1 Samuel 24:21

Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

Swear {H7650} now therefore unto me by the LORD {H3068}, that thou wilt not {H518} cut off {H3772} my seed {H2233} after {H310} me, and that thou wilt not destroy {H8045} my name {H8034} out of my father's {H1} house {H1004}.

So swear to me by ADONAI that you will not kill my descendants after I die or blot out my name from my father's family."

So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.”

Swear now therefore unto me by Jehovah, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house.

Commentary

Context

First Samuel chapter 24 details a pivotal encounter between King Saul and David. After relentless pursuit by Saul, David finds himself in a cave at En-gedi where Saul, unaware of David's presence, enters to relieve himself. David's men urge him to kill Saul, but David, out of reverence for the LORD's anointed, merely cuts off a corner of Saul's robe (1 Samuel 24:4). This act, and David's subsequent confrontation from a distance, profoundly impacts Saul. Verse 21 comes as Saul, humbled and recognizing David's righteousness, acknowledges David's inevitable kingship over Israel (1 Samuel 24:20). Saul's request for an oath reveals his deep insecurity about the future of his dynasty and his family's survival.

Key Themes

  • Recognition of Divine Appointment: Saul, despite his intense jealousy and repeated attempts to kill David, now openly admits that David is the one chosen by God to be king. This highlights the irresistible nature of God's sovereign plan, even in the face of human opposition.
  • Concern for Legacy and Dynasty: Saul's primary concern is the preservation of his family line and name. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the extermination of a defeated king's family was a common, brutal practice to prevent future challenges to the new ruler. Saul fears this fate for his descendants, understanding that David will soon replace him.
  • David's Mercy and Integrity: This request from Saul underscores the profound mercy David showed by sparing his life when he had the opportunity. David's character, marked by respect for God's anointed and a refusal to take matters into his own hands, earns Saul's trust, even if temporarily. This contrasts sharply with Saul's own vengeful actions.
  • The Power of an Oath: An oath sworn by the LORD was considered profoundly binding and sacred in ancient Israel, invoking divine judgment if broken. Saul sought this solemn commitment from David to secure his family's future.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cut off my seed after me" (Hebrew: כָּרַת אֶת-זַרְעִי אַחֲרָי, karat et zar'i 'acharay) directly refers to the complete annihilation of a family or dynasty, a common, often brutal, practice in ancient warfare to eliminate any potential threats to a new ruler's reign. Similarly, "destroy my name out of my father's house" (Hebrew: תַּשְׁמִיד אֶת-שְׁמִי מִבֵּית אָבִי, tashmid et shmi mibeit avi) emphasizes the fear of losing one's legacy, memory, and very existence from historical record and family lineage. In a culture where lineage and reputation were paramount, this was a profound dishonor and a feared consequence of defeat.

Practical Application

This verse offers several valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Trusting God's Sovereignty: Even in difficult circumstances, God's plan for His chosen ones will ultimately prevail. Just as Saul could not thwart David's divine destiny, we can trust that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
  • The Power of Mercy: David's act of mercy towards Saul not only demonstrated his righteous character but also softened Saul's hardened heart, at least temporarily. Showing grace, even to those who oppose us, can have a profound impact and is a reflection of God's own character (Ephesians 4:32).
  • Integrity in Leadership: David's commitment to the oath, even after Saul's continued persecution, speaks to his unwavering integrity. This is a vital quality for anyone in a position of influence. Ultimately, David honored this oath, as seen in his kindness to Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, later in his reign (2 Samuel 9:7), demonstrating loyalty even to the remnants of a former adversary's house.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 21:23

    Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: [but] according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

  • 2 Samuel 21:6

    Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, [whom] the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give [them].

  • 2 Samuel 21:8

    But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:

  • 1 Samuel 20:14

    And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:

  • 1 Samuel 20:17

    And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

  • Genesis 31:48

    And Laban said, This heap [is] a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

  • Hebrews 6:16

    For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.
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