1 Samuel 24:10

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and [some] bade [me] kill thee: but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he [is] the LORD'S anointed.

Behold, this day {H3117} thine eyes {H5869} have seen {H7200} how that the LORD {H3068} had delivered {H5414} thee to day {H3117} into mine hand {H3027} in the cave {H4631}: and some bade {H559} me kill {H2026} thee: but mine eye spared {H2347} thee; and I said {H559}, I will not put forth {H7971} mine hand {H3027} against my lord {H113}; for he is the LORD'S {H3068} anointed {H4899}.

Here, today you have seen with your own eyes that ADONAI put you in my power there in the cave. Some of my men said I should kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I won't raise my hand against my lord, because he is ADONAI's anointed.'

Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that Jehovah had delivered thee to-day into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee; but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is Jehovah’s anointed.

Commentary

1 Samuel 24:10 captures a pivotal moment in the life of David, illustrating his profound reverence for God's chosen leader, even when that leader was actively seeking his life. In this verse, David recounts how he had the perfect opportunity to kill King Saul in a cave but chose instead to spare him, citing Saul's status as "the LORD'S anointed." This act demonstrates David's remarkable faith, patience, and integrity amidst intense persecution.

Context

This verse is set during a tense period where King Saul, consumed by jealousy and fear, relentlessly pursued David, believing him to be a threat to his throne. David, though divinely chosen to be the next king, was on the run, hiding in the wilderness. The specific incident takes place in the caves of En-gedi. Saul, unaware of David's presence, entered the very cave where David and his men were hiding to relieve himself. David's men urged him to seize this God-given opportunity to eliminate his enemy and claim his rightful place. However, David refused to lay a hand on Saul, demonstrating his deep respect for God's established authority, even when that authority was flawed and hostile towards him. He merely cut off a corner of Saul's robe as proof of his proximity and mercy, an act he immediately regretted as disrespectful.

Key Themes

  • Respect for God's Anointed: The central theme is David's unwavering respect for Saul, not because of Saul's character or actions, but because he was consecrated by God. David understood that vengeance belonged to the Lord, not to him.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Timing: David trusted that God would remove Saul and establish him as king in His own perfect timing, without resorting to human violence or manipulation. This waiting on God is a significant aspect of David's character.
  • Integrity and Restraint: Despite immense pressure from his men and the clear opportunity for self-preservation, David chose the path of moral integrity and self-restraint. He prioritized obedience to God's principles over immediate personal gain or revenge.
  • The Nature of Vengeance: David's actions underscore the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to individuals.

Linguistic Insights

The crucial phrase "the LORD'S anointed" translates from the Hebrew mashiaḥ Yahweh (מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה). The term mashiaḥ means "anointed one," from which we get the word "Messiah." In this context, it refers to someone set apart or consecrated by God through an anointing with oil, signifying divine appointment for a specific office, such as king or priest. David recognized that Saul's anointing by the prophet Samuel (see 1 Samuel 10:1) made him sacred, and to harm him would be to go against God's direct appointment, even if Saul was disobedient. This deep reverence for God's choosing, regardless of the individual's current standing, is a powerful testament to David's faith.

Related Scriptures

  • This event is mirrored later in 1 Samuel 26:9, where David again has an opportunity to kill Saul but refuses, reiterating his principle of not laying hands on the Lord's anointed.
  • David's respect for God's chosen ones aligns with the sentiment found in Psalm 105:15, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
  • David's choice to wait on God for justice and deliverance reflects the broader theme of divine faithfulness, as seen in his later praise in the Psalms, such as Psalm 18:2.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 24:10 offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to:

  1. Respect Authority: While we are not to blindly follow ungodly commands, David's example teaches us to respect positions of authority, acknowledging that all authority is ultimately permitted by God (see Romans 13:1).
  2. Trust God's Justice: When faced with injustice or persecution, this verse encourages us not to take matters into our own hands but to trust that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing. Our role is to be faithful and obedient, leaving vengeance to Him.
  3. Maintain Integrity: David's choice to spare Saul, even when it was personally costly, highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and moral purity, even in difficult circumstances. Our actions should always reflect our commitment to God's principles, not our immediate desires or frustrations.
This passage reminds us that true strength is often found in restraint and obedience, not in retaliation, and that God honors those who honor His appointments and His timing.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 24:4 (4 votes)

    And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.

  • Psalms 105:15 (4 votes)

    [Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

  • 1 Samuel 26:8 (3 votes)

    Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time.

  • 1 Samuel 26:9 (3 votes)

    And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?