Why did David bow down and prostrate himself with his face to the earth?
1 Samuel 24:8 (ESV)
8Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage.
With these actions, David was humbling himself before Saul. It was a visual display to affirm his loyalty and deference.
8 Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage.