The Robe in the Cave at En-gedi

A hand in the cave that cut a robe instead of a throat

En-gedi · c. 1015 BC · 1 Sam 24:1–22

Story

Saul came with three thousand chosen men among the Rocks of the Wild Goats at En-gedi. Beside the sheepfolds along the road there was a cave. Saul went into it alone to relieve himself. Deep inside that very cave, in the darkness, David and his men sat holding their breath.

His men whispered to David, “This is the day the Lord told you about, when he would give your enemy into your hand.” David crept up without a sound and quietly cut off a corner of Saul's robe. But when he came back, his conscience struck him. David said to his men, “May the Lord keep me from laying a hand on my lord, the Lord's anointed.” With those words David held his men back from attacking Saul.

When Saul left the cave, David followed him out and called, “My lord the king!” David bowed with his face to the ground, held up the corner of the robe and said, “Look, my father. I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you.” Saul wept aloud and said, “Is that your voice, my son David? You are more righteous than I.” Saul went home, and David went up to the stronghold. A song from that cave remained: “In the shadow of your wings I take refuge.”

Words of God and David

May the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on my lord, the Lord's anointed, and harm him.

Look, my father. Look at this corner of your robe in my hand. I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, so know that there is no evil or rebellion in me.

You are more righteous than I. I treated you with evil, but you have repaid me with good.

Now I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 1 Sam 24:1–22

Background

Pause and Reflect