Literally, “the wing of Saul’s outer garment.” This robe was probably the exterior tunic without sleeves, wide, and reaching to the ankles, worn by women, and also by men of high rank, such as kings and priests, etc. Doubtless David’s men recognized the king as much by his dress as by his personal appearance. Although no record is given of a divine promise that David would have his enemy delivered into his hand, what the men said may, indeed, have been true. The opportunity probably came as a test to David to enable him to exhibit the characteristics he had developed. Had David at this juncture killed Saul, he would have shown that in one respect, at least, he was no better than Saul, who if the circumstances had been reversed, would have delighted to kill David.

Satan challenged Job’s goodness, contending that Job would curse God if certain blessings were removed and certain restrictions were placed upon him. To meet such a charge God permitted Satan to afflict Job to prove the falsity of the adversary’s statement, as well as the uprightness of His servant. Like Job, David stood the test. David was so close to God that, with his enemy in his hand, he not only refused to harm him personally but restrained his men from committing any untoward act in his name.