David Spares Saul in a Cave
1 Samuel 24:1-22
1 S.24.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משם: PREP
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- במצדות: PREP
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גדי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Sam 22:1 (verbal): David 'departed' to a cave (Adullam); similar language and motif of David fleeing and taking refuge in a cave.
- 1 Sam 23:14 (thematic): Reports David dwelling 'in strongholds' in the wilderness—background pattern of retreating to strongholds like En‑gedi.
- 1 Sam 26:7-12 (structural): A closely parallel episode in which David enters Saul's camp and again spares Saul's life; mirrors the En‑gedi cave encounter (proximity to Saul, refusal to kill him).
- Ps 142:1 (allusion): Superscription: 'A prayer when he was in the cave.' The psalm reflects David's situation and emotions while hiding (traditionally linked to the En‑gedi episode).
- Ps 57:1 (allusion): Psalm heading associates the song with David's flight from Saul into a cave; thematically echoes refuge and plea for God's mercy during the En‑gedi refuge.
Alternative generated candidates
- David went up from there and remained in the strongholds of En-gedi.
- And David went up from there and dwelt in the strongholds of En-gedi.
1 S.24.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאחרי: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גדי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Sam 23:29 (verbal): Same sequence noted earlier: a Philistine incursion diverts Saul from pursuing David, and the text explicitly places David afterward in the strongholds of En-gedi — a close verbal/chronological parallel to 1 Sam 24:2.
- 1 Sam 24:3-7 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation set at En-gedi where David encounters the sleeping Saul and spares his life (cuts his robe) — the direct scene that follows the report in 1 Sam 24:2.
- 1 Sam 26:7-11 (thematic): A later, parallel episode in which David again has the opportunity to kill Saul while he sleeps but spares him; echoes themes of mercy, divine protection of David, and Saul’s pursuit.
- Ps 63:1 (thematic): A psalm attributed to David ‘when he was in the wilderness of Judah’; thematically linked to David’s life as a fugitive in the wilderness (including En-gedi) and his reliance on God during flight from Saul.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Saul returned from following the Philistines, it was told him, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.”
- And it happened, when Saul returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi."
1 S.24.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- צורי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- היעלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 26:2 (verbal): Saul again musters ‘three thousand chosen men’ to seek David—near-verbatim detail and parallel pursuit motif.
- 1 Samuel 23:25–26 (thematic): Earlier account of Saul pursuing David in the wilderness (Ziph); shows recurring pattern of Saul's hunts and David's flight.
- 1 Samuel 24:4 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same episode: Saul enters a cave while David and his men are nearby—sets up the confrontation in 24:3–7.
- Psalm 57 (title) (allusion): Traditional heading links this psalm to David’s flight ‘when he fled from Saul into the cave,’ echoing the context of 1 Sam 24 (refuge in a cave while pursued).
- Psalm 142 (title) (allusion): Title attributes the prayer to David ‘when he was in the cave’; thematically tied to David’s hiding and plea for deliverance during Saul’s pursuit.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men upon the crags of the wild goats.
- Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men upon the crags of the wild goats.
1 S.24.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- גדרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מערה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להסך: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- רגליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- בירכתי: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המערה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ישבים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 26:7-11 (structural): A closely parallel episode in which David again confronts Saul while he sleeps (this time in Saul’s camp); David’s refusal to kill Saul and the moral argument he gives closely mirror the cave incident in 1 Sam 24.
- 1 Samuel 22:1 (thematic): David retreats to the cave of Adullam, gathering followers and using caves as places of refuge—the motif of David hiding in caves underlies the setting of 1 Sam 24.
- Psalm 57 (superscription) (allusion): The psalm’s heading links David’s cry to God with the episode of fleeing from Saul into a cave, directly recalling the context described in 1 Sam 24.
- Psalm 142 (superscription) (allusion): This psalm is explicitly tied by its superscription to David’s time in the cave; like 1 Sam 24 it reflects the experience of hiding from Saul and appeals to God for deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- He came to the sheepfolds by the way; there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave.
- And he came to the sheepfolds by the way; and there was a cave, and Saul went in to cover his feet. Now David and his men were sitting in the recesses of the cave.
