David honored his word and trusted the LORD’s justice, which allowed him to depart in peace and preserve the path toward his future kingship.
“David swore to Saul. And Saul went to his home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.” (v.22) In this verse, David has just spared Saul’s life in the wilderness of Engedi, a barren region on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Despite having every opportunity to kill the king who relentlessly pursued him, David refused to harm the LORD’s anointed. Instead, he pledged his loyalty to Saul by swearing not to cut off Saul’s descendants, thus demonstrating the same steadfast mercy and reliance upon the LORD that he showed elsewhere (1 Samuel 24:1-17). Saul, the first king of Israel (c. 1050-1010 BC), then departed for his home, seemingly moved by David’s grace, but still not fully abandoning his jealousy in the chapters to come.
David’s decision to “go up to the stronghold” with his men highlights his humble caution. Although Saul returned home, David remained prudent by retreating to a fortified area, trusting God while taking practical steps to stay safe. This stronghold was likely within the rugged cliffs of Engedi, where caves and natural defenses offered protection from further threats. David, anointed by the prophet Samuel around 1025 BC, often adopted such hiding places while waiting for the proper time to assume the throne (1 Samuel 24:1-2; 26:1-3).
By swearing an oath and then withdrawing to a secure location, David exemplified faithful obedience to God’s plan rather than resorting to vengeance. In the broader narrative, David’s refusal to kill Saul proved his sincerity in leaving justice to the LORD. This deliberate act of mercy toward Saul foreshadowed the consistent character that would define David’s reign. Ultimately, David’s trust that God would fulfill His covenant promises—even when threatened by a hostile king—points to the attitude of faith found throughout Scripture, culminating in the example of Jesus, the son of David, who likewise responded to hostility with redemption rather than retaliation (Romans 5:8).
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1 Samuel 24:22 meaning
“David swore to Saul. And Saul went to his home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.” (v.22) In this verse, David has just spared Saul’s life in the wilderness of Engedi, a barren region on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Despite having every opportunity to kill the king who relentlessly pursued him, David refused to harm the LORD’s anointed. Instead, he pledged his loyalty to Saul by swearing not to cut off Saul’s descendants, thus demonstrating the same steadfast mercy and reliance upon the LORD that he showed elsewhere (1 Samuel 24:1-17). Saul, the first king of Israel (c. 1050-1010 BC), then departed for his home, seemingly moved by David’s grace, but still not fully abandoning his jealousy in the chapters to come.
David’s decision to “go up to the stronghold” with his men highlights his humble caution. Although Saul returned home, David remained prudent by retreating to a fortified area, trusting God while taking practical steps to stay safe. This stronghold was likely within the rugged cliffs of Engedi, where caves and natural defenses offered protection from further threats. David, anointed by the prophet Samuel around 1025 BC, often adopted such hiding places while waiting for the proper time to assume the throne (1 Samuel 24:1-2; 26:1-3).
By swearing an oath and then withdrawing to a secure location, David exemplified faithful obedience to God’s plan rather than resorting to vengeance. In the broader narrative, David’s refusal to kill Saul proved his sincerity in leaving justice to the LORD. This deliberate act of mercy toward Saul foreshadowed the consistent character that would define David’s reign. Ultimately, David’s trust that God would fulfill His covenant promises—even when threatened by a hostile king—points to the attitude of faith found throughout Scripture, culminating in the example of Jesus, the son of David, who likewise responded to hostility with redemption rather than retaliation (Romans 5:8).