Why didn't David kill King Saul when he had the opportunity?

by Anonymous

Oil Painting by Guercino, 1591-1666<br> (real name, Giovanni Francesco Barbieri)

Oil Painting by Guercino, 1591-1666
(real name, Giovanni Francesco Barbieri)

Rick Brentlinger Answers-


Anonymous Christian continues:

"Instead David only cut off a piece of clothing from Saul's robe. Why did Saul go so completely against David as to try to kill him?"

King Saul tried to kill David numerous times yet David never retaliated by trying to kill King Saul. Saul came to hate David because he knew that (a) Jonathan and David were intimate friends (1 Samuel 20:30), and (b) he knew that Jonathan would never be King of Israel as long as David was alive.

Saul's Attempts on David's Life


  1. 1 Samuel 18:11

  2. 1 Samuel 18:25

  3. 1 Samuel 19:9-10

  4. I Samuel 19:11, 15

  5. 1 Samuel 20:31-33

  6. I Samuel 23:9

  7. I Samuel 23:25-26

David had at least two opportunities to kill King Saul, 1 Samuel 24:4ff and 1 Samuel 26:8ff, yet both times, David refused to kill Saul himself and David refused to allow his warriors to kill King Saul.

Why did David refuse to kill King Saul?


There are four reasons why David refused to kill King Saul.

  1. David knew that God had anointed Saul King over Israel, 1 Samuel 10:1. Because David trusted God, he was determined to let God chose when Saul should no longer be King.

  2. David knew that God had anointed him King over Israel, 1 Samuel 16:13. David's great faith in God compelled him to wait until God made him King in actual fact.

  3. David loved Crown Prince Jonathan, King Saul's son and was loathe to do anything that would offend Jonathan in any way. David had given his solemn word he would not harm anyone of Jonathan's family, 1 Samuel 20:15-17.

  4. David was content to wait for God's timing instead of trying to force things. Are you willing to wait for God's timing in your life?


Note the contrast between David and King Saul


1. The Spirit of the LORD was upon David, 1 Samuel 16:13 but the Spirit of the LORD had departed from King Saul, 1 Samuel 16:14

2. King Saul was doing everything humanly possible to hold onto power while David was content to only fight a defensive battle against Saul to preserve his life until God placed him on the throne of Israel.

Links for additional study


How could David have a romantic sexual partnership with Jonathan?

Can I get saved by just being a good person?

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Comments for Why didn't David kill King Saul when he had the opportunity?

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Jul 24, 2010
 Huh?
by: Truth

There is no such thing as a gay christian. Homosexuality is punishable by hell. Face the facts.

Rick's comment: LOL, face the facts kiddo, Ignorance is NOT the fruit of the Spirit.
Nov 04, 2010
 Here's the truth
by: Rick Brentlinger

If you mind is still open to God's truth in the Bible, here's a great place to start.

Does the Bible say homosexuals will go to hell?

Are you a good person?

Read our Gay Christian FAQ Page.
May 30, 2011
 Why David did not kill King Saul
by: Olusola Oludairo

In addition to the reasons stated above, David did not kill King Saul because, he knew it will be a sin to kill a person of his own nationality. this is buttressed by the fact that, before this time, David was not a warrior, not until he killed Goliath & later went into the battle with Saul and started killing.

Again, when Joab killed Abner, you'll notice David's reaction was to place a curse on Joab's house because he killed his countryman. It was after David's coronation that vices such as killing Uriah (though not a Jew but one of David's loyal soldiers, but in modern terms, he's a Jew by naturalization) to cover up his sin and other vices began to manifest.

The lesson for us today is to pray for God to grant us the inner strength to maintain our innocence and devotion to him after His promises have been fulfilled in our lives. Stay blessed.
Aug 15, 2012
 A reply to your comment about gays.......
by: P

Well, I am a born-again christian. I understand your comment. It is a fact, and true to God's word, however, I love the gays, and so does God. He just hates the sin. It's no different then you or I commiting adultery or fornication...sin is sin. We should try to love them into the kingdom and quit brow-beating. I know some gays that struggle really hard with this sin, while trying to abstain from homosexuality, and live for God. This is a stronghold that Satan has on their lives and we should pray that God sets the captives free. Don't be so harsh. A soft answer turns away wrath.

Rick's comment: Although your comments are loving and sensitive, I hope you will continue to read and study. Your belief that it is sinful to be in a gay relationship is opinion, not Biblical fact. Please click on the NavBar buttons under, What The Bible Says. Many thanks!
Sep 12, 2012
 The Bible does speak against homosexuality
by: Anonymous

I will not make this long because I feel that there is no need to defend the Bible and what it says. There is in fact many places where scripture speeaks aginst homosexuality. The first place that comes to mind is within the book of Romans chapter 1. Paul writes to the Romans and talks of God giving people over to there sinful and unrepentive ways. One of which sin mentioned is homosexuality in verse 27. God allows men(humans) to dwell in their sin for many reasons, of those I will not discuss at that time.

