THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
How can we interpret the phrase, 'Offence shall come out of the lawless man; but my hand shall not be upon thee'? (1 Sam. 24:14) David brought the actions against himself before God's judgment, proclaiming, ‘Let the Lord judge between me and thee, ... but my hand shall not be upon thee’ (1 Sam. 24:13). He then shared a parable illustrating that sin is the act of the unrighteous, while enduring wrongs with patience is the trait of the wise. In a display of profound humility, David refers to himself as a dead dog and a flea (1 Sam. 24:15), seeking to soften his hardened heart through profound self-abasement. This deeply affected Saul, who recognized David's virtue, stating, ‘You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, but I have retaliated with evil’ (1 Sam. 24:18).
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His subsequent remarks are both commendatory and prophetic, affirming David’s future kingship: ‘We know that you will reign as king and possess the kingdom of Israel’ (1 Sam. 24:21). Saul also requested that David extend the same kindness to his family that he had shown to Saul himself, saying, ‘And now I swear by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me, nor will you eradicate my name from my father's house. And David swore to Saul’ (1 Sam. 24:22, 23). Such is the frailty of wickedness; the leader of many pleads with a fugitive, and he who approached with an army seeks compassion from the one he pursues.