Twice David had the man hunting him within reach, and twice he refused to strike.
From the PsalmsBe merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.— Psalm 57:1 (KJV)
In the Cave at En-gedi
Saul went into a cave where David and his men were hiding. David crept up and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily, and then his heart smote him (1 Samuel 24:3–5).
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 hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.— 1 Samuel 24:6 (KJV)
The Spear and the Cruse of Water
Later David and Abishai went by night into Saul's camp. Saul lay sleeping with his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster (1 Samuel 26:7). Abishai asked to strike him.
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless?— 1 Samuel 26:9 (KJV)
David took the spear and the cruse of water and left (1 Samuel 26:12). Honor, restraint, and trust that God would set him on the throne in His time. Read about Abishai.
41 bold coloring pages of King David's warriors, straight from 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. Ages 5–99+. Paperback, $9.99. See inside the book.
Get the Coloring BookQuestions About David's Mighty Men
How many times did David spare Saul?
Twice: in the cave at En-gedi (1 Samuel 24) and in Saul's camp in the wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 26).
What did David cut off Saul's robe?
The skirt of Saul's robe (1 Samuel 24:4).
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