He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's so profound here is David's deep reverence not just for Saul as a person, but for the office and the anointing of kingship itself, recognizing it as divinely appointed by the LORD. He sees striking Saul, even in self-defense, as an act against God's direct ordination. This shows a profound understanding that loyalty to God transcends personal circumstances and even perceived injustices.
He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
David and his men are hiding in a cave, and Saul, still relentlessly hunting David, walks right into the very cave David is in. David's men see this as a divinely appointed moment to take care of Saul once and for all, but David, even in this perilous situation, refuses to strike down the king, recognizing him as God's chosen leader. This refusal sets up the confrontation where David shows Saul the piece of his robe he cut off, proving his innocence and his restraint.
David had Saul cornered, literally. His men were ready to act, but David refused. What does this moment teach us about how we view and treat those in authority, especially those God has set apart?
David's immediate and strong refusal, 'The LORD forbid,' highlights a profound respect for the office God had given Saul, even though Saul was acting wickedly.
The LORD's Anointed
David was the rightful heir to the throne, yet he had to wait years in hiding while Saul hunted him. Why didn't David take matters into his own hands? What does this reveal about faith in God's justice?
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David's decision wasn't passive resignation; it was an active trust in God's sovereign plan and His ultimate justice.
God's Role, Not Ours
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, revealing His covenantal faithfulness, holiness, and self-existence. It is the name by which He makes Himself known to His people throughout Scripture.
mashiach · Hebrew Noun
A title designating one set apart by God for a specific role or function, particularly kings and priests in the Old Testament. To be anointed is to possess a sacred status conferred by God, warranting respect and protection from human harm.
adonai · Hebrew Noun
A title signifying authority and sovereignty, used here to acknowledge the monarchical status established by God. It implies a relationship of submission, accountability, and respect.
David's refusal to harm Saul, even when Saul is actively trying to kill him, highlights a deep reverence for God's established authority, even when that authority is flawed.
c. 1025 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift in Israel's governance.
c. 1010 BC
Saul Disobeys God
Saul disobeys direct commands from God through Samuel, leading to God rejecting him as king.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel, under God's direction, secretly anoints David as the future king of Israel while Saul is still reigning.
c. 1005 BC
David Flees Saul
After Saul's jealousy and attempts to kill him, David becomes a fugitive, hunted by Saul throughout the land.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
Saul Pursues David
Saul, with thousands of his soldiers, relentlessly hunts David and his growing band of followers.
c. 1005 BC
David Spares Saul's Life
In the cave of Ein Gedi, David has a prime opportunity to kill Saul but refuses, showing profound respect for God's anointed king.
David again shows his respect for the Lord's anointed, refusing to harm Saul even when he has the clear opportunity.
2 Samuel 1:14This shows the principle in action, as David had the Amalekite killed for claiming to have killed Saul, the Lord's anointed.
Romans 13:1-7This passage from the New Testament echoes the reverence for God-ordained authority, teaching believers to submit to governing authorities, as they are established by God.
1 Kings 19:16God directly commands the anointing of kings, highlighting the sacredness of their position and the consequences of unlawfully meddling with them.
What's so profound here is David's deep reverence not just for Saul as a person, but for the office and the anointing of kingship itself, recognizing it as divinely appointed by the LORD. He sees striking Saul, even in self-defense, as an act against God's direct ordination. This shows a profound understanding that loyalty to God transcends personal circumstances and even perceived injustices.
David and his men are hiding in a cave, and Saul, still relentlessly hunting David, walks right into the very cave David is in. David's men see this as a divinely appointed moment to take care of Saul once and for all, but David, even in this perilous situation, refuses to strike down the king, recognizing him as God's chosen leader. This refusal sets up the confrontation where David shows Saul the piece of his robe he cut off, proving his innocence and his restraint.
David and his men are hiding in a cave, and Saul, still relentlessly hunting David, walks right into the very cave David is in. David's men see this as a divinely appointed moment to take care of Saul once and for all, but David, even in this perilous situation, refuses to strike down the king, recognizing him as God's chosen leader. This refusal sets up the confrontation where David shows Saul the piece of his robe he cut off, proving his innocence and his restraint.
"He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.”" — What's so profound here is David's deep reverence not just for Saul as a person, but for the office and the anointing of kingship itself, recognizing it as divinely appointed by the LORD. He sees…
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Last reviewed October 2026