1 S.24.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- א: PRT
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- איבך: NOUN,m,sg,cs+2ms
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- יטב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כנף: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המעיל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בלט: PART
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:4-7 (structural): Immediate narrative context: David’s men urge him that God has delivered Saul into his hand, and David cuts off the skirt of Saul’s robe—same scene continued in v.5.
- 1 Samuel 26:5-12 (thematic): A parallel episode in which David again has opportunity to kill Saul but spares him, refusing to stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and reproving his men.
- 2 Samuel 1:14-16 (thematic): David’s reaction to the report of Saul’s death—he condemns the man who claims to have killed Saul, expressing reverence for Saul as the LORD’s anointed, reflecting the same ethic that kept him from harming Saul in 1 Sam 24:5.
- Judges 7:2 (thematic): God’s promise to Gideon that he will deliver the Midianites into Gideon’s hand—a wider motif of the LORD handing enemies over to his chosen leader, echoed in the men’s claim in 1 Sam 24:5.
- Psalm 18:40 (verbal): David celebrates God giving the necks of his enemies into his hand—verbal/thematic echo of the notion that the LORD delivers an enemy into one’s hand (cf. 1 Sam 24:5).
Alternative generated candidates
- David’s men said to him, “Behold, this is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hand’; now do to him whatever seems good to you.” So David rose and stealthily cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe.
- And David's men said to him, "Behold the day of which the LORD spoke to you, saying, 'Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand.' Now therefore let us do to him whatever seems good in your eyes." Then David rose and stealthily cut off the skirt of Saul's robe.
1 S.24.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- כן: ADV
- ויך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- על: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- כרת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כנף: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 1 Sam 24:5 (verbal): Immediate context: the preceding verse reports David’s act of cutting off the skirt (corner) of Saul’s robe — the same deed to which 24:6 refers.
- 1 Sam 24:11-12 (thematic): David’s explanation and appeal to Saul after revealing the torn garment: he defends his restraint and invokes respect for the LORD’s anointed, showing why his conscience smote him.
- 1 Sam 26:5-11 (structural): A parallel episode in which David again finds Saul sleeping in his camp, removes a weapon (spear) and refrains from killing him — a repeated motif of sparing the LORD’s anointed.
- 1 Sam 26:21 (thematic): David’s declaration of innocence and refusal to harm Saul mirrors the moral stance and remorse expressed in 24:6–12, reaffirming his respect for the king as God’s anointed.
Alternative generated candidates
- Afterward David’s heart struck him because he had cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe.
- Afterward the thought of it struck David's heart that he had cut off the skirt of Saul's robe.
1 S.24.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לאנשיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF:3,m,sg
- חלילה: INTJ
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מיהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- לאדני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,m,poss1s
- למשיח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לשלח: VERB,qal,inf
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- משיח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.24.6 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode—David tells his men the LORD forbid that he should stretch out his hand against his lord, 'the LORD's anointed,' using nearly identical language and refusing to harm Saul.
- 1 Sam.26.9-11 (verbal): A later, closely parallel incident: David again spares Saul (removing his spear) and swears 'As the LORD lives... I will not stretch forth my hand against the LORD’s anointed,' repeating the same oath and rationale.
- 2 Sam.1.14-16 (allusion): David rebukes the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul: 'How wast thou not afraid to put forth thy hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?'—an explicit echo of the principle that one must not harm God's anointed.
- 1 Chron.10:13-14 (thematic): Chronicles' account of Saul's death and divine judgment provides the broader theological context for the inviolability of the king as 'the LORD's anointed' and helps explain David's reverent restraint.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to his men, “Far be it from me—far be it from me before the LORD—that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed.”
- And he said to his men, "Far be it from me, before the LORD, that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to put forth my hand against him; for he is the LORD's anointed."
1 S.24.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישסע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אנשיו: NOUN,m,pl,poss:3,m,sg
- בדברים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- נתנם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,prsuf,3,m,pl
- לקום: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מהמערה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:4-7 (structural): Immediate context of the same incident — David spares Saul in the cave and restrains his men from killing Saul (the same action described in v.8).
- 1 Samuel 26:8-11 (verbal): Parallel episode in which David again restrains his men (and refuses to kill Saul), using similar language about not lifting a hand against the LORD’s anointed and trusting God to judge.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 (allusion): ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay’ provides the theological rationale behind David’s refusal to take vengeance into his own hands — leaving punishment to God.
