שמואל א, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ט׳

David's firm refusal to harm Saul stems from a deep respect for the chosen king, a reverence so powerful that it overrides his basic right to self-defense. Even though Saul is actively hunting David and seeking his life, a reality that would normally justify killing him to survive, David insists that Saul must be left unharmed [מלבי״ם].

This restriction goes far beyond simply sparing Saul's life. It completely forbids even the slightest physical blow, regardless of the certainty that Saul would easily survive the strike [אלשיך]. The foundation for this absolute protection is Saul's unique status as God's chosen leader. There is a strict prohibition against taking any harmful action toward someone who has been anointed by God [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The matter concludes with a powerful rhetorical question about accountability. It asks whether it is even possible for a person to attack God's anointed and walk away without consequence. The clear, unspoken answer is that absolutely no one can escape the penalty for committing such a severe offense [מצודת דוד].