1 Samuel 24

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 24 of 31

1 And it happened, when Saul had returned from after the Philistines, they declared to him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.

2 And Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the front of the rocks of the wild goats.

3 And on the way he came in to the folds of the flock. And there was a cave. And Saul went in to cover his feet. And David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.

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Chapter Summary

David cuts off Saul's skirt, but spares his life. He shows him his innocence. Saul takes an oath of David, and departs.

Key Hebrew Words

מְעִילְ robe H4598 · TWOT 1230b
כְּנַֽף wing H3671 · TWOT 1003a
נַפְשִׁ֖ soul H5315 · TWOT 1395a
גְּמַלְתַּ֣ deal fully H1580 · TWOT 360
רֶ֑שַׁע wickedness H7562 · TWOT 2222a

People & Context

Saul Pursues David into a Cave

Returning from fighting the Philistines, Saul takes 3,000 men to hunt David. Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men are…

David Spares Saul's Life

David's men urge him to kill Saul, but David only secretly cuts off the skirt of Saul's robe. Feeling remorseful, David prevents his men from attackin…

David Proves His Innocence

David follows Saul out of the cave, bows to the earth, and shows the cut skirt as proof that he has no evil or rebellion in his heart against the king…

Timeline

Saul Pursues David into a Cave

Returning from fighting the Philistines, Saul takes 3,000 men to hunt David. Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men are hiding deep inside.

1 Samuel 24:1-3
David Spares Saul's Life

David's men urge him to kill Saul, but David only secretly cuts off the skirt of Saul's robe. Feeling remorseful, David prevents his men from attacking the anointed of Jehovah.

1 Samuel 24:4-7
David Proves His Innocence

David follows Saul out of the cave, bows to the earth, and shows the cut skirt as proof that he has no evil or rebellion in his heart against the king.

1 Samuel 24:8-15

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