1 Samuel 24:15

KJV

The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} therefore be judge {H1781}, and judge {H8199} between me and thee, and see {H7200}, and plead {H7378} my cause {H7379}, and deliver {H8199} me out of thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI be the judge; let him decide between you and me. May he take my side and rescue me from your power!"

Berean Standard Bible

May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”

American Standard Version

Jehovah therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
David, having mercifully spared King Saul's life in the cave at Engedi, passionately appeals to God as the ultimate arbiter between himself and the pursuing monarch. This verse encapsulates David's profound trust in divine justice, his unwavering commitment to God's sovereignty, and his principled refusal to take personal vengeance, even when presented with a clear opportunity to eliminate his chief adversary. It is a powerful declaration of innocence and a solemn petition for God to intervene, vindicate David's cause, and deliver him from Saul's relentless hand, demonstrating a deep theological understanding of God's role as the righteous Judge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful culmination of David's poignant appeal to Saul following the dramatic encounter in the cave of Engedi, as detailed in [1 Samuel 24](/1-samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life"). Saul, in his relentless and paranoid pursuit of David, unknowingly enters the very cave where David and his men are hiding. Despite his men's urging to seize this providential opportunity to kill Saul, David steadfastly refuses, citing Saul's sacred status as "the LORD's anointed." Instead, David secretly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe, a symbolic act demonstrating his ability to harm Saul but choosing not to. After Saul leaves the cave, David reveals himself, calling out to Saul and demonstrating his profound respect for the king's office and his own innocence by presenting the robe fragment. David's subsequent speech, culminating in this verse, is a heartfelt plea for Saul to recognize his loyalty and for God to intervene as the ultimate judge, thereby resolving the conflict without further bloodshed initiated by David. This act of mercy and profound trust in divine justice stands in stark contrast to Saul's escalating paranoia and vengeful pursuit, setting the stage for the ongoing tension between the two men and highlighting David's moral superiority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of divine judgment was foundational to their understanding of justice, governance, and the very nature of God. Kings were seen as God's chosen representatives, and to harm "the LORD's anointed" was considered an affront to God Himself, a violation of sacred covenant. While blood feuds were common in the ancient Near East, where personal vengeance was often expected and practiced to right wrongs, the Mosaic Law, while providing for a system of justice, also laid the groundwork for divine oversight and the eventual prohibition of personal retaliation, reserving ultimate vengeance for God alone (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")). David's appeal to God as judge reflects this theological understanding, moving beyond tribal retaliation to a higher, divine court. Geographically, Engedi was a rugged wilderness stronghold, a place of refuge for David, highlighting his vulnerable position despite his moral high ground. The interaction reveals the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and divine anointing within a nascent monarchy, where the lines of authority and divine will were constantly being negotiated.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent throughout [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Central is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, as David explicitly places his fate and the resolution of the conflict into God's hands, trusting that the Lord will "judge" and "plead [his] cause." This highlights a profound belief that God actively intervenes in human affairs to bring about righteousness and vindicate the innocent. Closely related is the theme of **Refusal of Personal Vengeance**, a hallmark of David's character in this narrative, contrasting sharply with Saul's vengeful pursuits. David's restraint, even when empowered to act, foreshadows later biblical teachings on overcoming evil with good, as seen in [Romans 12:19-21](/romans/12-19-21 "Romans 12:19-21 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves"). Furthermore, the passage explores the **Nature of True Leadership**, demonstrating David's integrity, his reliance on God's timing and methods, and his profound respect for God's anointed, rather than worldly power or cunning. It also touches upon **God's Protection and Deliverance** for those who trust in Him, as David anticipates God will "deliver me out of thine hand," despite his current perilous situation, illustrating God's faithfulness to those who walk in integrity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁפַט (_shâphaṭ_, H8199) is a rich term meaning more than simply to make a legal decision. It encompasses the roles of governing, ruling, vindicating, punishing, and bringing about justice. When David asks the LORD to "be judge" and "judge between me and thee," he is not merely asking for an assessment of the situation but for God to actively intervene as the supreme ruler and arbiter, to govern the outcome, and to execute justice by vindicating David and punishing Saul's unrighteous pursuit. It implies a dynamic and active role for God in the affairs of men, encompassing both judicial pronouncement and executive action. This same verb is also used for "deliver" in the KJV text, indicating that David's deliverance from Saul's hand is understood as a judicial act of God, a vindication and setting free.
