Afterward, however, David got up and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, (A)David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men [a]who say, ‘Behold, David is seeking [b]to harm you’? 10 (B)Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord had handed you over to me today in the cave, and (C)someone said to kill you, but [c]I spared you; and I said, ‘I will not reach out with my hand against my lord, because he is the Lords anointed.’ 11 So, (D)my father, look! Indeed, look at the edge of your robe in my hand! For by the fact that I cut off the edge of your robe but did not kill you, know and understand that there is no evil or [d]rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you (E)are lying in wait for my life, to take it. 12 (F)May the Lord judge between [e]you and me, and may the Lord take vengeance on you for me; but my hand shall not be against you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘(G)Out of the wicked comes wickedness’; but my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel gone out? Whom are you pursuing? (H)A dead dog, (I)a single flea? 15 May (J)the Lord therefore be judge and decide between [f]you and me; and may He see and (K)plead my cause and save me from your hand.”

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 24:9 Lit saying
  2. 1 Samuel 24:9 Lit your harm
  3. 1 Samuel 24:10 As in ancient versions; MT, my eye had pity on
  4. 1 Samuel 24:11 Lit offense
  5. 1 Samuel 24:12 Lit me and you
  6. 1 Samuel 24:15 Lit me and you

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