This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 24, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Saul who was the king of Israel. But Saul was not always kind to a young man named David, who was a soldier in Saul’s army. In fact, Saul was very jealous of David because David was good at many things, including playing music and fighting battles.
One day, Saul heard that David was hiding in a cave, so he took 3,000 men to go and capture him. When they got there, Saul went into the cave to take a bathroom break, and David and his men were hiding in the back of the cave. David’s men told him that God had given Saul into his hand, and that he should kill him.
But David knew that Saul was still the king of Israel, and that it was not right to kill him. So instead, David snuck up to Saul and cut off a piece of his robe. However, afterwards, David felt guilty for doing this and stopped his men from attacking Saul.
When Saul left the cave, David followed him and called out to him, “My lord the king!” Then David bowed down and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to people who say I want to hurt you? Today, you could see that God had given you to me, but I didn’t kill you because you are the Lord’s chosen one. Look, here is a piece of your robe that I cut off. I didn’t want to hurt you. I trust God to judge between us and deliver me from your hand.”
Saul was surprised that David did not hurt him and said, “You are more righteous than I am because you have treated me with kindness, even though I have treated you badly. I know that God has chosen you to be king, and I hope He will bless you. Promise me that you will not kill my family or destroy my name after I die.” David promised, and Saul went home.
Biblical Lessons
- It’s important to treat others with kindness, even if they treat us badly.
- God is the ultimate judge, and we should trust Him to make things right.
- We should always follow God’s commands, even if it’s hard.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing Scripture
Teaches how to interpret the Bible rightly, emphasizing its clarity and our responsibility to study it.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
Respectable Sins
Exposes the "ordinary" sins Christians often tolerate and calls us to gospel-driven holiness.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Gentle and Lowly
Meditates on Christ's heart for sinners and sufferers from key biblical texts.
View on Amazon
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Shows how the gospel frees us from self-obsession to live in joy and service.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
Counterfeit Gods
Exposes modern idols of the heart and points to Christ as our true treasure.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon