1st Shamu'AL (1 Samuel) — 24

Daud Spares king Shaul’s Life

1 After Shaul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that Daud had gone into the wilderness of An-gady. 

2 So Shaul chose three thousand elite troops from all Yashar'AL and went to search for Daud and his men near the rocks of the wild goats.

3 At the place where the road passes some sheepfolds, Shaul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, Daud and his men were hiding farther back in that very cave!

4 “Daud’s men whispered to him; this is your opportunity “Today 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So Daud crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Shaul’s robe.

5 But then Daud’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Shaul’s robe. 

6 He said to his men, “𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH forbid that I should do this to my master the king. I can not attack the anointed one of  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH, for 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH himself has chosen him.” 

7 So Daud restrained his men and did not let them kill Shaul. After Shaul had left the cave and gone on his way, 

8 Daud came out and shouted after him, “My master the king!” And when Shaul looked around, Daud bowed low before him.

9 Then Daud shouted to Shaul, “Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? 

10 This very day you can see with your own eyes it is not true. For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king, he is 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH’s anointed one.’ 

11 Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I did not kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.

12 “May 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH judge between us. Perhaps 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you. 

13 As that old proverb says, ‘From evil people come evil deeds.’ So you can be sure I will never harm you. 

14 Who is the king of Yashar'AL trying to catch anyway? Should he spend his time chasing one who is as worthless as a dead dog or a single flea? 

15 May 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH therefore judge which of us is right and punish the guilty one,  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power!”

16 When Daud had finished speaking, Shaul called back, “Is that really you, my son Daud?” Then Shaul began to cry. 

17 And he said to Daud, “You are a better man than I am, for you have repaid me good for evil. 

18 Yes, you have been amazingly kind to me today, for when 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH put me in a place where you could have killed me, you did not do it. 

19 Who else would let his enemy get away when he had him in his power? May  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH reward you well for the kindness you have shown me today. 

20 And now I realize that you are surely going to be king, and that the kingdom of Yashar'AL will flourish under your rule. 

21 Now swear to me by 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH that when that happens you will not kill my family and destroy my line of descendants!”

22 So Daud promised this to Shaul with an oath. Then Shaul went home, but Daud and his men went back to their stronghold.