Why did David spare Saul's life?

Answer 1

David had been anointed to be the next king of Israel because Saul had selfishly turned away from God. Because Saul no longer had God's approval and spirit, his personality traits became more and more wicked. He tended toward jealousy and anger (1 Samuel 18:8+9) and as David grew closer and closer to God, Saul became very afraid of faithful David. (1 Samuel 18:12, 28+29)

Answer 2

David spared Saul's life because Saul was God's anointed king. David believed it was not his place to harm Saul, as he respected him as the chosen ruler of Israel. Despite Saul's persecution of David, David chose to trust in God's timing and plan for justice.

Answer 3

Giving it to God is doing something in accordance to scripture, and not by the whim and will of any man. When we read 1 Samuel Chapters 24 and 26, we see that David had ample opportunity and excuse to kill King Saul, who wanted David dead.

"He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, "This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.'" Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe.

5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe.6 He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord." 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way." 1 Samuel 24:3-7

What we see is that David, a humble shepherd who was anointed as future King by Samuel, recognized that God's law was still to be followed. By man's rules, David would have had every right to end Saul's life. Even though circumstances had changed, he recognized and honored God's authority over even the most trying of situations.

Answer 4

David would not kill Saul because he was God's anointed king.