שמואל א, פרק כ״ד, פסוק א׳

David's journey to the rocky terrain of En-gedi marks a profound turning point, setting the stage for a dramatic encounter with King Saul. Moving away from his previous location, David seeks refuge in the strongholds and natural shelters of this region [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This movement is more than a simple geographic relocation; it represents a true spiritual ascent. Having experienced a miracle in his former hiding place, David is elevated to a higher spiritual standing [חומת אנך]. His arrival in En-gedi effectively opens an entirely new chapter in his life [מנחת שי].

While David and his followers move quietly among the high cliffs where wild goats nest, Saul returns from his battles with the Philistines. Upon learning of David's whereabouts, the king gathers three thousand soldiers and launches a pursuit. During the hunt, Saul arrives at a series of sheep pens and steps into a massive cave to relieve himself in private, completely unaware that David and his men are concealed in its deepest recesses.

Seeing Saul vulnerable and alone, David's men view the moment as a golden opportunity arranged directly by God to hand their enemy over to them. Despite their urging, David approaches silently and merely cuts off the corner of Saul's robe. Immediately, his deep piety and upright nature fill him with profound regret for causing even this minor damage to the royal garment, as he considers it akin to raising a hand against the king. Ultimately, this specific act of disrespecting clothing carries a lasting consequence. In his old age, David is punished for this deed when the garments he wears are unable to provide him with warmth [אברבנאל].