Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:4 together. It’s a really significant passage about justice and God’s plan for David. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: David was being hunted by Saul: The verse starts with David being pursued by King Saul, who was a powerful and dangerous enemy of David. Saul is being delivered: God has decided to deliver Saul from danger. It's not about Saul causing harm; it’s about God taking action to protect him. God says, “I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand…” – This is the core of the verse. God is giving David permission to take action against Saul. What does "deliver into thine hand" mean? It means to take Saul and use him as a tool for God's purpose. He’s not being given a free pass to do anything he wants. Instead, God has chosen to use Saul as a demonstration of his power and judgment. What did David do? Cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privately: This is the most famous part of the verse. David didn't kill Saul outright. He cleverly cut off Saul’s robe, which was a symbol of his authority and power, while remaining undetected. He did this privately , meaning he didn't announce it to anyone or draw attention to himself. Why is this important? This story highlights several key ideas: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of events, even when they seem chaotic and dangerous. He has a plan, and He chooses to use people for His purpose. Justice and Righteousness: It demonstrates that God will always right the wrongs of injustice. Even enemies are subject to his judgment. God’s Mercy (Maybe): While it's presented as a harsh act, some interpretations suggest that this action is also a display of God's mercy – He chooses to protect those who are innocent while punishing the wicked. In short: David was given permission by God to take action against Saul, and he did so discreetly and strategically, demonstrating God’s power and justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this story in the Bible? Compare it to another example of God's use of people for His purpose?