Saul enters a cave at En-gedi to relieve himself, unknowingly where David and his men hide deep inside; David secretly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe but his heart strikes him for even this against the LORD's anointed. David restrains his men, then follows Saul out, revealing the cut robe and crying out that he spared Saul's life though urged to kill him, letting the LORD judge between them. Saul weeps, acknowledging David is more righteous, that David will surely be king, and asks David to swear not to cut off his descendants; David swears, Saul goes home, but David remains at the stronghold.
Read 1 Samuel Chapter 24 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Samuel
Last judge and prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings
Saul
First king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God
David
Shepherd boy anointed as future king, man after God's own heart
Jonathan
Saul's son who became David's closest friend despite the rivalry
Hannah
Samuel's mother who prayed for a son and dedicated him to God
Places in This Chapter
The Wilderness
View on MapThe wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Position in Book
Samuel's MinistryChapters 1-7
Saul's ReignChapters 8-15
David's RiseChapters 16-31
David anointed, defeats Goliath, friendship with Jonathan, flees from Saul, Saul's death in battle.