1 Samuel 24 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

David spares Saul's Life at Engedi

We have a similar incident narrated in 1 Samuel 26, and some critics hold that the two are merely varying accounts of the same event. But it. is to be noticed that almost every detail that could vary, does vary. Nor is there any difficulty in supposing that David spared Saul's life twice.

Rocks of the wild goats] Some cliffs near Engedi, so called because wild goats congregated there. They are still numerous in this district.

Sheepcotes] These were rough, stone walls, built to protect the sheep from wild beasts. Thomson writes: 'There is scarcely a cave in the land. but has such a cote in front of it.'

It is probable that we should translate 'Behold the day on which the Lord saith to thee,' i.e. they interpret the opportunity as a manifest sign of God's intention that Saul should be slain.

Stayed] The word is a very strong one and shows that David had to exert all his authority.

Rather, 'The Lord delivered thee today into mine hand and bade me kill thee': see on 1 Samuel 24:4.

The Lord reward thee good] Gleams of his former high character still show themselves in Saul.