1 Samuel 24:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David swears the oath to Saul; Saul goes home, while David and his men return to their stronghold.
What Does 1 Samuel 24:22 Mean?
David grants the oath without hesitation, binding himself to spare Saul's house. Then the two part: Saul goes home, and David with his men climbs back to the safety of his mountain stronghold. The reconciliation is real, yet David is wise enough not to lower his guard entirely.
David keeps his word and keeps his caution — trusting God while still acting prudently. Mercy does not require naïveté; David honors the oath yet returns to the stronghold, for Saul's heart had softened before and hardened again. Faith and wisdom walk together here. We can forgive fully and still live carefully, resting our security not in a fragile peace with men but in the God who is our true stronghold and keeper.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 24:22
What does 1 Samuel 24:22 mean?
David swears the oath to Saul; Saul goes home, while David and his men return to their stronghold.