1 Samuel 24:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Saul's plea to David in 1 Samuel 24:21 marks a pivotal moment of humbled recognition, where the reigning king, confronted by David's profound integrity and mercy, acknowledges David's divinely appointed destiny to rule Israel. Saul, fearing the customary annihilation of a defeated dynasty, implores David to swear a solemn oath by the LORD, promising not to exterminate his descendants or erase his family's legacy, thereby seeking to secure his lineage's survival and prevent the ultimate disgrace of his name being forgotten.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a dramatic encounter in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life"). Following Saul's relentless pursuit, David and his men are hiding in a cave at En-gedi when Saul, unaware of David's presence, enters the same cave to relieve himself. David's men urge him to seize the opportunity to kill Saul, but David, demonstrating profound reverence for God's anointed, refuses to "stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Refuses to Harm Saul")). Instead, he quietly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe. After Saul leaves, David calls out to him, revealing his act and demonstrating his innocence and respect. This act, coupled with David's heartfelt words, breaks through Saul's hardened heart, leading to Saul's emotional confession and acknowledgment of David's righteousness and future kingship in [1 Samuel 24:16-20](/1_samuel/24-16 "1 Samuel 24:16-20 - Saul's Confession to David"). Verse 21 is Saul's desperate, yet rational, request for a binding assurance from David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was a common and brutal practice for a new king or dynasty to utterly exterminate the family and lineage of the deposed ruler. This was done to prevent any future claims to the throne or potential rebellions, effectively "cutting off the seed" and "destroying the name" of the previous house. Examples of this practice can be found throughout the Old Testament, such as Jehu's purge of Ahab's house ([2 Kings 10:1-11](/2_kings/10-1 "2 Kings 10:1-11 - Jehu Destroys Ahab's House")). Saul's fear was therefore not unfounded but rooted in the harsh realities of political succession in his time. An oath sworn "by the LORD" was considered the most solemn and binding commitment, invoking divine judgment upon the oath-breaker, making David's promise a matter of ultimate integrity and divine accountability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"): **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment**, as Saul, despite his efforts, is forced to concede God's choice of David as the next king ([1 Samuel 24:20](/1_samuel/24-20 "1 Samuel 24:20 - Saul Acknowledges David's Kingship")); **David's Righteous Character and Mercy**, highlighted by his refusal to harm God's anointed, even when given the perfect opportunity, contrasting sharply with Saul's vengeful pursuits ([1 Samuel 24:10](/1_samuel/24-10 "1 Samuel 24:10 - David Refuses to Harm Saul")); **The Importance of Oaths and Covenants**, reflecting the sacred nature of promises made before God in ancient Israel; and the **Vulnerability of Dynasties**, illustrating the precariousness of power and the deep-seated fear of annihilation in a culture where lineage and legacy were paramount.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Swear (Hebrew, _shava'_):** This verb signifies to "take an oath" or "make a solemn vow," often invoking a divine witness or curse. The use of "by the LORD" (YHWH) elevates the oath to the highest possible level of commitment, making it a sacred covenant. Saul is not merely asking for a promise but a divinely sanctioned guarantee.
* **Cut off my seed (Hebrew, _karat et zar'i'_):** "Karat" means "to cut off," "to cut down," or "to destroy." "Zera'" refers to "seed," "offspring," or "descendants." Combined, this phrase denotes the complete annihilation of a family line, preventing any future heirs from emerging. It implies a total eradication of the dynasty, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern political transitions to eliminate rival claims.
* **Destroy my name (Hebrew, _tashmid et shmi'_):** "Tashmid" comes from "shamad," meaning "to destroy," "to exterminate," or "to annihilate." "Shem" means "name," but in this context, it extends beyond a mere appellation to encompass one's reputation, legacy, memory, and very existence in the collective consciousness of the family and nation. To "destroy one's name" is to erase their historical and familial presence, a profound disgrace and a feared consequence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD":** Saul, having just acknowledged David's future kingship, understands that David will soon hold the power of life and death over his family. He seeks the most binding form of assurance available in Israelite society – an oath invoking the covenant God, YHWH. This highlights Saul's desperation and his recognition of David's integrity, believing David would honor such a sacred vow.
* **"that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me":** This clause reveals Saul's primary fear: the extermination of his descendants. He is acutely aware of the ancient Near Eastern practice of eliminating the former king's family to secure the new dynasty. Saul is pleading for the survival of his sons, grandsons, and future lineage, recognizing that David, as the incoming king, would have the authority to carry out such an act.
* **"and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house":** This second clause reinforces the first, emphasizing the cultural significance of legacy and family continuity. To "destroy one's name out of his father's house" means to erase all memory and record of that individual and their family line. It's about preventing the ultimate dishonor of being forgotten and having one's lineage completely disappear from history, severing all ties to the ancestral home and heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Foreshadowing** and **Irony**. The request itself foreshadows David's future reign and the eventual, albeit partial, fulfillment of this oath through his kindness to Mephibosheth ([2 Samuel 9:1-7](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1-7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")). There is profound **Irony** in Saul, the one who relentlessly sought to "cut off" David's life, now pleading with David not to "cut off" his own family's life. This reversal of roles underscores David's moral superiority and God's sovereign hand in elevating the humble and bringing down the proud. The scene also utilizes **Pathos**, appealing to the reader's emotions through Saul's vulnerable and desperate plea, highlighting the tragic consequences of his own disobedience and jealousy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty triumphing over human opposition. Saul, despite his relentless efforts to thwart God's plan for David, is ultimately compelled to acknowledge David's divinely appointed kingship. His desperate plea for the preservation of his lineage underscores the ancient understanding of curses and blessings tied to covenant faithfulness and the profound fear of a name being utterly erased, a fate often reserved for those who defied God or were utterly defeated. David's subsequent oath, and his later faithfulness to it, demonstrate the sanctity of vows made before the LORD and the integrity of a leader who walks in God's ways, even towards his adversaries.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Psalm 89:28-37](/psalm/89-28 "Psalm 89:28-37 - God's Covenant with David")
* [2 Samuel 9:1-7](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1-7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's desperate plea in 1 Samuel 24:21 offers a powerful lens through which to examine our own fears, legacies, and responses to divine sovereignty. Saul, despite his power, was consumed by insecurity and a desire to control his destiny, ultimately leading to his downfall. Yet, in this moment of vulnerability, he acknowledges a truth he had long resisted: God's plan for David. For us, this serves as a profound reminder that God's purposes will prevail, regardless of human resistance or manipulation. It challenges us to surrender our own agendas and trust in His perfect timing and sovereign will, even when circumstances seem to contradict our desires. Furthermore, David's integrity in honoring this oath, even to his persecutor's family, speaks volumes about the character God desires in His people. It calls us to extend mercy, keep our promises, and act with integrity, even when it is difficult or inconvenient, reflecting the steadfast love and faithfulness of God Himself. What "names" or "legacies" are we trying to preserve or create, and are they aligned with God's eternal purposes?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to surrender control to God's sovereign plan, much like Saul struggled to accept David's destiny?**
* **How does David's integrity in honoring his oath, even to an adversary, challenge your own commitment to keeping promises and extending grace?**
* **What does it mean for you to "preserve your name" or "legacy" in a way that honors God, rather than being driven by worldly fears of being forgotten?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for Saul to have David swear an oath by the LORD?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, an oath sworn "by the LORD" (YHWH) was the most solemn and binding commitment one could make. It invoked God as the witness and guarantor of the promise, implying divine judgment upon anyone who broke it. Saul understood that David, as the divinely appointed successor, would soon possess the power to exterminate his family, a common practice in the ancient Near East to prevent rival claims to the throne. By making David swear by the LORD, Saul sought to elevate the promise beyond a mere human agreement, placing it under divine sanction and ensuring its sacred, unbreakable nature. He was desperate to secure the survival of his "seed" and the preservation of his "name" from being utterly destroyed, a profound fear in a culture where lineage and legacy were paramount. David's subsequent actions, particularly his kindness to Mephibosheth ([2 Samuel 9:1-7](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1-7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")), confirm that he indeed honored this sacred vow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 24:21, though rooted in the political anxieties of an ancient king, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate King, Jesus. Saul's desperate plea for the preservation of his "seed" and "name" speaks to humanity's inherent fear of annihilation and the desire for an enduring legacy. In stark contrast to Saul's precarious dynasty, God promised David an eternal "seed" and an everlasting "house" ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), a covenant ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the Son of David. Jesus, the true King, not only preserves a physical lineage but secures an eternal spiritual "seed" through His atoning work. He came not to "cut off" or "destroy" the names of His enemies, but to offer reconciliation and adoption into His own eternal family, ensuring that the names of those who believe in Him are written in the [Book of Life](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life"). While Saul feared the destruction of his earthly name, Christ offers a new name and an imperishable inheritance, guaranteeing that those who are "in Christ" will never be cut off from God's presence ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them")). His mercy, unlike David's, is perfect and redemptive, transforming adversaries into adopted children, securing not just a temporary legacy but an eternal dwelling in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - My Father's House")).

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

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.