8 Now afterward e David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul , saying , "My lord the king !" And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.
9 David said to Saul , "Why do you listen to the words of men , saying , 'Behold , David seeks to harm you'? 10 " Behold , this day your eyes have seen that the Lord had given you today into my hand in the cave , and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said , 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord , for he is the Lord'S anointed .' 11 "Now, my father , see ! Indeed , see the edge of your robe in my hand ! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands , and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it. 12 " May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you. 13 "As the proverb of the ancients says , ' Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness '; but my hand shall not be against you. 14 "After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing ? A dead dog , a single flea ? 15 " The Lord therefore be judge and decide between you and me; and may He see and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand ."
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.