1 Samuel 24

And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.

When Saul returned from chasing the Philistines, he was informed, "David is hiding in the wilderness of Engedi." His heart pounded with anticipation and a surge of emotions.

Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

Saul, filled with determination, handpicked three thousand of Israel's finest men. Together, they embarked on a mission to find David and his followers, hidden amongst the rugged cliffs where wild goats roamed.

And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.

Saul sought refuge in a nearby cave along his path, near the sheep's resting place, seeking privacy. Unbeknownst to him, David and his men were quietly hidden within the cave's shadows.

And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily.

David's men excitedly told him, "This is the day the Lord promised you, when He said He'd hand your enemy over to you. You can do whatever you feel is right." David, filled with determination, quietly cut a piece from Saul's robe.

And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.

Afterward, David was overcome with guilt and regret for disrespecting Saul by cutting off a piece of his robe.

And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

He turned to his men, a deep respect in his voice, "God would never want me to harm my master, the chosen one. I can't raise a hand against him, he's God's chosen after all."

So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.

David calmed his men with his words, preventing them from attacking Saul. Meanwhile, Saul unknowingly left the safety of the cave, continuing on his journey.

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

Afterwards, David too got up, left the cave, and called out to Saul with tears in his eyes, "My lord, the king." As Saul turned around, David humbly lowered himself, his face touching the ground in a deep bow.

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

David asked Saul, "Why do you listen to gossip that I'm out to harm you?"

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’s anointed.

Today, you've seen with your own eyes how God put you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I chose mercy. I refused to lift a hand against you, for you are chosen by God.

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

Dad, look, I hold a piece of your robe. I could've harmed you, but I didn't. I've done no wrong, yet you still chase my life.

The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

May God be the one to decide who is right, you or me, and may He seek justice for me from you. But know this, I will not harm you.

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

As the old saying goes, evil comes from those who are evil. But I promise, I won't harm you.

After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

Who is the king of Israel chasing? Who is he hunting? He's chasing after something as insignificant as a dead dog, as tiny as a flea.

The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

May the LORD be our referee, making a fair call between you and me. May He see the truth, stand up for me, and rescue me from your grip.

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

After David finished speaking, Saul asked in disbelief, "Is that you, my son David?" Overwhelmed with emotion, Saul broke down and cried.

And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

He admitted to David, "You're a better person than I am. You've shown me kindness, while I've only given you harm."

And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.

Today, you've shown your kindness to me. Even when God put me at your mercy, you chose not to harm me.

For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.

If a man encounters his foe, would he just let him walk away unharmed? Yet, you've shown me kindness today, and for that, may God bless you abundantly.

And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.

I can clearly see now, you're destined to be king. The future of Israel is secure in your hands.

Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house.

Please, promise me in the name of God, that you won't erase my lineage or wipe out my family name after I'm gone.

And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

David made a solemn promise to Saul. Saul then returned to his home. Meanwhile, David and his men retreated to their stronghold.