Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’S anointed.’ See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. May the LORD judge between me and you, may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you. After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! May the LORD therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.”
Comment: I’m not sure that I would have had the courage to do what David did! Saul has a host of soldiers with him. David can’t just run back into the cave and say ‘Don’t chase me.’ In summary David calls out ‘Why do you listen to bad stories about me. See the bit of rag I’m waving at you and look at the bottom of your coat. I could have killed you. You’re the king and I’m no more significant than a flea, so why bring an army to chase me. It would have been wicked of me to kill you and I didn’t – I’m not your enemy.’ But then he adds that he will trust God to be a Just Judge. What will Saul do now?
Prayer: Help me to be true to my convictions, O God.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage. David was very brave to show himself to Saul after cutting off the piece of his cloak. Perhaps Saul’s soldiers were not close by when David called out and spoke to Saul. As you said we don’t know, but David obviously wanted Saul to know that he had spared his life, and he, David, had no ‘axe to grind’ with Saul. God is our Judge, and He sees all and knows all. God bless you.
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