- Romans 12:19 (quotation): New Testament citation of the Deuteronomy principle (‘Vengeance is mine’) that echoes David’s restraint and the ethic of leaving vengeance to God rather than taking violent revenge.
Alternative generated candidates
- With these words David restrained his men and would not let them rise against Saul; and Saul went on his way.
- So David restrained his men with these words and would not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul rose from the cave and went on his way.
1 S.24.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- כן: ADV
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מהמערה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויבט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ויקד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:4-7 (structural): Immediate context of the same episode: David refrains from killing Saul in the cave (tearing Saul’s robe, then holding back), which sets up his subsequent rising and prostration in v.9.
- 1 Samuel 26:8-12 (thematic): A parallel episode in which David again spares Saul (this time in the camp), refuses to harm the LORD’s anointed, and confronts Saul with humility—mirroring the bowing and appeal in 24:9.
- 1 Samuel 24:16-22 (structural): The aftermath of the cave incident: Saul acknowledges David’s righteousness and David’s respectful submission leads to a temporary ceasefire between them, directly linked to the prostration in v.9.
- Genesis 33:3-4 (thematic): Jacob’s bowing to Esau to seek reconciliation echoes David’s act of prostration before a hostile rival—gesture of humility and pursuit of peace rather than vengeance.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then David rose afterward and went out of the cave and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” Saul looked behind him, and David bowed with his face to the earth and prostrated himself.
- Then David arose afterward 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 earth and prostrated himself.
1 S.24.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- למה: ADV
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבקש: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- רעתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,m
Parallels
- 1 Sam 26:21 (quotation): David issues virtually the same rebuke to Saul later: he repeats the question why Saul listens to mens' words that accuse David of seeking Saul’s harm (near-verbatim repetition).
- 1 Sam 24:9 (structural): Immediate context: David’s cutting of Saul’s robe (v.9) directly precedes this appeal, highlighting David’s restraint and framing his rhetorical challenge to Saul in v.10.
- Daniel 6:4-5 (thematic): Enemies conspire to bring charges to the king in order to entrap a righteous man; parallels the theme of rulers heeding malicious reports against an innocent person.
- Esther 3:8-11 (thematic): Haman persuades King Ahasuerus with slanderous counsel against a people, showing the dangerous consequences when a ruler listens to maligning words—parallel to Saul heeding reports about David.
- Gen 39:17-20 (thematic): Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and suffers because his master accepts her report; thematically parallels false accusations leading authorities to act against the innocent.
Alternative generated candidates
- David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’?
- And David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, 'Behold, David seeks your hurt'?
1 S.24.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנה: PART
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- עיניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתנך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+obj2ms
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- במערה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- להרגך: PREP+VERB,hif,inf+2m-suf
- ותחס: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשלח: VERB,qal,imperf,1,_,sg
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- באדני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+suff1cs
- כי: CONJ
- משיח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 24:6 (verbal): Same incident and near-identical wording earlier in the chapter: David refuses to stretch out his hand against 'the LORD's anointed' (וְלֹא־אֲשַׁלֵּחַ יָדִי בַּאדֹנִי כִּי־מָשִׁיחַ יְהוָה הוּא).
- 1 Sam 26:9-11 (verbal): Parallel repetition of the episode (David again spares Saul); uses the same claim that the LORD delivered Saul into David's hand and the refusal to harm 'the LORD's anointed.'
- Ps 2:2 (allusion): Uses the concept/title 'the LORD's anointed' (the king/messiah) — background theology for why a king is under divine protection and not to be unlawfully slain by subjects or rivals.
- Rom 12:19 (thematic): New Testament parallel in leaving vengeance and judgment to God ('Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord'), reflecting David’s decision to let God judge rather than take lethal action.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, this very day your eyes have seen that the LORD set you in my hand in the cave, and I said, ‘I will kill you,’ but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’”
- Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave; and some urged me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, 'I will not put forth my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD's anointed.'"
1 S.24.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כנף: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעילך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss,2ms
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- כי: CONJ
- בכרתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+poss=1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כנף: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעילך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss,2ms
- ולא: CONJ
- הרגתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg,obj,2,ms
- דע: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- וראה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ופשע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- חטאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- צדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- לקחתה: VERB,qal,inf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:4-7 (structural): Immediate context: these verses describe David cutting off the corner of Saul's robe in the cave— the action David cites in 24:12 when asserting he did not kill Saul.
