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1 Samuel 24:7
King James Version (KJV)
Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary
Bible Commentary
Suffered them not to rise against Saul - As he could restrain them, it was his duty to do so; had he connived at their killing him, David would have been the murderer. In praying for the king we call God the only Ruler of princes, for this simple reason, that their authority is the highest among men, and next to that of God himself; hence he alone is above them. We find this sentiment well expressed by an elegant poet: -
Regum timendorum in proprios greges,
Reges in ipsos imperium est Jovis.
Horace, Odar. lib. iii., Od. i., ver. 5.
Kings are supreme over their own subjects;
Jove is supreme over kings themselves.
Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary
Concise Bible Commentary
God delivered Saul into David's hand. It was an opportunity given to David to exercise faith and patience. He had a promise of the kingdom, but no command to slay the king. He reasons strongly, both with himself and with his men, against doing Saul any hurt. Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist temptations thereto. He not only would not do this bad thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus he rendered good for evil, to him from whom he received evil for good; and was herein an example to all who are called Christians, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
Cross References
Saul, 1000 BCE
David's Flight from Saul
