David Spares Saul

1 Samuel 24:1-22

David and his men are hiding in the wilderness of En-gedi when Saul enters the cave alone to cover his feet. David’s men urge him to kill Saul, but David refuses to harm the LORD’s anointed. He cuts off only the corner of Saul’s robe, then feels guilty and restrains his men. After Saul leaves the cave, David calls to him from a distance, shows the robe fragment, explains that he has not rebelled or sought Saul’s harm, and asks the LORD to judge between them. Saul acknowledges David’s righteousness, admits David repaid evil with good, and asks David to swear not to destroy his descendants or wipe out his family name. David swears, Saul returns home, and David and his men go up to the stronghold.

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David holds the cut corner of Saul’s robe inside a cave while David’s men look on, illustrating David’s mercy and self-control.

David Chooses Mercy

1 Samuel 24:1-22

David bows outside a cave while holding the cut corner of Saul’s robe, with Saul standing at a distance as David explains that he did not seek Saul’s harm.

David Speaks from a Distance

1 Samuel 24:1-22

Saul faces David outside a cave as he recognizes that David repaid evil with good; David listens quietly and humbly.

Saul Recognizes David’s Goodness

1 Samuel 24:1-22

A Serious Promise

1 Samuel 24:1-22

Child-friendly illustration concept of Saul and his chosen men traveling through the rocky wilderness of En-gedi while David’s hiding place is suggested nearby.

The Wilderness of En-gedi

1 Samuel 24:1-22