The second instance of David's respect for his sovereign's life made a still deeper impression upon the mind of Saul and brought from him a more humble acknowledgment of his fault. 672 He was astonished and subdued at the manifestation of such kindness. In parting from David, Saul exclaimed, "Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail." But the son of Jesse had no hope that the king would long continue in this frame of mind.

David havde opgivet håbet om at blive forsonet med Saul. Det så ud, som om det ville ende med, at han blev et offer for kongens ondskab, og han besluttede derfor endnu engang at søge tilflugt i filisternes land. Med sine 600 mand drog han over til kong Akisj af Gat.