# 1 Samuel Chapter 24
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## Summary
Saul returns from pursuing the Philistines and is advised David is in the Wilderness of Engedi. Saul takes three thousand men and again goes after David. Whilst Saul finds a cave and enters to relieve himself. David cuts off a corner of his robe. David is immediately repentant and rejects the possibility of ending Sauls life noting that Saul is the Lords anointed.

Saul gets up and leaves and David calls after him pointing out that he has no quarrel with Saul pointing out if he wanted him dead he had every opportunity just now. Saul recognises the righteousness in David and is repentant. Saul pleads that David swears by the Lord he will not cut off Saul's household which he does before they part ways with Saul returning home and David to the stronghold.

## Meditatio
In verse 12 we find the heart of this passage: `May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you`[^1].

Just imagine as young man or boy, not even large enough to wear a suit of armour, being called for by a renowned prophet of the Lord. Then being told that you are going to occupy the top position. I can't imagine the damage such knowledge could do to a young man. Then you are given a position to work for and minister to the King. Surely David must have thought "this is it". Then to spend years being pursued by the King who intends nothing less than your destruction. 

You are compelled to hide in the wilderness with some real undesirable characters. Your friends cannot openly support you given this invites death. Then suddenly you are in a position to put an end to it all. The one who threatens your life is crapping in a cave and you are close enough to cut off a piece of his clothing. 

The level of restraint shown here is unbelievable. David had not only the opportunity to end Saul but to do so in a pretty darn humiliating fashion. But David stays his hand.

I can't imagine the kinds of castle building or fantasy life living with such a message might have led me too. When I was younger a [so called Prophet](https://www.julianadams.org/) made some pretty outlandish claims about my future. I must admit as an Adult I find I have a new level of skepticism towards these claims and have a certain degree of mistrust of self professing 'prophetic figures'. As I see it Prophets usually end up dead or exiled.

Ok so why is this so significant? David has grasped the point about a house divided. If the Lord has anointed me and promised me the Kingdom, I can be confident he will fulfil his promise. The Lord has anointed Saul and made him King over Israel. My succession is not my problem; this is for the Lord to work out.

A house divided cannot stand therefore David will not set himself against Saul. 

[^1]: [1 Samuel 24:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+24%3A12&version=ESV)