Matthew Henry's Commentary

Return to Henry's Main Index Read 1 Samuel 24

Outline of 1 Samuel 24



David spares Saul's life. (Verse 1-7.)

David shows his innocence. (Verse 8-15.)

Saul acknowledges his fault. (Verse 16-22.)

Commentary

Read 1 Samuel 24:1-7

Verse 1-7 — God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.

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Read 1 Samuel 24:8-15

Verse 8-15 — David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.

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Read 1 Samuel 24:16-22

Verse 16-22 — Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, Psalms

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