Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 11:13

"And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day; for to-day Jehovah hath wrought deliverance in Israel." — 1 Samuel 11:13 (ASV)

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day. —A wise, as well as a generous, decision; anything like a bloody vengeance would have been the commencement of future feuds and bitter resentments between the new king and the powerful families of the other tribes, who disliked and opposed his election. Saul began his reign with wise discretion, as well as with heroic valor. By this determined refusal to avenge the cruel affront shown to him, he taught future kings how truly a royal virtue the forgiveness of all past wrongs was.

For to day the Lord hath wrought salvation in Israel. —And, still unspoiled, the king’s heart was full of humble, reverent piety. By this first public act of pardon, he “not only indicated that the public rejoicing should not be interrupted, but reminded them of the clemency of God, and urged that since Jehovah had shown such clemency on that day, that He overlooked their sins and had given them a glorious victory, it was only right they should follow His example and forgive their neighbors' sins without bloodshed.” (Seb. Schmidt, quoted by Keil and Delitsch.)