One verse. Three ways to understand.
So David used these words to stop his men, and wouldn't let them attack Saul. Then Saul got up and left the cave, continuing on his journey.
David restrains his soldiers from harming King Saul, allowing Saul to leave safely even though David had the perfect opportunity to kill him.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishSo David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, King Saul was relentlessly pursuing David due to jealousy, as David had been secretly anointed as the future king of Israel by the prophet Samuel. While Saul entered a cave in En Gedi to rest, David and his men were hiding inside, and David's followers urged him to kill Saul when he was vulnerable. However, David chose to spare Saul's life, showing restraint and respect for God's anointing on the king, which highlighted themes of faith and divine timing in the story.