- 1 Samuel 26:9-11 (thematic): Parallel episode where David again spares Saul (takes his spear and water) and refuses to harm 'the LORD's anointed,' echoing the claim of innocence and restraint in 24:12.
- Psalm 26:1 (thematic): Davidic assertion of innocence: 'Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity' parallels 24:12's declaration that there is no evil or transgression in his hand.
- 1 Samuel 26:21-23 (thematic): Saul's later acknowledgment that David has acted righteously and his appeal for David's continued goodness parallels the vindication and moral contrast voiced in 24:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- “O my father, see—see the skirt of your robe in my hand! For by chance I cut off the skirt of your robe and did not kill you. Know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand; I have not sinned against you, yet you hunt my life to take it.
- See, my father, behold the skirt of your robe in my hand; for by my cutting off the skirt of your robe I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil and no wickedness in my hand, and that I have not sinned against you, yet you seek my life to take it.
1 S.24.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ישפט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ובינך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ונקמני: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- וידי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cs+PRON,1,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 32:35 (verbal): Contains the declaration 'Vengeance is mine' (or 'I will repay'), the same theological claim that God — not the individual — will execute judgment and vengeance.
- Romans 12:19 (quotation): Paul cites the OT principle 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord' and exhorts believers not to avenge themselves, echoing David's refusal to strike Saul.
- 1 Samuel 26:9-11 (verbal): A direct, near‑parallel episode in which David again spares Saul and uses essentially the same words: God will judge between us and avenge me; my hand shall not be against you.
- Proverbs 20:22 (thematic): Advises not to say 'I will repay evil' but to wait on the LORD, reflecting the same ethic of leaving vengeance to God rather than taking personal revenge.
Alternative generated candidates
- May the LORD judge between me and you, and may the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.
- May the LORD judge between me and you, and may the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.
1 S.24.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כאשר: CONJ
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- משל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הקדמני: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מרשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- לא: PART_NEG
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:6 (verbal): In the same episode earlier David says, 'The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed,' a nearly identical formula of refusal to harm Saul.
- 1 Samuel 26:9–11 (structural): A later, closely parallel narrative in which David again spares Saul and uses essentially the same reasoning and language—structural repetition of the theme.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 (quotation): 'Vengeance is mine, and recompense' (Deut. 32:35) supplies the theological basis for leaving judgment to God rather than taking personal vengeance, which David reflects in his words.
- Romans 12:19–21 (thematic): Paul's instruction not to avenge but to leave room for God's wrath and to overcome evil with good echoes David's refusal to retaliate and his reliance on divine justice.
Alternative generated candidates
- As the proverb says, ‘From the wicked a wicked man goes forth,’ yet my hand shall not be against you.
- As the proverb of the ancients says, 'From the wicked comes forth wickedness'—so my hand shall not be against you.
1 S.24.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אחרי: PREP
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- רדף: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- כלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- פרעש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 26:20 (verbal): David repeats the same taunting rhetorical question—'After whom does the king of Israel come out? After whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog? After a flea?' (near verbal parallel).
- 1 Sam 26:6-11 (structural): A second nighttime episode in which David enters Saul's camp and spares his life; parallels 24 thematically and narratively (same moral confrontation and David's restraint).
- 1 Sam 24:4-7 (structural): The immediate cave episode in which David cuts Saul's robe but refrains from killing him; sets the scene and actions that lead into 24:15's rebuke.
- 1 Sam 24:11 (thematic): David's protest of innocence and invocation of 'the LORD's anointed' echoes the theme behind 24:15—questioning the wisdom of pursuing the king and asserting David's respectful restraint.
Alternative generated candidates
- After whom have you come out, O king of Israel? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog? After a flea?
- After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog? After a flea?
1 S.24.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לדין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושפט: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ובינך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וירב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ריבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,1,sg
- וישפטני: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,ms+SUFF,1,sg
- מידך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:12 (verbal): David uses nearly identical language earlier in the same episode: he appeals to the LORD to be judge between him and Saul and to vindicate him, refusing to lift his hand against the king.
- 1 Samuel 26:9 (verbal): In a later parallel incident David again spares Saul and repeats the formula asking the LORD to judge between them and to vindicate him while his own hand remains unmoved.
