1 Samuel 24:19

KJV

For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

For if a man {H376} find {H4672} his enemy {H341}, will he let him go {H7971} well {H2896} away {H1870}? wherefore the LORD {H3068} reward {H7999} thee good {H2896} for that thou hast done {H6213} unto me this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A man finds his enemy and lets him go unharmed?! May ADONAI reward you well for what you did to me today.

Berean Standard Bible

When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day.

American Standard Version

For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore Jehovah reward thee good for that which thou hast done unto me this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:19 captures David's profound act of mercy and his unwavering trust in divine justice, spoken to King Saul after David spared his life in the cave of Engedi. This verse encapsulates David's exceptional character, demonstrating his refusal to retaliate against his persecutor, choosing instead to commit the outcome to the Lord. It highlights the counter-intuitive nature of David's forbearance and his expectation that God would justly respond to his righteous deed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between King Saul and David. Chapter 24 opens with Saul pursuing David into the wilderness of Engedi, where Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men are hiding within. David's men urge him to kill Saul, seeing it as a divinely ordained opportunity. However, David refuses to harm "the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1-samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul")). Instead, he secretly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe as proof of his proximity and his decision to show mercy. After Saul leaves the cave, David calls out to him, revealing himself and presenting the robe fragment. The rhetorical question in [1 Samuel 24:19](/1-samuel/24-19 "1 Samuel 24:19 - David's Plea to Saul") serves as David's powerful appeal to Saul, underscoring the extraordinary nature of his merciful act and contrasting it with the typical human response to an enemy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during a period of intense political instability and personal vendetta within the nascent Israelite monarchy. Saul, the first king of Israel, is increasingly paranoid and consumed by jealousy over David's military successes and popularity, viewing him as a threat to his throne. David, though anointed by Samuel as the future king ([1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1-samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King")), consistently demonstrates loyalty and respect for Saul's divinely appointed position, even as Saul actively seeks his life. The cultural expectation of the time would have been for David to seize any opportunity for vengeance against a mortal enemy, especially one who had repeatedly sought his destruction. David's actions, therefore, stand in stark contrast to the prevailing norms of blood feud and self-preservation, reflecting a higher moral and theological commitment.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 24:19](/1-samuel/24-19 "1 Samuel 24:19 - David's Plea to Saul") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Extraordinary Mercy and Forbearance**, showcasing David's refusal to take vengeance despite clear provocation and opportunity. This act foreshadows later biblical teachings on loving one's enemies, as seen in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). Secondly, it underscores David's deep **Trust in God's Justice and Sovereignty**. David's decision not to harm Saul stems from his reverence for God's anointed and his conviction that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone ([Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to God")). He leaves the ultimate resolution of their conflict in God's hands, a principle echoed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Reward for Righteousness**. David's prayer for the Lord to "reward thee good" for his own act of mercy suggests an understanding that righteous actions, even towards an enemy, are recognized and honored by God. Finally, it reinforces David's consistent **Respect for God's Anointed**, a recurring motif that defines David's character, even when it places him in grave danger, as further demonstrated in [1 Samuel 26:9](/1-samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Spares Saul Again").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enemy (Hebrew, _'oyev'_):** This term (אוֹיֵב) denotes a hostile adversary, one who actively hates and seeks harm. The use of "enemy" here by David emphasizes the profound nature of his act: he is not merely showing leniency to an opponent, but to someone who has relentlessly pursued his life with murderous intent. This makes his act of mercy all the more remarkable and counter-cultural.
* **Reward (Hebrew, _gamal'_):** The Hebrew verb גָּמַל carries the meaning "to deal with," "to recompense," or "to requite." It can be used in both positive and negative senses, implying a reciprocal action. In this context, David is not asking God to punish Saul for his evil, but rather to "deal with" him "good" in response to David's own good deed. It is a prayer for divine beneficence to be extended, highlighting God's faithfulness to those who act righteously, even towards their adversaries.
* **Good (Hebrew, _tov'_):** The Hebrew word טוֹב is broad in meaning, encompassing moral goodness, pleasantness, prosperity, and blessing. When David prays for the Lord to "reward thee good," he is invoking God's favor and blessing upon Saul, not for Saul's own merits, but as a consequence of David's righteous act of mercy. It implies a desire for God's benevolent intervention in Saul's life, perhaps even leading to a change of heart or a cessation of his persecution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away?"**: This is a rhetorical question, designed to elicit an obvious "no" from the listener. It highlights the universally understood human inclination for vengeance or self-preservation when confronted with an enemy, especially one who has sought one's life. By posing this question, David underscores the extraordinary and counter-intuitive nature of his own actions in sparing Saul. He is implicitly stating, "No ordinary man would do what I have done."
* **"wherefore the LORD reward thee good"**: This clause marks a shift from David's rhetorical statement to a direct prayer or imprecation to God. The phrase "wherefore" (וַיהוָה יְשַׁלֵּם) connects the divine action to David's preceding act of mercy. David is asking God to actively "repay" or "deal with" Saul in a benevolent way. This is not a request for Saul's repentance, but for God to respond to David's righteousness by extending goodness, perhaps even protection or peace, to Saul.
* **"for that thou hast done unto me this day."**: This final clause clarifies the basis for David's prayer. The "good" that David asks God to "reward" Saul with is not a reward for anything good Saul has done, but rather a divine response to David's own righteous act of sparing Saul's life. David is essentially saying, "Because I have shown you mercy, may God, in His justice, respond to my good deed by extending goodness to you." It's a profound expression of faith that God honors acts of righteousness, even when directed towards an undeserving recipient.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Samuel 24:19](/1-samuel/24-19 "1 Samuel 24:19 - David's Plea to Saul") employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**: "For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away?" This question is not meant to be answered but to emphasize the exceptional and unexpected nature of David's mercy. It highlights the stark contrast between human instinct (retaliation) and David's divinely inspired forbearance. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present, as the hunted (David) shows profound mercy to the hunter (Saul), subverting the expected power dynamics and demonstrating David's moral superiority. The second part of the verse functions as a **Prayer** or **Imprecation**, a direct appeal to God for action. David's words also create a powerful **Contrast** between the typical human response to an enemy and the divine standard of mercy and trust in God's justice that David embodies. This verse serves as a microcosm of David's character, revealing his deep faith and commitment to God's ways even in the face of extreme provocation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on divine justice, human responsibility, and the nature of true righteousness. David's act of sparing Saul, followed by his prayer for God to "reward" Saul with "good" because of David's own mercy, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of God's character and His covenant faithfulness. It teaches that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice and that vengeance belongs to Him. By entrusting Saul's fate to God, David exemplifies a faith that transcends personal injury and seeks God's righteous intervention rather than human retribution. This act of grace towards an enemy, rooted in reverence for God's anointed, sets a powerful precedent for future biblical teachings on loving one's adversaries and trusting in God's sovereign plan.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, I will Repay")
* [Proverbs 25:21-22](/proverbs/25-21 "Proverbs 25:21-22 - Feed Your Enemy")
* [Romans 12:19-21](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19-21 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves, But Leave It to the Wrath of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 24:19 stands as a timeless challenge to believers regarding their response to those who wrong them. David's example in the cave of Engedi calls us to a higher standard than mere human retaliation. It teaches us that true strength is found not in vengeance, but in forbearance and trust in God's ultimate justice. When faced with opportunities to "get even" or to harm those who have hurt us, David's actions urge us to choose mercy, even when it feels counter-intuitive or undeserved. This requires a deep-seated faith that God sees our righteous acts and that He is capable of bringing about justice and recompense in His own perfect timing. Furthermore, David's prayer for God to reward Saul "good" because of David's own good deed is a profound call to pray for our enemies, desiring God's blessing and intervention in their lives, even if they remain hostile. It reminds us that our acts of mercy are not just for the benefit of the recipient, but are also seen and honored by God, who promises to bless those who walk in righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways am I tempted to seek vengeance or harbor resentment against those who have wronged me?**
* **How does David's act of mercy challenge my natural inclination to retaliate or protect myself from perceived enemies?**
* **What does it mean for me to "let the Lord reward" an enemy, rather than taking matters into my own hands?**
* **How can I actively pray for "good" for those who persecute or oppose me, even when it feels difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why did David spare Saul's life, especially when he had such a clear opportunity to end his persecution?**

