David is living as a fugitive while Saul hunts him. Near En Gedi, Saul enters a cave to relieve himself without realizing that David and his men are hidden farther inside. David’s companions see the moment as providential: the enemy who has pursued him is suddenly defenseless.

David approaches and secretly cuts off the corner of Saul’s robe. Even that action troubles his conscience. He restrains his men and refuses to attack Saul, describing the king as the LORD’s anointed.

After Saul leaves the cave, David comes out and calls after him. He bows, displays the piece of robe, and uses it as evidence that he could have killed Saul but chose not to. David asks why Saul believes accusations that David seeks his life. He places judgment between them in God’s hands rather than taking vengeance himself.

Saul is moved. He acknowledges David’s restraint and says that David has treated him more justly than he has treated David. Saul also recognizes that David will become king and asks for protection for his family line.

Yet the conflict is not permanently resolved. In 1 Samuel 26 David again finds Saul vulnerable, this time sleeping in a camp. Abishai offers to kill Saul with a single thrust of the spear. David refuses. Instead he takes Saul’s spear and water jar and leaves the camp.

From a safe distance David calls out, demonstrating again that Saul’s life had been in his hands. Saul again admits wrongdoing and blesses David. The repeated pattern matters: David’s path toward the throne is not presented as permission to murder the king who stands in his way.