and there was a cave
Caves in the Judean wilderness were common and served various purposes, from burial sites to places of refuge. The Hebrew word "me'arah" for "cave" suggests a natural hiding place, which is fitting for David and his men. Historically, caves were strategic locations for those seeking to evade capture, providing concealment and a vantage point. This cave becomes a pivotal setting for the unfolding drama between David and Saul, representing both a physical and moral crossroads.

and Saul went in to relieve himself
The phrase "to relieve himself" is a euphemism for attending to personal needs, indicating Saul's vulnerability. The Hebrew verb "sakak" used here can mean to cover or to shield, suggesting a moment of privacy. This act of vulnerability is crucial in the narrative, as it places Saul in a defenseless position, unaware of David's presence. It underscores the theme of divine providence and the testing of David's character, as he is given an opportunity to harm Saul but chooses restraint.

Now David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave
The "recesses of the cave" indicates the innermost parts, where David and his men were concealed. The Hebrew word "yarkete" implies the farthest or most hidden parts, emphasizing the depth of their hiding place. This setting illustrates the tension and suspense of the moment, as David is close enough to Saul to take action. Theologically, this scene highlights themes of divine protection and the moral integrity of David, who respects Saul's anointed position despite personal risk and the urging of his men.

From this thorny fence, so universal in the countless sheepcotes of Palestine, was very possibly derived a quaint simile in the strange passage on "Death" in the Talmud:--

"The hardest of all deaths is by a disease (some suppose quinsey), which is like the forcible extraction of prickly thorns from wool. . . . The easiest of all deaths is the Divine kiss, which is like the extracting of hair from milk. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam died by this Divine kiss."--Treatise Berachoth, fol. 8, col.1.

Where was a cave.--The well-known traveller Van de Velde wishes to identify the cave in question with an immense cavern in a rock with many side vaults, near the ruins of Chareitum; the difficulty is, however, that this vast cavern is fifteen or twenty miles from Ain-jedy. In this cave all David's band could well have been gathered: not only his 600 fighting men, but the camp followers and women also. In Pocock we read that the Arabs call this cavern Elmaama (hiding-place), and relate how on one occasion thirty thousand people hid themselves in it to escape an evil wind (the simoom). It is, however, quite possible that the incident about to be related, connected with Saul and David, took place in one of the much smaller caves close to En-gedi. It is not necessary to assume that all David's band were with him in one cave. A hundred or so of his more special companions were probably with him on this occasion, the remainder of the little army being dispersed in other similar refuges in the immediate neighbourhood.

And Saul went in to cover his feet.--The meaning of this disputed passage is quite simple. Saul, fatigued with the morning's march, some time about midday withdrew--probably with a very few attendants composing his personal staff--to take a short siesta, or sleep, in one of those dark, silent caves on the hill-side, which offered a cool resting-place after the glare and heat of a long and fatiguing march along the precipitous paths of the region. He lay down, no doubt, near the cave's mouth, and one of his faithful attendants threw lightly over the king's feet the royal many coloured mantle (m'il). The king and his attendants little suspected that in the dark recesses of their midday resting-place were concealed the dreaded freebooter and a great company of his devoted armed followers. As explained in the Note above, in these great rock recesses, coming from outside, from the glare of daylight, not five paces forward can be seen, but those already inside, and accustomed to the darkness, can, at a considerable distance within the cave, see distinctly all that takes place in the neighbourhood of the cavern mouth. The sharp eyes of David's sentinels, no doubt, far in the cave, quickly saw the little party of intruders. The tall form of the king, his jewelled armour, and perhaps his many-coloured brightly-tinted cloak, betrayed to the amazed watchmen of David the rank of the wearied sleeper.

This interpretation of the words. "Saul went in to cover his feet"--namely, "to sleep"--is adopted by the Peshito Syriac Version, Michaelis, and of late, very positively, Ewald. The ordinary interpretation of the words, besides being an unusual statement, by no means suits the narrative; for it must be remembered that considerable time was necessary for the sentinel to inform David, and for David to have approached and cut off the hem of the royal garment, and again to have retired into the recesses of the cave.

In the sides of the cave.--That is, in the side vaults and passages which exist in the largest of these natural refuges.