I Will Not Touch the Lord's Anointed (1 Samuel 24; 26)

Lyrics · 1 Samuel

I Will Not Touch the Lord's Anointed

1 Samuel 24; 26

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I Will Not Touch the Lord's Anointed

1 Samuel 24; 26

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About this song

This song belongs to the 1 Samuel collection. 8 recordings are available to play here, with the complete lyrics below.

Bible book: 1 Samuel
Collection: 1 Samuel
Musical styles: Acoustic, World Music, Cinematic Soundtrack, Rock, Country & Americana, Soul, Blues & Jazz

[Verse 1] Saul entered the cave where David's men hid, Unknowing how close was the man that he chased. Whispers urged vengeance: "The Lord gave the hour." David cut cloth, then his conscience was laced. He bowed from a distance and lifted the corner: "See what I held and what I would not do." [Refrain - David] I will not touch the Lord's anointed. Let the Judge decide between. Though a kingdom has been promised, Blood shall not enthrone me king. I will not touch the Lord's anointed; Vengeance is not mine to wield. Let the Lord defend the innocent And bring the hidden truth revealed. [Verse 2] Again in the camp, Saul slept by his spear; Abner and soldiers lay deep in the night. Abishai offered one thrust through the ground; David took spear and the water from sight. Across from the hill he awakened the army, Showing the life he had guarded again. [Bridge] Saul called him son and confessed he had sinned; Blessing and sorrow moved over the plain. Each took his pathway, no trust fully mended, But David refused to advance through the slain. [Final Refrain] I will not touch the Lord's anointed. Promise need not borrow crime. What the Lord has truly purposed Will arrive in righteous time.

Named in this songSaul David

About the passage

1 Samuel 24: A piece of robe becomes evidence for mercy

The cave at Engedi gives David what his men consider a perfect providential opportunity. Saul walks in alone, unaware that the people he has been hunting are hidden inside. David gets close enough to cut the edge of the king's robe and then is troubled even by that act. He refuses to kill "the LORD's anointed" and stops his men from doing it for him. Once Saul is safely outside, David follows and turns the cloth into evidence. He had access and did not use it to take the king's life. Saul cannot dismiss the proof. He weeps, admits that David has repaid his evil with good, and acknowledges that David will become king. Yet the Book of 1 Samuel does not confuse confession with restored trust. David swears to preserve Saul's descendants, Saul goes home, and David goes back to the stronghold. Mercy, admission, and distance all remain in the final scene. The chapter treats restraint as concrete action, not sentiment, and lets the separate destinations say what the conversation has not solved.

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