1. 1 Samuel 26:25 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the meaning of Saul’s final response to David?

1 Samuel 26:25 (ESV)

25 Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.

The triumph in view likely has reference to David becoming king.1 Sadly, these words indicate that there was no genuine repentance in Saul’s heart. If he was truly sorry for his sins, he would have brought his spear back to David by himself and submitted himself in service to David as the new king.2 Instead, he called David to come back with him to Gibeah (as Saul was going to keep his word). He would also continue to chase David until David left the land of Israel (1 Samuel 27:4).