8 So with these words David kept his servants back, and did not let them make an attack on Saul. And Saul got up and went on his way.
9 And after that David came out of the hollow rock, and crying after Saul said, My lord the king. And when Saul gave a look back, David went down on his face and gave him honour. 10 And David said to Saul, Why do you give any attention to those who say that it is my desire to do you wrong? 11 Look! you have seen today how the Lord gave you up into my hands even now in the hollow of the rocks: and some would have had me put you to death, but I had pity on you: for I said, Never will my hand be lifted up against my lord, who has been marked with the holy oil. 12 And see, my father, see the skirt of your robe in my hand: for the fact that I took off the skirt of your robe and did not put you to death is witness that I have no evil purpose, and I have done you no wrong, though you are waiting for my life to take it. 13 May the Lord be judge between me and you, and may the Lord give me my rights against you, but my hand will never be lifted up against you. 14 There is an old saying, From the evil-doer comes evil: but my hand will never be lifted up against you. 15 After whom has the king of Israel come out? for whom are you searching? for a dead dog, an insect.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8-15
Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8-15
(Read 1 Samuel 24:8-15)
David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.