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David retreats with his men to the caves of the Wilderness of En Gedi. This was a strategic move and a very good one on David’s part. The canyon of En Gedi is a “tropical paradise” in the middle of the desert. The canyon has lots of caves and vegetation so it was perfect for a defensive strategy. It also would have provided David the ability to see enemies coming a long way off.
Saul just so happens to go relieve himself in the cave David is hiding in! Coincidence? No way. Essentially, David has the chance to easily and quickly end Saul’s life. The man who has been trying to kill him, not to mention going completely against God’s ways, is standing point-blank in front of him without his guards nearby. And yet, even when tempted by his own men, David will not commit murder.
Instead, David cuts off the corner of Saul’s robe. We read that and think, no big deal, it’s just a piece of clothing. No. David probably cut Saul’s tzitzit. A tzitzit was a very important part of Jewish life. In the Bible, the tzitzit would have referred to the corner or “fringe” of the tallit, the Jewish prayer shawl. For a king, the tzitzit and tallit would have been a status symbol, so by cutting Saul’s off, God used this metaphor as a picture of how David had spiritually cut Saul off from his authority as king.
In fact, when Saul finds out what David has done, look at what he says to him.
“Now I know for certain you will be king, and the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand. 21 Therefore swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.”
1 Samuel 24:20-21 HCSB
Continuing with the theme of “cutting off,” Saul knows his days are numbered. He would have understood how this garment was an extension of an individual’s position and authority. Not only that, but David dealt mercifully with Saul, which indicated that David discerned the voice of God – something Saul refused to do.
In Psalm 37, David writes that a Kingdom-minded man does not take matters into his own hands. He waits and trusts the Lord.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
Psalms 37:8-9 ESV
These words would mirror Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount where he proclaimed the values of God’s Kingdom.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 ESV
It’s extremely tempting to sin in order to fulfill a perfectly legitimate promise that we know God has placed in our hearts. However, as David shows here, it is always wrong. There are so many who would justify killing Saul in this position and probably be affirmed. It seems “right” in our minds. David would not take this shortcut. He had a radical and obedient faith in God’s timing and his plan.