NOTES for Sa1 23:29

Seeing Saul unguarded in the cave, David faced the temptation to strike him down from behind. Everything favors an unexpected victory over the enemy who is pursuing David, especially one who has committed a series of wicked deeds. But despite his warriors, who urge him to kill Saul, David limits himself to cutting off the edge of his robe. And even this pains David.

David has several reasons for refusing to kill him. Saul was anointed king by the will of the Lord, and even though God has rejected him, in David’s eyes Saul has not lost that anointing. Of course, David cannot kill the father of his closest friend. But most importantly, David does not intend to become like Saul in treachery and injustice; he is ready to repay evil with good. One might say that on that day David turned the other cheek to Saul.

And Saul was able to see and appreciate David’s nobility. David’s deed shook him and brought up from the depths of his soul the best features of Saul’s original character, buried beneath his sins. How encouraging the account of his repentance appears... Unfortunately, Saul’s insight will prove temporary and shallow; the darkness enveloping his heart will prevail again.