anointed as king. His conscience reacted strongly, showing how sensitive he was to honoring God and the dignity of the office Saul held. To David, this small act was more than a prank; it touched on God’s order and honor. So he quickly turned from it, stopped his men from doing worse, and chose mercy instead of any form of violence.

Question 4

What does this story teach about responding to unfair treatment?

Accepted Answer

This story shows that when we are treated unfairly, we do not have to strike back or get even. David was hunted like a criminal, yet when he had the perfect chance to remove his enemy, he chose restraint. He spoke respectfully, laid out the truth, and then said, “The Lord judge between me and thee.” The lesson is to keep a clean heart, refuse revenge, speak honestly, and trust God to see, to judge, and to defend us in his time rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Question 5

Why does David call himself a dead dog and a flea before Saul?

Accepted Answer

David calls himself a “dead dog” and a “flea” to show how small and harmless he is compared to the king of Israel. He is basically asking, “Why are you wasting royal power chasing someone like me?” By using these lowly images, David is not denying his calling, but he is stressing his humility and lack of threat. This makes Saul’s pursuit look unreasonable and highlights that David is not seeking Saul’s harm. It also underlines David’s desire for peace, not conflict.

Question 6

What does the phrase 'Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked' mean here?

Accepted Answer

When David says, “Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked,” he is using a common saying to make a point about his own behavior. He is telling Saul that people show their true character by their actions. If David were truly evil and plotting against Saul, this dangerous moment in the cave would have been the perfect time to prove it. Instead, David spared Saul’s life. By acting with mercy, David shows that he is not driven by wickedness, and he leaves Saul to think about his own actions.

Question 7

How does David show respect for authority even when Saul is wrong?

Accepted Answer

David shows respect for authority in several ways. He refuses to harm Saul, even though Saul is trying to kill him. He calls Saul “my lord the king” and “my father,” bows with his face to the ground, and speaks gently and clearly instead of shouting or insulting. David separates Saul’s sinful actions from the fact that God had placed Saul as king. By doing this, David keeps his own heart clean and leaves room for God to deal with Saul’s wrongs instead of taking power by force.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about trusting God’s justice instead of revenge?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows David choosing God’s justice over personal revenge. Twice he says that his hand will not be against Saul and asks the Lord to judge between them and avenge him. David has every human reason to strike back, yet he holds back, trusting that God sees, knows the truth, and will act. It teaches that God’s judgment is better and wiser than ours. We can bring our case to God, like David did, and wait for him to plead our cause and deliver us in his way.

1 Samuel 24:1

And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.

David Spares Saul

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1 Samuel 24:1

And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.

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David Spares Saul

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