1 Samuel 24:20

KJV

And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, behold, I know well {H3045} that thou shalt surely {H4427} be king {H4427}, and that the kingdom {H4467} of Israel {H3478} shall be established {H6965} in thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now I'm certain that you will indeed become king, and that the kingship of Isra'el will be established in your hands.

Berean Standard Bible

Now I know for sure that you will be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

American Standard Version

And now, behold, I know that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:20 marks a profound turning point where King Saul, in a moment of raw vulnerability and clarity, acknowledges David's divinely ordained destiny as the next king of Israel. This grudging admission comes after David, despite having a clear opportunity, mercifully spares Saul's life in the cave of En Gedi, demonstrating his unwavering respect for God's anointed and his trust in divine timing. Saul's words confirm the immutable nature of God's sovereign plan, even in the face of human opposition and jealousy, and foreshadow the inevitable transfer of the monarchy from his house to David's.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a deeply dramatic encounter between King Saul and David in the wilderness of En Gedi. Saul, consumed by a paranoid jealousy, relentlessly pursued David to kill him, believing David was a threat to his throne. David and his men were hiding in a cave when Saul, unknowingly, entered it to relieve himself. David's men urged him to kill Saul, but David, demonstrating profound reverence for God's anointed king, refused to lay a hand on him. Instead, he quietly cut off a corner of Saul's robe, a symbolic act to prove he had been close enough to harm him but chose not to ([1 Samuel 24:4-7](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4-7 - David Spares Saul's Life")). After Saul left the cave, David called out to him, revealing his presence and displaying the piece of the robe as evidence of his loyalty and mercy. Overwhelmed by David's righteousness and the stark contrast to his own murderous intentions, Saul was moved to tears, leading directly to this confession. This moment underscores David's character and God's protective hand over him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, kingship was understood as a divinely appointed office, not merely a human succession. Saul had been chosen by God through Samuel ([1 Samuel 10:24](/1_samuel/10-24 "1 Samuel 10:24 - Saul Chosen as King")), but his disobedience led to God's rejection of his dynasty ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience")). David, in turn, had been secretly anointed by Samuel, indicating God's new choice ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")). The concept of "God's anointed" (Messiah/Christ) was sacred; to harm such a person, even a disobedient one like Saul, was to defy God's prerogative. Saul's acknowledgment in this verse is not merely a personal admission but a public, albeit reluctant, recognition of God's sovereign hand in transferring the kingdom. It reflects the cultural understanding that divine favor, not human power or lineage alone, ultimately determined who would rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of 1 Samuel and beyond. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's plans and purposes for His chosen ones cannot be thwarted by human opposition, even from a reigning monarch. Saul's desperate attempts to kill David prove futile against God's decree that David would be king. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Righteousness and Integrity** as a mark of true leadership. David's merciful and respectful actions, in stark contrast to Saul's vengeful pursuit, reveal his character and the divine favor upon him, compelling even his enemy to acknowledge his destiny. This aligns with the broader narrative of God seeking a king after His own heart ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a King After His Own Heart")). Finally, it serves as a crucial point of **Foreshadowing the Inevitable Succession**, confirming the transfer of the kingdom from the house of Saul to David's lineage, a transition that God had declared previously ([1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - The Kingdom Torn from Saul")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know well (Hebrew, יָדֹעַ יָדַעְתִּי, _yadoa' yadati'_):** This is an emphatic construction known as an infinitive absolute, where the infinitive form of the verb precedes the finite form of the same verb. It intensifies the meaning, conveying absolute certainty and undeniable knowledge. Saul isn't just saying, "I know," but "I *absolutely* know," "I know beyond a shadow of a doubt," or "I am perfectly sure." This emphasizes the profound and inescapable nature of his realization, forced upon him by David's righteous conduct and the undeniable evidence of God's hand.
* **Established (Hebrew, קוּם, _qum_):** The verb _qum_ means "to rise, stand, be established, endure." In this context, it signifies permanence, stability, and divine confirmation. Saul's kingdom was unstable and ultimately rejected; David's kingdom, by contrast, would be "established," implying a lasting dynasty. This word carries significant theological weight, foreshadowing the eternal nature of the Davidic covenant later articulated in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David's House").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king":** This clause reveals Saul's grudging but undeniable recognition of David's future. The "and now, behold" (וְעַתָּה הִנֵּה, _v'attah hinneh_) signals a pivotal moment of realization and a shift in the narrative. Saul's emphatic "I know well" (יָדֹעַ יָדַעְתִּי) underscores that this is not a mere guess or a fleeting thought, but a deep, inescapable conviction. He acknowledges David's destiny as king, a truth he had desperately tried to deny and prevent. This admission is born out of David's demonstrated righteousness and mercy, which exposed the futility of Saul's jealous pursuit.
* **"and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand":** This second clause elaborates on the nature of David's future rule. It's not just that David will be king, but that the entire "kingdom of Israel" will be "established" under his authority. The phrase "in thine hand" (בְּיָדֶךָ, _b'yadekha_) signifies control, power, and stewardship. This contrasts sharply with Saul's own unstable and ultimately rejected reign, where the kingdom was "torn" from his hand ([1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - God Tears the Kingdom from Saul")). Saul's words here are a prophetic declaration, confirming God's sovereign plan for a stable and enduring dynasty through David.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the reigning king, Saul, is forced by circumstances and David's righteous character to acknowledge the divine appointment of his successor, whom he has relentlessly sought to destroy. The very person Saul fears and pursues is the one who demonstrates the qualities of a true, God-fearing leader. This leads to a moment of **Dramatic Recognition**, where Saul, often portrayed as blinded by jealousy and paranoia, experiences a brief but profound moment of clarity. His weeping and confession highlight the emotional weight of this realization, making it a pivotal scene. Furthermore, the verse functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, explicitly stating David's future kingship and the establishment of his kingdom. This declaration, coming from Saul himself, lends an undeniable weight and inevitability to the coming transfer of power, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty over human will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 24:20 is a profound testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His divine purposes. Despite Saul's relentless persecution and desperate attempts to thwart God's plan, David's destiny as king remains secure and is even acknowledged by his adversary. This passage underscores that God's will cannot be frustrated by human opposition or machinations. It also highlights the moral and spiritual contrast between Saul's self-serving ambition and David's patient trust in God's timing and justice, even when presented with opportunities for personal vengeance. David's mercy in the cave serves as a powerful witness to his character, demonstrating that true leadership is marked by righteousness and a reverence for God's anointed, rather than by force or manipulation.

* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [2 Samuel 5:12](/2_samuel/5-12 "2 Samuel 5:12 - David Knows the Lord Has Established Him as King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful scene in 1 Samuel 24:20 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's purposes are ultimately unshakeable, even when circumstances seem to contradict them or when powerful adversaries stand in our way. Just as David faced unjust persecution from Saul, we may encounter opposition, jealousy, or unfair treatment in our own lives. The passage encourages us to respond with integrity, mercy, and unwavering trust in God's timing, rather than resorting to retaliation or seeking to force our own way. David's decision to spare Saul's life, despite the immediate advantage it offered, demonstrates a profound reverence for God's authority and a belief that God would establish him in His own time. Our character, especially in moments of trial and temptation, can be a powerful witness to God's presence and power, sometimes even convicting those who oppose us. It calls us to surrender our desire for immediate vindication and to patiently wait for the Lord to work out His perfect plan, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately be established.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's response to Saul's pursuit challenge my own natural inclination to seek revenge or immediate justice when wronged?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take matters into my own hands, rather than trusting God's sovereign timing and plan?**
* **How can my character and actions, especially in difficult situations, bear witness to God's presence and truth, even to those who may be hostile towards me?**
* **What does Saul's grudging acknowledgment teach me about the undeniable power of God's truth, even for those who resist it?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul, after acknowledging David's kingship, continue to pursue him?**

Answer: Saul's acknowledgment in [1 Samuel 24:20](/1_samuel/24-20 "1 Samuel 24:20 - Saul Acknowledges David's Kingship") was a moment of temporary clarity and remorse, often described as a "flash of sanity." It was born out of intense emotional distress and David's overwhelming act of mercy. However, Saul's deep-seated spiritual problems—his jealousy, paranoia, and disobedience to God—were chronic. His repentance was superficial and short-lived. He quickly reverted to his old patterns, driven by an evil spirit and a fear of losing his throne, as evidenced by his continued pursuit of David in [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul a Second Time"). This demonstrates the tragic decline of a man who had lost God's favor and was consumed by his own sin.

**What is the significance of Saul asking David to swear an oath regarding his descendants?**

Answer: In [1 Samuel 24:21](/1_samuel/24-21 "1 Samuel 24:21 - Saul Asks David to Swear an Oath"), Saul asks David to swear that he will not cut off his descendants or destroy his name from his father's house. This request reveals Saul's deep fear for his legacy and family, a common concern for ancient monarchs whose power was often solidified by eliminating rival claimants. It also implicitly acknowledges David's future power and authority. Saul, knowing his own kingdom was failing and David's was rising, sought to secure some measure of protection for his lineage. David, true to his character, swore the oath, which he later honored by showing kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son ([2 Samuel 9:1-7](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1-7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 24:20, where Saul acknowledges David's inevitable kingship, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of God's ultimate, sovereign plan for His eternal King, Jesus Christ. Just as David's anointing and destiny were divinely ordained despite Saul's opposition, so too was the Messiah's kingship established by God from eternity past, unhindered by human sin or resistance. David, a king "after God's own heart," points to Christ, the perfect King who truly embodies divine righteousness and mercy. While David spared his earthly adversary, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His life, not just for His friends, but for His enemies, to establish an eternal kingdom of peace and reconciliation ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Shows His Love for Us")). Saul's reluctant confession of David's destiny mirrors the eventual, undeniable recognition of Jesus' universal lordship, where "every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). The "establishment" of David's kingdom finds its ultimate fulfillment in the everlasting, unshakable kingdom of Christ, which "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Jesus' Kingdom Will Have No End")), a spiritual reign that transcends earthly thrones and endures for all eternity ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

1 Samuel 23:17

And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.

Matthew 2:3

When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

2 Samuel 3:17

And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past [to be] king over you:

2 Samuel 3:18

Now then do [it]: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.

Matthew 2:13

¶ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

1 Samuel 20:30

Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious [woman], do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?