Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 24 - Verse 5

After David cut off a corner of Saul's robe while he was hiding from him in a cave, he was stricken in his heart with guilt. The significance of this act lies in the context of the relationship between David and Saul. Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David respected Saul as the current king and did not want to harm him. Cutting off a piece of Saul's robe was seen as disrespectful and an act of disobedience towards God's anointed king. This incident reflects David's inner turmoil and his struggle with his own conscience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting authority and the consequences of acting out of anger or vengeance. Ultimately, David's remorse over his actions shows his humility and recognition of the need to seek forgiveness for his transgressions.

In this verse from 1 Samuel 24:5, the phrase "David's heart smote him" is often interpreted theologically as a deep feeling of guilt or remorse that David experienced after cutting off a piece of King Saul's cloak. The use of the word "smote" suggests a sudden and powerful impact on David's heart, indicating the intensity of his emotional response to his actions. Some theologians view this moment as a crucial turning point in David's character development, highlighting his inner conflict between loyalty to Saul as the anointed king and his own ambitions for the throne. Additionally, the word study of "skirt" in this context may refer to the edge or hem of Saul's garment, symbolizing his position of authority and leadership. By cutting off Saul's skirt, David may have been symbolically challenging Saul's kingship and asserting his own power, leading to the spiritual conviction he felt afterward.