What is the context?
Saul confesses sin, says he has acted foolishly and promises not to harm David again. He recognizes that David valued his life when he could have taken it.
David offers the spear back through one of Saul’s young men. He asks the LORD to repay righteousness and faithfulness, and to value and rescue his life as he has valued Saul’s. Saul blesses him and speaks of his future success, but David goes on his way while Saul returns home.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley takes Saul’s confession here as a particularly sincere acknowledgment of wrong and notes that no further pursuit is recorded. Henry and Gill remain doubtful about lasting repentance. They agree about the words spoken while assessing their depth differently.
Henry directs attention to David’s hope for recompense from the LORD. Saul’s invitation does not become the foundation of his security. Their separate departure allows mercy and caution to remain together, rather than treating the confession as an automatic return to the earlier relationship.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.