Are Similar Bible Stories (Incidents) Truly Different?

[Bob]

In 1 Samuel there are two stories about David being pursued by Saul in which David has an opportunity to kill Saul but spares him. (See 1 Samuel 24 and 26.)

Some commentators say it is the same story from different traditions, while others say they really are different.

1 Samuel 26 Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

1 Samuel 26 Barnes' Notes

There are similar pairs of incidents in other parts of the Bible. Clearly, the writers of the Bible thought it prudent to record both oral traditions without comment, leaving it up to expositors of the faith to guide those who study to learn.

What lessons do you derive from these puzzles?

Blessings.

 

[Deborah_]

One shouldn't leap to the assumption that these are two different accounts of the same event.

It's not like comparing the Gospels, when the same story is being told by different witnesses and you would expect discrepancies.

The two stories you mention - apart from the main point (David spares Saul's life), they are completely different. Different incidents, I would say.