Many times we can take the verses of scripture and twist them to mean what we desire. The proper method of interpretation is to allow the scripture to speak for itself literaly. Read the entire chapter to understand the context of the writing.

Rick's comment: Because you have never studied Romans 1 or any of the clobber passages, the wisest course you can take is to refrain from commenting until you know what you're talking about.

Your assignment for this week is to memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and then ALWAYS factor in context when deciding what scripture means. Many thanks for stopping by.
Jun 16, 2013
 To Huh, July 24, 2010
by: Anonymous

Yes there is such thing as a gay christian. Is there such a thing as a lying christian? I'm sure you've lied before. We are living under grace.
Nov 12, 2013
 Calm down
by: John

May God's word be enough for understanding. Study to show thyself approved...

Rick's comment: Everyone who reads this should memorize and obey 2 Timothy 2:15. Many thanks!
Apr 03, 2016
 God is Love
by: SojournerTruth

We can twist scriptures to satisfy what we want to justify our actions yes David loved Jonathan more than eros type love but my scriptures never told me that David and Jonathan knew each other that way. I was a sinner my sin was not homosexuality but they were numerous and sending me to hell however because of sin nature the only cure for "I was just born that way is get born again". Regardless every soul will have to stand and give an account I praise God because His mercy endureth forever Let us all repent in Jesus Name Amen.

Rick's comment: When you criticize us without using your real name, it makes me think you're just trolling us. You accuse us of twisting scripture to justify our actions yet you don't even know us.
Apr 30, 2016
 Jesus loves all but sin is sin
by: Lauren Munn

Hello, I have been a Christian since I was about 6 and in my 15 years of living I have never seen anything like this. There are several bible verses that say homosexuality is an abomination and is punishable in hell. How is it you choose to skip over the verses that say it's wrong and do what u want. I honestly love all people and would never discriminate however being a Christian makes me realizes the correctness that is occurring in our day and age.

Here are a few scriptures:

Leviticus 20:13

Romans 1:26-27 and Hebrews 13:4.

If u want to continue being like this, no one's stopping u however God say it's an abomination and LGBT's will all be judged. - Lauren Munn, 15

Rick's comment: Hi Lauren - I hope you will do more reading and study - click on the scripture references, for more information. The Holy Spirit has much to teach if you are willing to learn.
Aug 20, 2016
 Just wondering
by: Ella

Just wondering? If God calls for a girl to remain single and she commits adultery or fornication, is that wrong, is that a sin? Just wondering.

Rick's comment: Hi Ella - Yes, we should always obey God and do our best to please Him. All of us are sinners and when we sin, we ask God to forgive us so that fellowship can be restored between us and God.

Can you tell me how to get saved?
Feb 20, 2017
 Its indeed true
by: Nicholas

Its indeed true that when we sin, we ask God to forgive us, of which He does relentlesly. But now the qustion is,"Do we have to keep on sinning/ remaining in since our God is forgiving?"

I salute you in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Gayism is clearly and purely a sin and that I verily know that you know. God loves you as his creature but hates your behavior-gayish. Calling yourself GayChristian is first of all defamatory, God has no any relationship with sin.

Rick's comment: Hi Nicholas - Does that mean God's displeasure is against sin but not against the sinner? Would anyone argue that God is displeased with murder but feels no displeasure toward murderers?

God loves sinners, not in the sense that he does not hate them along with their sin, but in the sense that he also seeks their salvation in Christ, Isaiah 9:12, 21 - "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."

God's attitude toward sinners is antagonism and wrath while at the same time his good will toward them actively seeks their repentance and salvation.

To justify your behavior, you selectively use the scripture and above all twisting, editing included- to suit your own interpretation. But am not much surprised of that because you are fulfilling the same scripture. How I pray that you see the light. Blessings.

Rick's comment: LOL - To justify my behavior? I live a godly clean life as a tract passing, soul winning disciple of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You guys who make comments like this are so fixated on gay men and obsessed with the lives you imagine we lead that you've lost your ability to think straight, if you'll pardon the pun.

I believe it shows arrogant pride when you suggest that, since I disagree with you on the gay issue, I must not be saved.

