David demonstrates the importance of respecting God’s anointed ruler, even when the ruler is unjust.
David is hiding in the wilderness of Engedi, which lies west of the Dead Sea and features rocky cliffs and caves. King Saul (ruling from about 1050 BC to 1010 BC) is pursuing him in jealousy, determined to take David’s life. In the midst of this chase, David secretly approaches Saul in a cave but refuses to harm him despite the urging of his men. As Scripture recounts, “Far be it from me because of the LORD that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” (1 Samuel 24:6). This refusal to kill Saul shows David’s deep reverence for God’s chosen authority, even though that authority is seeking David’s destruction.By using the words “Far be it from me” (1 Samuel 24:6), David reveals a heart surrendered to God’s higher purpose, trusting that the LORD alone has the right to remove or appoint a king. Since David was secretly anointed by the prophet Samuel around 1025 BC, he himself understood what it meant to be designated by God (1 Samuel 16:13). David’s men saw a chance for quick victory, but David chose to honor the LORD’s anointed, reminding them that any aggression toward Saul was an offense against the One who placed Saul in authority in the first place.
This event previews Jesus’ teaching on loving one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). David’s decision to spare Saul’s life underscores that true followers of God trust Him to bring about justice at the right time. Indeed, David’s restraint became a foreshadowing of the Messiah’s willingness to submit to God’s will rather than seek vengeance or violence.
Set to dark mode
1 Samuel 24:6 meaning
David is hiding in the wilderness of Engedi, which lies west of the Dead Sea and features rocky cliffs and caves. King Saul (ruling from about 1050 BC to 1010 BC) is pursuing him in jealousy, determined to take David’s life. In the midst of this chase, David secretly approaches Saul in a cave but refuses to harm him despite the urging of his men. As Scripture recounts, “Far be it from me because of the LORD that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” (1 Samuel 24:6). This refusal to kill Saul shows David’s deep reverence for God’s chosen authority, even though that authority is seeking David’s destruction.By using the words “Far be it from me” (1 Samuel 24:6), David reveals a heart surrendered to God’s higher purpose, trusting that the LORD alone has the right to remove or appoint a king. Since David was secretly anointed by the prophet Samuel around 1025 BC, he himself understood what it meant to be designated by God (1 Samuel 16:13). David’s men saw a chance for quick victory, but David chose to honor the LORD’s anointed, reminding them that any aggression toward Saul was an offense against the One who placed Saul in authority in the first place.
This event previews Jesus’ teaching on loving one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). David’s decision to spare Saul’s life underscores that true followers of God trust Him to bring about justice at the right time. Indeed, David’s restraint became a foreshadowing of the Messiah’s willingness to submit to God’s will rather than seek vengeance or violence.