Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 24:16-22

"And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I; for thou hast rendered unto me good, whereas I have rendered unto thee evil. And thou hast declared this day how that thou hast dealt well with me, forasmuch as when Jehovah had delivered me up into thy hand, thou killedst me not. For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore Jehovah reward thee good for that which thou hast done unto me this day. And now, behold, I know that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thy hand. Swear now therefore unto me by Jehovah, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father`s house. And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the stronghold." — 1 Samuel 24:16-22 (ASV)

Saul speaks as if completely overcome by David's kindness. Many mourn for their sins but do not truly repent of them; they weep bitterly for them, yet continue in love and in league with them. Now God fulfilled for David the promise He had given him reason to hope for: that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light (Psalms 37:6). Those who take care to keep a good conscience can leave it to God to ensure its recognition.

Sooner or later, God will compel even those who are of the synagogue of Satan to know and acknowledge those whom He has loved. They parted in peace. Saul went home convinced, but not converted. He was ashamed of his envy of David, yet he retained in his heart that root of bitterness; he was vexed that when he finally found David, he could not bring himself to destroy him, as he had planned.

Malice often seems dead when it is only asleep, and it will revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord binds their hands or touches their hearts, so that they do not harm us, the deliverance is equally from Him. It is an evidence of His love and an earnest of our salvation, and it should make us thankful.