When Saul returns to pursue David he happens to relieve himself in the same cave where David and his men are hiding (24:1–7). Apparently Saul is alone, leading David’s men to proclaim this as the Lord’s timing, with the implication that David should kill Saul. David does not kill Saul but instead sneaks up behind Saul and cuts off a corner of his robe.

After Saul leaves the cave, David calls out to him and tells him what he has done (24:8–15). Holding up the piece of the robe as evidence of his mercy, David asserts that he is not trying to…