David’s heart was troubled

Then the men of David said to him, "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.' "And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Now it happened afterward that David's heart troubled him because he had cut Saul's robe. – 1 Samuel 24v4-5

David had his chance. His men found Saul asleep in a cave so David made his way to the cave. He drew his sword. No was the time. Surely God had answered his prayer and given him an opportunity to deal with his enemy.

But David didn’t do it. He drew his sword and cut off a corner of the king’s robes. Even though his life was in danger and Saul had mustered an army to kill him David just could not kill the king.

What I find amazing is that not only could he not kill the king, he felt guilty for even touching him.

My thoughts on dealing with authorities is changing even more. You can’t escape that fact in even a cursory study of the Bible. How could anyone have blamed David if he killed Saul when he had the chance? David’s heart was smitten with grief for even attacking the king by cutting off a corner of his robe.

It certainly appears that we err when we show any kind of disrespect against those in authority.