- Psalm 7:8 (thematic): A direct appeal to God as judge and vindicator—'The LORD shall judge the peoples; judge me, O LORD'—parallels the petition that God adjudicate and vindicate the speaker.
- Psalm 35:1 (thematic): 'Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me' echoes the request that God take up the legal cause and contend/plead on behalf of the speaker against his adversary.
- Psalm 26:1 (thematic): 'Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in mine integrity' similarly invokes God as vindicator and judge who will judge the speaker's case and clear him before his enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- May the LORD be judge and decide between you and me; may he see and contend on my behalf, and deliver me out of your hand.”
- May the LORD be judge and decide between me and you; may he see and contend on my behalf and judge me out of your hand.
1 S.24.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ככלות: PREP+INFN,qal,inf
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדבר: INF,qal
- את: PRT,acc
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקלך: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ויבך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 26:21 (verbal): Near-verbatim echo: in the second episode where David spares Saul, Saul again asks “Is this your voice, my son David?” lifts his voice and weeps—directly parallels the wording and emotional response of 1 Sam 24:17.
- 1 Samuel 24:8–15 (structural): Immediate narrative context: David’s rebuke and plea to Saul in the cave prepare the moment of recognition and Saul’s tears in v.17; the speech explains why Saul responds as he does.
- 2 Samuel 1:11–12 (thematic): Shared motif of lament and complex grief: David and his men mourn for Saul and Jonathan, demonstrating David’s sorrow over Saul despite their enmity—echoes the weeping and conflicted relationship seen in 1 Sam 24:17.
- 1 Samuel 19:4–7 (thematic): Shows a recurring pattern of Saul’s volatile anger and occasional relenting (Jonathan’s intercession turns Saul’s heart), highlighting the unstable relationship and moments of compassion that contextualize Saul’s tearful recognition of David.
Alternative generated candidates
- When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.
- When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" Then Saul lifted up his voice and wept.
1 S.24.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- גמלתני: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg,obj:1,sg
- הטובה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- גמלתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg,obj:2,m,sg
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.26:23 (verbal): Saul repeats almost the same words after David spares him a second time: he acknowledges David as more righteous because David has treated him well despite Saul's hostility—close verbal and structural parallel to 1 Sam 24:18.
- Prov.25:21-22 (thematic): Commands to repay evil with good (e.g., feed a hungry enemy) reflect the ethic behind David's merciful conduct and Saul's recognition that David 'recompensed good' for Saul's evil.
- Rom.12:17-21 (thematic): Paul exhorts believers not to repay evil with evil but to overcome evil with good, echoing the moral principle illustrated when David spares Saul and receives Saul's admission of David's righteousness.
- Matt.5:44-45 (thematic): Jesus' teaching to love and pray for enemies parallels the attitude David shows toward Saul—doing good in the face of hostility—and undergirds the New Testament expression of the same ethic praised in 1 Sam 24:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have dealt well with me, while I have dealt wickedly with you.
- And he said to David, "You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.
1 S.24.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- הגדת: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשיתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- סגרני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- הרגתני: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:11 (verbal): In the immediate context David earlier tells Saul that the LORD had delivered Saul into his hand and he refused to kill him—language and claim identical to 24:19.
- 1 Samuel 24:6 (verbal): David's declaration 'Far be it from me... to stretch out my hand against the LORD's anointed' expresses the same motive of restraint underlying 24:19.
- 1 Samuel 26:21 (verbal): After a second occasion of sparing Saul David repeats the same claim that Saul has done him good by not killing him when the LORD delivered Saul into his hand—near-verbatim parallel.
- 2 Samuel 1:14 (quotation): David rebukes the man who claimed to have killed Saul with the same principle—condemning anyone who 'stretches out his hand against the LORD's anointed'—echoing the moral reasoning of 24:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- You have declared today how you have dealt well with me; for the LORD had delivered me into your hand, yet you did not kill me.
- And you have declared today what you did to me—how the LORD delivered me into your hand, and you did not kill me.
1 S.24.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- ימצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- איבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m
- ושלחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישלמך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,2,m
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשיתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 25:21-22 (verbal): Explicitly parallels the instruction to do good to an enemy (give him bread/drink) and the promise that the LORD will reward you — similar language of divine recompense for showing kindness to an enemy.
