DAVID’S FLIGHT from Saul led both men to take desperate action: David sought refuge among Israel’s mortal enemies, first the Philistines and then the Moabites, while Saul ordered the slaughter of the priests of the tabernacle because they unknowingly helped David escape.

The difference between the two men is highlighted by the incident in a cave at Ein Gedi, a site on the west side of the Dead Sea. David had the opportunity to kill Saul while the king relieved himself, unaware that David and his men were hiding at the back of the cave. Instead of taking the king by surprise, David cut off a corner of the king’s robe as proof that Saul had been in David’s power, but he had forbidden his men from lifting a hand against the Lord’s anointed.

As we’ll see in the weeks ahead, Saul’s gratitude to David for sparing his life didn’t last very long.