* **Plead (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** The Hebrew verb רִיב (_rîyb_, H7378) refers to engaging in a legal dispute, contending, or striving. David is essentially asking God to act as his advocate or defender in a divine courtroom, to take up his legal case against Saul. This is a petition for God to contend on David's behalf, to argue his innocence, and to demonstrate the righteousness of his actions and the unrighteousness of Saul's. It's a prayer for divine legal representation and intervention, where God Himself will actively champion David's cause against his adversary.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew noun יָד (_yâd_, H3027) literally means "hand," but is used extensively in a figurative sense to denote power, authority, control, or means. When David prays for God to "deliver me out of thine hand," he is asking to be freed from Saul's oppressive power, his destructive control, and his relentless pursuit. It signifies David's complete vulnerability to Saul's physical and political might, and his desperate need for divine intervention to extricate him from a situation where Saul's "hand" threatens his very life and future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee":** David begins by formally appointing God as the ultimate arbiter in the dispute between himself and Saul. This is a profound declaration of faith, acknowledging God's supreme authority, perfect righteousness, and comprehensive knowledge. It signifies David's surrender of personal retaliation, placing the entire legal and moral dispute into the divine court. He is asking God to discern the truth of the matter, to weigh the actions of both parties, and to render a righteous verdict. The repetition of "judge" emphasizes the certainty and completeness of God's judicial role.
* **"and see, and plead my cause":** David further specifies God's active role, asking Him not only to judge but also to "see" (implying full knowledge and understanding of the situation, including Saul's unjust actions and David's innocence, from God's omniscient perspective) and to "plead my cause." This is a request for divine advocacy, for God to actively defend David's position and to contend against Saul's accusations and actions on David's behalf. It highlights David's conviction that his cause is just and that God, who sees all, will confirm this and act as his legal champion.
* **"and deliver me out of thine hand":** The final clause expresses David's ultimate hope and petition: deliverance. He is asking God to rescue him from Saul's power, control, and destructive intentions. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, the Hebrew verb for "deliver" here (H8199, _shâphaṭ_) implies a judicial act of setting free or vindicating. Thus, David is praying for God not only to declare him innocent but also to actively intervene through a righteous judgment that results in his physical salvation and freedom from Saul's persecution. It underscores David's complete dependence on God for his preservation and vindication.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 24:15 is rich in **Rhetorical Appeal**, as David directly addresses Saul while simultaneously making a profound appeal to God, demonstrating his integrity before both human and divine audiences. This dual address serves to underscore David's innocence to Saul and to declare his ultimate trust in divine justice. The verse employs powerful **Parallelism**, particularly in the repetition of "judge" and the series of verbs ("be judge," "judge," "see," "plead," "deliver"), which emphasizes the multi-faceted and comprehensive role David expects God to play in his vindication. There is a strong element of **Trust Motif**, where David's entire plea is predicated on his unwavering faith in God's active involvement in human affairs and His commitment to justice. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Solemn Oath or Imprecation**, a formal invocation of God to settle a dispute, akin to an ancient legal procedure where God is called upon as the supreme witness and enforcer of truth. The language is direct, personal, and emotionally resonant, creating a powerful and memorable declaration of David's character and his profound reliance on the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's appeal in 1 Samuel 24:15 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of God as the righteous Judge of all the earth. It demonstrates a profound theological conviction that ultimate justice does not rest in human hands or retaliatory acts, but in the sovereign will and perfect judgment of the Almighty. This posture of surrendering one's cause to God, rather than seeking personal vengeance, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing trust in God's timing and methods for vindication. David's actions here establish a precedent for righteous conduct in the face of injustice, illustrating that true strength lies not in wielding power for personal gain or retribution, but in humble reliance on divine intervention. This commitment to God's justice foreshadows the New Testament call for believers to forgive and to leave vengeance to the Lord, trusting in His ultimate reckoning, knowing that He will repay.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense")
* [Psalm 7:8](/psalm/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - The LORD Judges the Peoples")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's declaration in 1 Samuel 24:15 offers a timeless and profound model for believers facing injustice, false accusation, or relentless opposition. In a world where the impulse for immediate retribution often prevails, David's example calls us to a higher standard: to commit our cause entirely to God. This requires immense faith and self-control, trusting that God sees all, knows all, and will act in His perfect timing to bring about justice and vindication. It challenges us to resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands, to harbor bitterness, or to plot revenge, even when we have the opportunity to "get even." Instead, we are invited to cultivate a heart of integrity, knowing that our blameless conduct before God and others is a powerful testimony to His transforming grace. By surrendering our desire for personal vindication, we free ourselves from the burden of carrying grudges and open the way for God to work on our behalf, demonstrating His faithfulness and righteousness in ways far beyond our own capabilities. This verse encourages us to live with a clear conscience, confident that our ultimate defender and deliverer is the Lord Himself, who will always judge righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to take matters into your own hands rather than trusting God for justice and vindication?**
* **How does David's refusal to harm Saul, despite the clear opportunity, challenge your understanding of power, revenge, and the nature of true strength?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "plead your cause" before the Lord when you feel wronged, rather than seeking personal retribution?**
* **How does trusting God as your ultimate judge and advocate impact your emotional and spiritual well-being in times of conflict and persecution?**