- Romans 12:17-21 (thematic): Paul echoes the ethic of not repaying evil with evil, leaving vengeance to God and doing good to enemies; the passage connects David’s refusal to avenge Saul with the injunction to feed and bless enemies and trust God’s recompense.
- Luke 6:27-35 (thematic): Jesus’ teaching to love and bless enemies and that one’s reward will be great resonates with David’s decision to spare Saul and pray that the LORD repay him with good.
- Genesis 50:20-21 (thematic): Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers and his provision for them after they meant harm parallels David’s merciful treatment of Saul and his prayer for God’s blessing in response to that mercy.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 (verbal): Uses the same legal/theological motif of divine recompense/vengeance (‘I will repay’); David invokes God’s settling of accounts rather than taking vengeance himself.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever finds his enemy will let him go in peace; may the LORD repay you with good for the good you have done me this day.
- And who will find his enemy and let him go away safe? May the LORD repay you with good for the kindness you have showed me this day.
1 S.24.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- הנה: PART
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- תמלוך: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- וקמה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- ממלכת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (thematic): Samuel anoints David as the Lord’s chosen future king, anticipating the kingship David here acknowledges.
- 2 Samuel 5:2 (thematic): The leaders of Israel recognize and invite David to be shepherd/prince over Israel—an explicit fulfillment of the kingship declared in 1 Sam 24:21.
- 2 Samuel 7:16 (allusion): God’s promise to establish David’s house and throne forever echoes the claim that the kingdom will be established in David’s hand.
- Psalm 89:3-4 (allusion): The psalm’s covenantal promise to 'establish the throne to all generations' parallels the assurance that David will reign and his kingdom endure.
- 1 Chronicles 11:3-4 (structural): The account of Israel’s congregation anointing David king at Hebron parallels the anticipated accession and establishment of his rule expressed in 1 Sam 24:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.
- Now therefore I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.
1 S.24.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- השבעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- אם: CONJ
- תכרית: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- את: PRT,acc
- זרעי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- אחרי: PREP
- ואם: CONJ
- תשמיד: VERB,hif,impf,2,ms
- את: PRT,acc
- שמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Sam 26:21-25 (verbal): Parallel episode where David again spares Saul and obtains an oath from him; repeats the plea that Saul swear not to pursue or 'cut off' David's house/name.
- 2 Sam 9:1-13 (thematic): David preserves the house of Jonathan by showing kindness to Mephibosheth—an act protecting a descendant and the family name after the fall of a ruler.
- 2 Sam 7:12-16 (thematic): God's covenant promise to establish David's offspring and name forever provides a theological counterpoint to human fears of being 'cut off' from one's house.
- 2 Sam 21:7-9 (thematic): The Gibeonites demand execution of Saul's male descendants, a literal instance of a house being cut off—illustrates the danger David feared for his own line/name.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s house.”
- Now therefore swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house."
And David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds at Ein Gedi. And it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of Ein Gedi." So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men upon the crags of the wild goats.
He came to the sheepfolds by the way; there was a cave, and Saul went in to cover his feet. David and his men were sitting in the innermost part of the cave. And David’s men said to him, "Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hand’; now do to him as seems good to you." Then David rose and secretly cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.
Afterward David’s heart struck him because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. And he said to his men, "Far be it from me before the LORD to do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed." So David restrained his men with these words and would not let them rise against Saul. Saul rose and went out of the cave and went on his way.
Then David went out of the cave afterward and called after Saul, "My lord the king!" Saul looked behind him, and David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.
David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’?
Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave, and I said, ‘I will kill you,’ but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’"
See, my father, see—the corner of your robe is in my hand! For by chance I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you. Know and see that there is neither wickedness nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you, yet you hunt my life to take it.
May the LORD judge between me and you, and may the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.
As the proverb runs, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness,’ yet my hand shall not be against you.
After whom does a king of Israel go out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog—after one flea!
May the LORD be judge and arbiter between me and you; may He see, contend on my behalf, and decide in my favor, and remove me from your hand.
When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" Then Saul lifted up his voice and wept. And he said to David, "You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me good, while I have rewarded you evil.
You have declared today what you did to me—how the LORD delivered me into your hand, and you did not kill me.
Whoever finds his enemy, will he let him go in peace? May the LORD repay you with good for the good that you have done to me this day.
Now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Now therefore swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house."