1 Samuel 26:21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: returned, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
After David had shown Saul that he could have killed him but refrained, Saul showed repentance and confessed his sin. He confessed that he sinned, played the fool, and erred exceedingly. It was genuine repentance alright, but it came after he was caught. We easily confess after being convicted of sin and guilt, but of course, it would have been better to repent before getting caught. Therefore, we repent daily.
But what actually motivated Saul to confess and repent was seeing the grace and kindness of David in not killing him when he had the opportunity. He saw that “his soul was precious in David’s eyes.” David had shown mercy to King Saul: “I was precious to you.” The conviction of the Gospel is an even greater motivator than the Law: “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance [Romans 2:4].” Not only was Saul caught and convicted of his sinful, foolish error, but he was also moved by the compassion and mercy of David. David “heaped coals of fire upon the head” of his sworn enemy. [Romans 12:20].
When we hear and understand the Gospel we are moved by the Spirit to genuine repentance, true faith, and great j