1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 24:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Naturally, the soldiers could harbor deep resentment: we have become fugitives and wanderers, abandoning our homes and homeland, enduring countless hardships alongside you; yet you, with the one responsible for our afflictions in your grasp, seek to let him go and rob us of hope, effectively betraying us to save our foe. Where is the justice in that? If your own salvation does not concern you, then at least spare our lives. Are you not pained by the past? Do you not recall the harm it inflicted upon us? Judge him on behalf of the future, lest we endure even greater misfortunes. Though they may not have expressed these thoughts verbally, their minds certainly swayed in this direction. Yet the just man was not swayed by such considerations; his single pursuit was to earn the garland of virtue through an act of mercy. If he had spared the adversary alone, it might not have drawn such surprise, but to act so in the presence of others was remarkable, especially since their presence amplified the weight of his decision. Often, we pledge to set aside our anger and forgive, but when influenced by those around us, we abandon our resolve and heed their voices. This was not the case for the blessed David; instead, he remained resolute in his commitment even after the soldiers’ entreaties. It is noteworthy not only that he resisted the counsel of others but that he inspired them with the same conviction. Overcoming one's own passions is a profound feat, yet to motivate others to adopt the same mindset is even more significant—particularly among these soldiers, seasoned fighters wearied by strife. They understood that eliminating the opponent would not just end their immediate woes but also yield endless advantages, since Saul's death would pave the path for David's kingship. Yet despite the irritations the soldiers faced, this brave man found the strength to nullify all opposition and persuade them to spare their foe. One must delve into the soldiers’ counsel: their attempt to persuade highlights the righteous man’s resolve. They did not say: behold, he who has wronged you countless times and sought your demise, who has cast us into unbearable suffering. Knowing he disregarded these grievances, they referenced the divine decree, saying, “God has delivered him,” suggesting that he should comply with a higher judgment and act against Saul. “Do you seek vengeance?” they urged; “You obey and serve God.” Ironically, what they hoped would spur him toward vengeance only fueled his determination to show mercy, for he recognized that God had placed Saul in his path to grant him an opportunity for greater glory. When you find yourself in a position of power over an enemy, employ that moment not for retribution but for salvation. True mercy toward foes shines brightest when we have the upper hand. Yet, someone might argue, what is so extraordinary about sparing an enemy when we have them at our mercy? Many other rulers, upon gaining power while holding those who have wronged them, often view it as beneath them to seek revenge; their height in authority becomes a motivation for forgiveness. However, this does not apply to David's situation. He held Saul captive before he ascended to the throne, and despite this, he chose to spare him, to ensure that no one could claim that his mercy stemmed from newfound power. On the contrary, he understood that sparing Saul could lead to even greater peril, yet he refrained from taking his life. Let us not measure him against other kings. It is easy for them to show compassion when they have security for their future, but David, aware that he was releasing an enemy and safeguarding his own persecutor, still chose not to kill him despite the multitude of reasons compelling him to act otherwise. Indeed, the lack of allies to support Saul, the soldiers' persuasion, recollections of past grievances, fears for future repercussions, and the knowledge that his act would go unpunished—all these factors and more nudged him towards striking Saul down. Yet he remained unyielding, as steadfast as rock, resolutely keeping the law of righteousness. And should one suggest that he lacked those instinctive feelings and that his actions reveal insensitivity rather than nobility, observe how he tempered his wrath. Waves of anger surged within him, a tempest of thoughts arose, but he subdued that storm through his reverence for God, wrestling with his thoughts, as demonstrated by the incident itself. “And he arose,” it is said, “and cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.” Witness the tempest of fury that threatened to consume him! But it did not escalate, nor did it wreak havoc, thanks to the guiding spirit of piety that swiftly sensed the danger and restored calm amidst the chaos.

His intention was to alleviate the doubts harbored by the man who had pursued him relentlessly, who saw him as a formidable foe (See 1 Samuel 24:12). However, David must have felt an ache in his heart, knowing that by merely touching Saul's garment, he had committed an act of desecration. This profound sense of respect was not solely directed at the garment itself—which was merely a foreshadowing of greater realities—but at the very truth that the sacred garment symbolized.

As a Christian magistrate, one is called to embody the compassion of a loving father; this means expressing disapproval towards sin while acknowledging human frailty. Avoid succumbing to the temptation of seeking vengeance for the wrongdoings of others; instead, strive to heal the wounds inflicted by their sins. Indeed, a Christian ought to exhibit gentleness toward everyone (Titus 3:2). A notable illustration of such patience can be found in the actions of St. David. When he had his adversary and relentless persecutor Saul within his grasp, David chose to spare him. This profound lesson in mercy was exemplified by St. David at a moment when he had every reason to act differently.

Nevertheless, he conquered his own anger and the urge for retribution through reverence for God, even restraining his aide who wished to strike Saul, proclaiming, “Thou shalt not kill the Lord's Christ” (cf. 1 Sam. 26:9). The heading of the Psalms illustrates this moment.