Answer: David spared Saul's life primarily out of profound reverence for God's anointed king. Despite Saul's persistent and irrational hatred, David consistently refused to lay a hand on him because Saul was the Lord's chosen and anointed ruler ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1-samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Refuses to Harm Saul")). David believed that only God had the right to remove or judge His chosen king. This decision also stemmed from David's deep trust in God's justice and sovereignty. He was confident that God would ultimately deliver him and establish His purposes, without David needing to resort to human vengeance or usurpation. David's actions demonstrate his commitment to God's timing and methods, rather than his own.

**What does David mean by "the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day"? Is he asking God to bless Saul for Saul's actions?**

Answer: David is not asking God to bless Saul for anything good Saul has done. Rather, he is asking God to "reward" (or "deal with") Saul "good" *because of David's own righteous act* of sparing Saul's life. David is essentially invoking God's justice and faithfulness to respond to his act of mercy. He believes that his act of showing grace to Saul is a "good" deed in God's eyes, and he is praying that God would, in turn, extend goodness to Saul, perhaps leading to a cessation of Saul's persecution or even a change of heart. It's a prayer for God to respond to David's righteousness by influencing Saul's situation for the better, demonstrating God's reciprocal nature in blessing those who act righteously.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 24:19, with David's extraordinary act of mercy toward his enemy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's refusal to retaliate and his prayer for God to "reward" Saul with "good" foreshadow the perfect love and self-sacrifice demonstrated by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While David spared his enemy, Jesus, though perfectly innocent, willingly laid down His life for those who were His enemies, reconciling them to God ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). The rhetorical question, "For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away?" is answered definitively in Christ, who not only let His enemies "go well away" but actively pursued their redemption, even praying, "[Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")" from the cross. David's trust in God's justice, rather than human vengeance, points to Christ, who "when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1-peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). The "good" that David prayed for Saul, a divine reward for an act of mercy, is ultimately realized in the gospel, where God's ultimate "good" is extended to humanity through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe, even those who were once hostile to God ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21 - Reconciled in Christ")). David's act of mercy is a shadow; Christ's sacrifice is the substance, revealing the boundless depths of God's love for His enemies.

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

Proverbs 25:21

¶ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Proverbs 25:22

For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

Psalms 18:20

¶ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

1 Samuel 26:25

Then Saul said to David, Blessed [be] thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great [things], and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

Judges 17:2

And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred [shekels] of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver [is] with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed [be thou] of the LORD, my son.

1 Samuel 23:21

And Saul said, Blessed [be] ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.