1 Samuel 24:13

KJV

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

As saith {H559} the proverb {H4912} of the ancients {H6931}, Wickedness {H7562} proceedeth {H3318} from the wicked {H7563}: but mine hand {H3027} shall not be upon thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

as the old saying has it, 'Out of the wicked comes wickedness, but I will not lay a hand on you.'

Berean Standard Bible

As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.

American Standard Version

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked cometh forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be upon thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 24:13, David, having spared King Saul's life in the cave of En Gedi, appeals to an ancient proverb to articulate a profound truth about character and conduct: that evil actions originate from an evil heart. His subsequent declaration, "but mine hand shall not be upon thee," powerfully contrasts his own righteous forbearance with Saul's relentless malice, demonstrating David's unwavering commitment to divine justice and his refusal to take vengeance into his own hands, even when presented with a clear opportunity. This verse encapsulates David's remarkable integrity and trust in God's sovereign timing for establishing His anointed king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is spoken by David immediately after a dramatic encounter in the cave of En Gedi, detailed in [1 Samuel 24](/1-samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul"). King Saul, consumed by a paranoid jealousy, is relentlessly pursuing David to kill him. David and his men are hiding in a cave when Saul, unaware of their presence, enters to relieve himself. David's men urge him to seize the opportunity to kill Saul, interpreting it as God delivering his enemy into his hand ([1 Samuel 24:4](/1-samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4 - David's Men Urge Him")). However, David refuses to harm "the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1-samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Reverence for God's Anointed")). Instead, he secretly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe, an act he immediately regrets due to his deep reverence for Saul's anointed status ([1 Samuel 24:5](/1-samuel/24-5 "1 Samuel 24:5 - David's Remorse")). After Saul leaves the cave, David reveals himself, calling out to Saul and using the cut robe as proof of his innocence and forbearance. Verse 13 serves as David's verbal explanation and justification for his actions, emphasizing his moral high ground and trust in God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Saul's reign and David's rise was marked by political instability and tribal loyalties, with Saul's increasingly erratic behavior contrasting sharply with David's growing popularity. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the concept of "honor-shame" was paramount, and blood vengeance was a common and often expected response to perceived wrongs or threats. The principle of *lex talionis* (eye for an eye) was understood, making David's refusal to retaliate against Saul, who was actively seeking his life, an extraordinary act of self-restraint. The "proverb of the ancients" refers to a well-established, orally transmitted piece of wisdom, akin to a universally accepted truth or maxim within Israelite society. Such proverbs often encapsulated observations about human nature, justice, and divine causality, reflecting a deeply ingrained understanding that one's actions are a direct outflow of one's inner character. David's appeal to this proverb lends weight and authority to his argument, demonstrating that his actions are not merely personal whim but align with timeless, recognized principles of moral order.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 24](/1-samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul") and the broader narrative of David's life are rich with theological themes. A central theme is the **nature of true leadership and kingship**, contrasting Saul's self-serving, paranoid rule with David's God-fearing, patient submission to divine will. David's actions here underscore his profound **respect for God's anointing**, refusing to usurp God's prerogative to remove or judge His chosen king, even when that king is acting wickedly. This is powerfully reiterated in [1 Samuel 26:9](/1-samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Refuses to Harm Saul Again"). Furthermore, the proverb itself highlights the **source of evil**, asserting that wicked deeds originate from a wicked heart, a concept deeply rooted in biblical anthropology (e.g., [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). David's declaration, "but mine hand shall not be upon thee," exemplifies **righteous character and self-restraint**, demonstrating that true justice and vengeance belong to God alone ([Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")). This act of forbearance showcases David's **trust in divine justice and sovereignty**, believing that God would ultimately establish him as king in His perfect timing, a theme frequently echoed in the Psalms ([Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _resha'_):** This noun (רֶשַׁע) denotes moral evil, guilt, injustice, or a wicked deed. It refers to a state of being morally corrupt or to acts that are inherently wrong and contrary to God's law and righteous standards. In this context, it describes the malevolent intent and actions of Saul against David, implying that such behavior is not accidental but flows from a depraved inner character.
* **Proceedeth (Hebrew, _yetze'_):** The verb (יֵצֵא) means "to go out," "to come forth," "to originate from." It emphasizes the natural and inevitable consequence of an internal state. When applied to "wickedness," it signifies that evil acts are not external impositions but emerge organically from a wicked person's nature, much like fruit from a tree.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yad'_):** This common noun (יָד) refers literally to the hand, but often functions metaphorically to represent power, agency, authority, or action. In David's declaration, "but mine hand shall not be upon thee," it signifies his refusal to use his power or authority to inflict harm or execute judgment on Saul, despite having the means to do so. It underscores his deliberate choice of non-retaliation and submission to a higher authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As saith the proverb of the ancients":** This opening phrase establishes the statement that follows as a widely recognized and accepted truth, a piece of traditional wisdom passed down through generations. It lends authority and universality to the principle David is about to articulate, indicating that his actions are not arbitrary but aligned with a fundamental understanding of moral causality.
* **"Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked":** This is the core of the ancient proverb. It asserts a direct causal link between a person's inner character ("the wicked") and their outward actions ("wickedness"). It implies that evil deeds are not random occurrences but are the natural outflow of a heart that is morally corrupt or estranged from God. This proverb serves as David's implicit justification for Saul's behavior, acknowledging that Saul's murderous pursuit is consistent with his own wicked disposition, while simultaneously setting David apart.
* **"but mine hand shall not be upon thee":** This is David's personal declaration, a powerful antithesis to the proverb and a direct contrast to Saul's actions. Despite Saul's wickedness and the opportunity to retaliate, David firmly states his refusal to harm Saul. This highlights David's moral integrity, his self-restraint, and his deep reverence for Saul as "the Lord's anointed." It demonstrates his commitment to allow God, not himself, to execute justice and vengeance, signifying his trust in divine sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most explicit is the **Proverb**, as David directly quotes a recognized "proverb of the ancients," lending a timeless and authoritative quality to his argument about the origin of wickedness. This is immediately followed by a powerful **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, where the universal truth of "Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked" is set in stark opposition to David's personal declaration, "but mine hand shall not be upon thee." This contrast highlights David's righteous character and his refusal to descend to Saul's level, emphasizing his moral superiority and self-control. There is also an element of **Symbolism** in the phrase "mine hand," which represents David's power, agency, and capacity for action. His refusal to use his hand against Saul symbolizes his submission to God's will and his deferral of vengeance to the divine. The entire scene, culminating in this declaration, serves as a form of **Characterization**, vividly portraying David as a man of profound faith, patience, and integrity, qualities essential for the true king God desires.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 24:13 profoundly speaks to the nature of human character, divine justice, and the conduct expected of God's people. The proverb "Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked" underscores a fundamental biblical truth: actions are a reflection of the heart. This principle aligns with the broader theological understanding that sin originates from within, from a fallen human nature, rather than being merely external acts. David's response, however, elevates the discourse beyond simple causality. By refusing to retaliate, he demonstrates a radical trust in God's sovereignty and justice, acknowledging that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone. This act of forbearance, despite extreme provocation, embodies a higher ethic of righteousness, prioritizing God's prerogative over personal retribution and showcasing the kind of character God desires in His chosen leaders.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense")
* [Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Repay No One Evil for Evil")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Beloved, Never Avenge Yourselves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's conduct in 1 Samuel 24:13 offers a powerful blueprint for believers navigating conflict and injustice in their own lives. In a world that often encourages immediate retaliation and self-vindication, David's response challenges us to cultivate a counter-cultural spirit of forbearance and trust in God. His refusal to act wickedly, even when provoked by extreme wickedness, calls us to examine the source of our own actions. Do our responses to adversity proceed from a heart aligned with God's righteousness, or from a place of bitterness, anger, or a desire for personal vengeance? This verse reminds us that true strength lies not in the ability to strike back, but in the spiritual discipline to entrust our cause to the Lord, allowing Him to be the ultimate arbiter of justice. It is a call to guard our hearts, knowing that what proceeds from us reveals our true character, and to reflect the patient, righteous character of God in our interactions, especially with those who wrong us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's refusal to harm Saul challenge your natural inclination to retaliate when wronged?**
* **In what specific situations are you tempted to take "vengeance" into your own hands, rather than trusting God with justice?**
* **What does the proverb "Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked" teach you about the importance of cultivating a righteous heart?**
* **How can you practically apply David's example of self-restraint and trust in God's timing in your current relationships or circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did David not kill Saul if God had delivered him into his hand?**

