Episode 3 Based on 1 Samuel 24
The wilderness had stripped everything from David—his safety, his title, his home. What remained was a hunted man, clinging to mercy in a world ruled by rage.
Saul’s army was close. Too close. David and his men had taken refuge in the caves of En Gedi—dark, twisting hollows carved into the cliffs above the Dead Sea. Wind screamed through the ravines. Footsteps echoed in stone.
Then—without warning—Saul entered the very cave where David was hiding.
Alone.
To relieve himself.
David’s men froze. Hearts pounding. Swords ready.
One of them leaned close. “This is the day. The Lord has delivered him into your hands.”
David said nothing.
He crept forward—barefoot, slow. The light behind Saul made his outline clear. His back was turned. His robe lay in the dust. The same man who had thrown spears at David… was now defenseless.
One stroke. One heartbeat. And it would be over.
David reached out—
And cut the corner of Saul’s robe.
Not his flesh.
Just the fabric.
His hand trembled. He stepped back.
But the robe in his hand felt heavier than a sword.
David’s heart struck him. What have I done? Even this—this small rebellion—was too much.
When Saul left the cave and started down the valley, David followed.
“My lord the king!”
Saul turned, startled.
David bowed low. The piece of robe held in his hand.
“Why do you listen to those who say I want to harm you? Today, the Lord gave you into my hand. My men told me to kill you. But I spared you.”
He raised the cloth.
“Look. I cut this from your robe. Not your life.”
The hills were silent.
Saul stared.
Tears filled the king’s eyes.
“You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have repaid me with good, though I repaid you with evil. May the Lord reward you.”
His voice shook.
“I know you will surely be king.”
But David didn’t move.
He made Saul swear he would not harm his family when the time came. Saul agreed.
And then they parted—one to his throne, one back to the cave.
But even as Saul walked away, David stayed in the hills.
He had seen the tears before. Heard the apologies. And he knew: Saul’s fear hadn’t left. It had only gone quiet.
For now.
David returned to the shadows, not because he feared Saul’s army—but because he feared becoming something worse.
He had held a blade to his enemy’s back.
And he had let him live.
That day, David learned what kind of king he wanted to be.
Not one who seized power.
Not one who bathed in vengeance.
But one who could lift a sword—
And choose not to use it.
Next time: Saul returns. Another night. Another chance to kill. But mercy doesn’t always look the same the second time… and David must choose again what kind of king he will be.
