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It was a most uncomfortable situation for King David who was being chased by his mad father-in-law, King Shaul and David cried out to Hashem for help. On two occasions David had the opportunity to kill Shaul but refrained out of love and respect. Once, when Shaul entered the cave that David was hiding in, David spared him. Another time David was right near the sleeping Shaul (see I Samuel Chapters 24 and 26) and David simply left his mark there to show Shaul that his life could have been ended. Shaul recognized that David had spared him out of David’s sincere desire to make peace. Shaul swore that he would no longer pursue David. However, he was overtaken by a mental fit and began to chase David once again.

The References Here

In this Psalm David expresses that he has acted in accordance with the Torah in all of his dealings with Shaul. However, David states that he feels that he made one minor error (verse 1). He expressed his sin in that he had rejoiced in Shaul’s death as it represented a personal salvation from his vehement pursuer (see Moed Katan 16b and Psalm 18:1). Chazal (Meseches Sofrim 18:2) say that that this Psalm is the Song of the Day for Purim. This is because Mordechai was a descendant of Shaul. Additionally, verse 16 describes someone falling into the exact pit that he himself dug which hints to Haman who was hanged on the exact gallows which he prepared for Mordechai.

Alternate Interpretations

Other commentators have varied explanations as to what mistake David was referring to in verse 1. Rashi states that this was referring to the story of Nov the city of Kohanim which was wiped out because they fed David (see Sanhedrin 95a). Alternatively, Rashi states that it refers to David’s choice to cut off the corner of Shaul’s royal robe which was a disgrace and caused David to receive punishment (see I Kings 1:1). Also, see Radak.

Mistakes Happen

Regardless of the specific mistake that is being mentioned here by David, the most powerful lesson is that David was not afraid to admit that he made a mistake and to print it in writing and publicize it. David’s mission in life was to bring out the Honor of Hashem and to teach the world how to properly repent (see Avodah Zarah 5a). The verse (Vayikra 4:22) states, “when the king will sin….” and goes on to describe the sacrifice that he must bring. The verse does not state, “if the king sins,” it is not only a possibility, rather it states, “when the king sins,” it is inevitable! As King David’s son Shlomo states (Koheles 7:20), “there is no one in the world who is free from sin.” Everyone makes mistakes, but only a real man can admit a mistake!  Rashi (ibid. based on Horiyos 10b) states, “praiseworthy is a nation whose leader was willing to contemplate bringing a sacrifice on account of his sin.” One of David’s greatest messages was the power of repentance and being honest with oneself. David took full responsibility for his actions. This way he was able to apologize, rectify the situation and charge forward with growth. This was the exact theme of Purim. The Jews admitted that they had gone against the advice of their sages and had turned their backs on Hashem and were thus deserving of death. When they repented and admitted their sins, they were saved miraculously and gained a most amazing day of celebration for eternity.

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