1 Samuel 24:6

KJV

And he said unto his men, 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto his men {H582}, The LORD {H3068} forbid {H2486} that I should do {H6213} this thing {H1697} unto my master {H113}, the LORD'S {H3068} anointed {H4899}, to stretch forth {H7971} mine hand {H3027} against him, seeing he is the anointed {H4899} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to his men, "ADONAI forbid that I should do such a thing to my lord, ADONAI's anointed, as raise my hand against him! After all, he is ADONAI's anointed."

Berean Standard Bible

So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah’s anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Jehovah’s anointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:6 captures a pivotal moment demonstrating David's profound reverence for God's divine appointment and sovereignty, even when faced with an opportunity to eliminate his persecutor, King Saul. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit and attempts on David's life, David steadfastly refused to harm him, recognizing Saul as "the LORD'S anointed." This verse powerfully illustrates David's unwavering faith, integrity, and commitment to allowing God to execute justice and fulfill His purposes in His own timing, distinguishing David's character from that of the jealous and disobedient monarch he would one day replace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic narrative in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life"), where King Saul, consumed by paranoia and jealousy, relentlessly hunts David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. David and his men are hiding in the cave of En-gedi. Unbeknownst to Saul, he enters this very cave to relieve himself, placing himself entirely at David's mercy. David's men urge him to seize this "divine" opportunity to kill Saul, believing it to be God's hand delivering their enemy. David's response in [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Refuses to Harm Saul") and the subsequent verses (e.g., [1 Samuel 24:7](/1_samuel/24-7 "1 Samuel 24:7 - David Rebukes His Men")) reveals his deep spiritual conviction and moral restraint, setting him apart from the vengeful actions his men advocated. This incident serves as a powerful contrast to Saul's own character and actions, particularly his disregard for God's commands and his pursuit of David.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of anointing kings with oil was a sacred ritual in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's selection and empowerment of an individual for a specific office. Saul had been [anointed by Samuel](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing") as Israel's first king, establishing his divine appointment. Despite Saul's subsequent disobedience and God's declared rejection of him as king ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection")), the sacredness of his initial anointing remained in David's eyes. Caves like those in En-gedi were common hiding places in the rugged Judean wilderness, providing shelter and concealment for fugitives. The cultural expectation for a wronged party to seek revenge or eliminate a threat was prevalent, making David's act of restraint all the more remarkable and counter-cultural. His action demonstrated a profound understanding of divine justice and the sanctity of God's chosen instruments, even when they were acting contrary to God's will.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several central themes. Firstly, it highlights the **sanctity of God's anointing and divine authority**. David's refusal to harm Saul, despite Saul's unrighteousness, demonstrates his unwavering respect for the office and the divine hand that placed Saul there. Secondly, it emphasizes **trust in God's sovereignty and timing**. Instead of taking justice into his own hands, David chose to wait for God to remove Saul and establish him as king, reflecting a deep conviction that God would ultimately fulfill His promises ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")). Thirdly, the incident showcases **David's integrity, self-control, and adherence to spiritual principles** under extreme provocation. This act of mercy and restraint vividly contrasts with Saul's vengeful and paranoid behavior, illustrating why David was considered "a man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a Man After His Own Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD forbid (Hebrew, _ḥālîlâ_):** This strong interjection expresses a vehement rejection or abhorrence of an action, often implying a moral or religious prohibition. It conveys David's deep conviction that harming Saul would be an act of sacrilege, utterly contrary to God's will and his own spiritual principles. It's not merely a personal preference but a declaration of what is unthinkable in the sight of God.
* **anointed (Hebrew, _māšîaḥ_):** From the root _māšaḥ_ meaning "to anoint," this term refers to someone consecrated or set apart by God for a special office, typically a king, priest, or prophet, through the ritual anointing with oil. In this context, it refers specifically to Saul's divine appointment as king. David's use of this term twice in the verse underscores his profound respect for the sacredness of Saul's position, regardless of Saul's personal failings. This is the same root word from which "Messiah" is derived, highlighting the theological weight of the designation.
* **stretch forth mine hand (Hebrew, _šālaḥ yād_):** This idiom signifies taking violent action, specifically to harm or kill someone. David's refusal to "stretch forth his hand" against Saul emphasizes his deliberate choice of non-violence and restraint, directly counter to the urging of his men. It implies a conscious decision to refrain from usurping God's prerogative to deal with His anointed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master,"**: David's immediate and emphatic response to his men's urging reveals his deep moral and theological conviction. He rejects their suggestion as utterly unthinkable, not merely for personal reasons but because it would be an offense against God. He still acknowledges Saul as his "master," indicating a continued respect for the king's office, despite Saul's personal hostility.
* **"the LORD'S anointed,"**: This phrase provides the fundamental reason for David's refusal. He recognizes that Saul's kingship was established by divine decree through anointing. To lay hands on Saul would be to lay hands on someone consecrated by God, an act David views as sacrilegious and an affront to God's sovereignty.
* **"to stretch forth mine hand against him,"**: This clause explicitly states the action David refuses to take – to physically harm or kill Saul. It emphasizes his active decision to refrain from violence and vengeance, even when presented with a seemingly perfect opportunity to end his suffering and secure his own future.
* **"seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD."**: This concluding phrase reiterates and reinforces the primary justification for David's stance. The repetition of "the LORD'S anointed" underscores the absolute and non-negotiable nature of this principle for David. It is not a matter of Saul's character or actions, but of his divine appointment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Saul, the hunter, unwittingly becomes the hunted's prey, entering the very cave where David is hiding. The dramatic tension is heightened by David's men seeing this as a "divine" opportunity, creating a stark **contrast** between their pragmatic, vengeful mindset and David's principled, God-fearing approach. The phrase "the LORD'S anointed" functions as a powerful **symbol**, representing not just Saul's personal identity but the sacredness of divine appointment and the inviolability of God's chosen instruments. David's act of cutting off a piece of Saul's robe ([1 Samuel 24:4](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4 - David Cuts Saul's Robe")) serves as a **metonymy** for the taking of Saul's kingdom, yet David's immediate remorse highlights his reverence for the king's person, even the garment representing his authority. This entire episode serves as a **foreshadowing** of David's righteous reign, contrasting it with Saul's increasingly ungodly rule.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's refusal to harm Saul is a profound theological statement about the nature of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It teaches that even when God's chosen instruments are disobedient or oppressive, their removal is ultimately God's prerogative, not to be usurped by human hands. David understood that vengeance belongs to the Lord and that God would establish His chosen king in His own time and way. This act of restraint demonstrates a deep trust in God's perfect justice and timing, rather than resorting to human means to achieve a divinely promised outcome. It underscores the principle that one should respect the office, even if the individual holding it is flawed, especially when that office has been divinely instituted.