It may help your spiritual life to discover that people can disagree with you and still be saved.
Apr 01, 2017
 Dude Respond to the Topic
by: Felix aka "feyfey"

Even though I do not affirm homosexual practice in my church community, but I do not think this is the place to discuss that specific subject, the topic is on David's mercy over Saul, so peeps if you have any sense, please lets speak to the content that is being provided rather than the platform or the provider, God's truth can still be shown in the most darkest places (not saying that Gay Christians are dark). So if you feel like responding respond to the topic.
Apr 03, 2017
 Why are people so much concerned about Gay Christians
by: Nicholas

I salute you once again in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I believe you are well and so I am. Now, it's good to maintain focus but it's also wise to seek to know why many are much concerned about the issue of Gay Christianity. Who is a gay and does God approve same-sex marriage?

If yes, can I have scriptures indicating God's approval of such marriage. God bless you all.

Rick's comment: Hi Nicholas - I believe you have the cart before the horse. The first question you should be asking is: What Bible verses, in context, condemn gay marriage?

If you cannot find any Bible verses which, in context, condemn gay marriage, then asking for scriptures indicating God's approval of gay marriage becomes irrelevant.

The relevant verses are:

"Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression." - Romans 4:15

"For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law." - Romans 5:13
Apr 04, 2017
 Mmmmmmmh
by: Nicholas

Now that there is no scripture (according to your understanding) that openly condemn homosexuality, does it mean that homosexuality is right?

I don't think the scripture, in this case, is the problem, but our interpretation of the scripture is what is the issue. You have your interpretation that justifies your actions. Lets wait for the true judge whose main work will be to separate oats from wheat.

Rick's comment: Hi Nicholas - I encourage you to read your Bible and this website. You will find answers for many of your deepest needs.
Jun 10, 2017
 Grace
by: Rebecca

I am a pastor's wife. When we found out that our 15 year old son was homosexual we thought our world had ended. Seventeen years later, my perspective has changed. Yes I believe my son is going to hell, but not for being homosexual. It is for not accepting Jesus Christ as his personal savior or believing in God.

I realize now sin is sin is sin. There are no levels. If it were not for God's grace, none us would be worthy of making it into HIS kingdom. I pray daily that my son would fall to his knees and accept Christ. I don't pray that God remove his homosexuality. God will judge the heart and we need to stop being fruit inspectors. I just thank God for sending His son to die on the cross for all our sins.

Rick's comment: Hello Rebecca - Thanks for commenting. I will pray for your son and his friends to get saved. Don't be disheartened. The Lord is working even when we cannot see any indications of that.

This isn't a parenting failure in any way. Instead, it is an opportunity to witness the grace of God in saving your wonderful son.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9, old KJV - the BEST Bible ever!

What must I do to be saved?

I encourage you and your husband to keep reaching out to your son and his friends. Let him and them know they are greatly loved and valued by you.

Please don't shut him or them out of your lives. Have him over for breakfast, lunch and supper - whatever fits your schedules. Buy him a nice sweater or electronic gear for his birthday.

Make sure he knows that regardless of anything he does or anything you may have said in the past, you love him more than life itself and you intend to keep on loving him. Gay kids need to hear from mom and dad that they are loved and they need to hear it as often as possible.

It isn't your job now, to make him live "right." Your job is to love him.

Remember when the prodigal came home, Luke 15, his father ran to meet him and wasn't much interested in his apology.

Keep praying for him but don't make your love dependent on him doing anything. Just love him. Make his favorite cookies or his favorite meal. Make his partner and his friends welcome too. Have a barbecue for them.

You don't need to share the gospel every time. Just be friends. They know where you stand.

Just love them unconditionally and allow the Holy Spirit to work. We do that with unsaved folks all the time. Love takes a while but God is ALWAYS faithful and He is always working in their heart and conscience. Trust God to do what you cannot do.

It may be helpful to share this website with him. I have lots of helpful biblical information for him and his partner and friends.

God is working in your son's heart. It may be you and your husband can have a ministry to your son and his friends if you are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Apr 13, 2018
 why david did not kill king Saul when he had the opportunity
by: tankgod

David did not kill Saul because he sworn not to lay his hand on God's anointed.
Nov 02, 2023
 Love your enemy
by: Gostic

David understood God’s way. and principles Loving our enemies and doing good to them that hate us positions God to fight our battles Obedience to His words become an arm of vengeance against His enemies and love is the strongest weapon that defeat the devil and His cohorts

Anointing on David as a King is anointing of leadership and David’s sober mindedness subjected him to respect the anointing on Saul even though the position of Kingship has been withdrawn from him David respected the anointing on him.

God loves us the way we are but does not want sin to destroy us. The power of love of God cannot be stampeded and the demonstration of this power of God was to bring Saul to total submission and repentance.

Though there was temporary regret on Saul but true repentance would not have driven him to commit suicide.

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