### FAQ

**Why did David not kill Saul when he had the chance?**

Answer: David explicitly states his reason in [1 Samuel 24:6](/1-samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul"): "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD." David understood that Saul, despite his unrighteous actions and relentless pursuit, was still God's chosen king, divinely appointed and consecrated. To lay a hand on Saul would be to directly oppose God's sovereign choice and His sacred anointing. David believed that if God intended to remove Saul from the throne, God would do so in His own way and time, without David's sinful intervention. This demonstrates David's deep reverence for God's authority and His sacred institutions, even when it meant personal suffering.

**Does "The LORD therefore be judge" mean David was passive and did nothing?**

Answer: No, it does not imply passivity. While David refrained from personal vengeance or violence against Saul, he was far from passive. He actively appealed to Saul, presenting tangible evidence of his innocence (the cut robe fragment), and then made this solemn, public appeal to God. David was actively trusting God to intervene, to "plead his cause," and to "deliver" him through a righteous judgment. This is an act of profound faith and strategic reliance on divine justice, not resignation or apathy. David was active in maintaining his integrity, declaring his innocence, and entrusting the ultimate outcome to God's sovereign hand, demonstrating a mature and godly response to persecution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's appeal to God as the ultimate judge and his profound refusal to take vengeance on Saul find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as David, the innocent one, was unjustly pursued, slandered, and sought for death, so too was Christ, the perfectly righteous Son of God, relentlessly persecuted, falsely accused, and ultimately crucified by those He came to save. Yet, in the face of unimaginable injustice and suffering, Jesus did not retaliate; He did not call down legions of angels ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")). Instead, He "committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1-peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")), entrusting His cause entirely to the Father. Like David, Christ knew that God would ultimately vindicate Him through the glorious resurrection ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")) and exalt Him to the highest place ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Furthermore, Christ is not only the vindicated innocent but also the appointed Judge of all humanity ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Given All Judgment to the Son")), the one who will truly "judge between me and thee," perfectly discerning every heart and bringing forth ultimate justice. Thus, David's plea for divine judgment foreshadows the righteous judgment of Christ and serves as a powerful testament to the New Covenant principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord, who will repay ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")), and that believers are called to follow Christ's example of suffering righteously and entrusting their vindication to God.

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

Psalms 43:1

¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

Psalms 119:154

Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

Psalms 35:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

1 Samuel 24:12

The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Micah 7:9

I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, [and] I shall behold his righteousness.

Micah 1:2

Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

2 Chronicles 24:22

Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon [it], and require [it].