שמואל ב, פרק כ״ב, פסוק כ״א

David's constant rescue and support from God are not the result of an arbitrary preference. Rather, they serve as a direct reward for his honesty, unwavering loyalty, and strict adherence to God's commandments without straying from the proper path [ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה]. This divine compensation reflects a pure and clear record, rewarding David for the moral integrity of his actions.

When defining the exact nature of this righteousness and moral purity, commentators offer a few perspectives. One approach points to David's general conduct, emphasizing that he never brought harm to anyone [מצודת דוד]. This merit is also tied to his leadership, specifically the loyalty he inspired when his men followed him into the harsh desert, trusting entirely in his promises [רש״י].

Other interpretations connect this purity directly to the tense encounter between David and King Saul. In this context, David's righteousness refers to his extraordinary restraint inside the cave, where he chose to merely cut the corner of Saul's robe rather than take his life. His clean hands represent the moment he stepped out of the cave and called after the king. Even though he had the perfect opportunity to strike Saul from behind, David maintained absolute moral purity and refused to harm him.

Despite these remarkable acts of restraint, David remains humble. He acknowledges that his ability to distance himself from sin, control his anger, and spare Saul's life was not solely a product of his own personal righteousness. Instead, he credits this deep moral strength to the continuous help and support he received directly from God [אלשיך].