Answer: David refused to kill Saul primarily because Saul was "the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1-samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Reverence for God's Anointed")). Despite Saul's unrighteous behavior and God's apparent rejection of him, David deeply respected the sacred nature of God's choice and anointing. He believed it was not his place to lay a hand on the one God had chosen, even if God was now working to remove Saul. David understood that God alone had the authority to establish and remove kings, and he chose to trust in God's perfect timing and method for transferring the kingdom. This act demonstrated David's profound faith, his reverence for God's sovereignty, and his commitment to allowing God to execute justice rather than taking it into his own hands. His actions were rooted in a higher moral and theological principle than mere opportunity or personal vengeance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 24:13, with David's remarkable forbearance and trust in divine justice, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate righteous King, Jesus Christ. The proverb, "Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked," finds its perfect counterpoint in Christ, from whom only perfect goodness and divine righteousness proceeded. Unlike Saul, who was consumed by wickedness, Jesus, the true "Lord's Anointed" (Messiah), never acted wickedly, even when subjected to unimaginable injustice and persecution. When His enemies sought to kill Him, He did not retaliate ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted"); [1 Peter 2:23](/1-peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ Did Not Retaliate")). Instead, He willingly submitted to the Father's will, entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly ([1 Peter 2:23](/1-peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ Did Not Retaliate")). David's refusal to lay a hand on Saul, deferring judgment to God, prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice, where He, the innocent Lamb of God, took upon Himself the wickedness of humanity, not by retaliating, but by offering Himself as the perfect atonement ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His command to love enemies and pray for persecutors ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")) is the ultimate fulfillment of the spirit David demonstrated, showing that true divine power is revealed not in vengeance, but in sacrificial love and patient endurance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 7:20

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Matthew 7:16

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Matthew 7:18

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Matthew 12:33

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by [his] fruit.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: