17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
17 "You are more righteous than I," he said. "You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.
17 He said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil.
17 "You're the one in the right, not me," he continued. "You've heaped good on me; I've dumped evil on you.
17 Then he said to David: "You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.
17 And he said to David, "You are a better man than I am, for you have repaid me good for evil.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:17
Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16-22
(Read 1 Samuel 24:16-22)
Saul speaks as quite overcome with David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins, who do not truly repent of them; weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God made good to David that word on which he had caused him to hope, that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, Psalm 37:6. Those who take care to keep a good conscience, may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. Sooner or later, God will force even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and to own those whom he has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy to David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness; vexed that when at last he had found David, he could not find in his heart to destroy him, as he had designed. Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord bind men's hands, or affect their hearts, so that they do not hurt us, the deliverance is equally from him; it is an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our salvation, and should make us thankful.