David Spares Saul — Bible audio story cover art

David Spares Saul

1 Samuel 24:1-22; 26:1-25

He had the power to take the throne. He waited for God to give it.

Saul is hunting David with three thousand soldiers. Twice David gets the chance to kill him and end his years of running. In a cave at En Gedi, Saul steps in to relieve himself — not knowing David and his men are hiding in the back. David creeps forward and cuts a corner of Saul's robe. Later, David sneaks into Saul's camp at night and takes his spear and water jug from beside his sleeping head. Both times his men urge him to strike. Both times David refuses: I will not touch the Lord's anointed. He chooses restraint when vengeance is within arm's reach.