21 Then Saul said , " I have sinned . Return , my son David , for I will not harm you again because e my life was precious in your sight this day . Behold , I have played the fool and have committed a serious e error ." 22 David replied , "Behold the spear of the king ! Now let one of the young men come over and take it. 23 " The Lord will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness ; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today , but I refused e to stretch out my hand against the Lord'S anointed . 24 "Now behold , as your life was highly valued in my sight this day , so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the Lord , and may He deliver me from all distress ." 25 Then Saul said to David , " Blessed are you, my son David ; you will both accomplish much and surely prevail ." So David went on his way , and Saul returned to his place .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:21-25
Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:21-25
(Read 1 Samuel 26:21-25)
Saul repeated his good words and good wishes. But he showed no evidence of true repentance towards God. David and Saul parted to meet no more. No reconciliation among men is firm, which is not founded in an cemented by peace with God through Jesus Christ. In sinning against God, men play the fool, and err exceedingly. Many obtain a passing view of these truths, who hate and close their eyes against the light. Fair professions do not entitle those to confidence who have long sinned against the light, yet the confessions of obstinate sinners may satisfy us that we are in the right way, and encourage us to persevere, expecting our recompence from the Lord alone.