He then went on to say, "The skirt of your robe which I hold in my hand is proof that I bear no ill-will against you, although you wickedly seek my life." Referring to his own feeling of unworthiness to meet the armies of Is'ra-el in battle, he added, "I am as harmless as a flea, and as insignificant as a dead dog, and should be regarded as beneath the dignity of your pursuit." Appealing to GOD'S Justice, Da'vid ended his sublime words of defense by saying, "May the LORD judge between me and you, observe the injustice of your pursuit upon my life, and deliver me out of your hand."
Saul was overcome by these words of Da'vid and by the mercy shown by one whose life he had sought. His cruel, hardened heart was melted by the forgiving spirit of the noble exile, and for a moment his sense of justice was awakened. When he realized that his life had been spared by Da'vid's mercy to a bitter foe, he said, "You are a better man than I, for you have returnt me good when I had done you evil. When the LORD placed me within your power, you did not kill me; and may GOD give you a good recompense for your kindness. I know that you are to be king of Is'ra-el, and I beg that you give me an oath that you will not cut off my sons after me, and that you will not destroy my name in the annals of Is'ra-el's history."
Saul then gave up the war against Da'vid and he and his men went home. Sad to say, however, his confession of guilt and shame were not sincere, for he soon renewed his determination to kill Da'vid and all who befriended him.
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