* [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing")
* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")
* [1 Samuel 26:9-11](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9-11 - David Again Spares Saul")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision in the cave of En-gedi offers a timeless and challenging example for believers today. It calls us to a radical trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem to demand immediate, human intervention. We are often tempted to "stretch forth our hand" against those who wrong us, to take justice into our own hands, or to manipulate situations to our advantage. David's integrity, however, reminds us that true faith means waiting on God's timing, trusting His justice, and respecting the authorities He has ordained, even when they are imperfect or even hostile. This principle extends to our interactions with leaders in all spheres – government, church, or workplace. It encourages us to maintain our spiritual principles and character, rather than succumbing to the temptation of revenge or self-promotion. David's example is a powerful call to humility, patience, and unwavering obedience to God's higher ways, demonstrating that God honors those who honor Him and His appointed order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "stretch forth your hand" and take matters into your own control, rather than trusting God's timing and justice?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper respect for authority, even when you disagree with or are wronged by those in leadership?**
* **What does David's act of restraint teach us about the nature of true spiritual maturity and integrity in the face of adversity?**

### FAQ

**Why was Saul still considered "the LORD'S anointed" even after God had rejected him as king?**

Answer: While God had indeed rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection")), and had already chosen and anointed David as his successor ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")), Saul still held the *office* of king and bore the *designation* of "the LORD'S anointed" in the eyes of the people and, crucially, in David's eyes. David understood that God had placed Saul in that position, and only God had the right to remove him. Saul's anointing was a divine act that consecrated him for a sacred office, and even though his personal conduct rendered him unfit, the sanctity of the initial anointing remained a deterrent for David. David recognized that to harm Saul would be to interfere with God's sovereign plan and to disrespect the divine act of anointing, essentially taking God's judgment into his own hands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound reverence for "the LORD'S anointed" in 1 Samuel 24:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Anointed One, the Messiah. David, himself an anointed king, refused to touch Saul, recognizing the sanctity of God's choice. This foreshadows Christ's perfect submission to the Father's will, even when faced with injustice and the opportunity for worldly power. Jesus, though truly the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), did not "stretch forth His hand" to seize power or to exact vengeance on His enemies. Instead, He submitted to the cross, allowing Himself to be unjustly condemned and crucified, trusting entirely in the Father's timing and plan for His vindication and ultimate enthronement ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Unlike Saul, whose anointing was temporary and conditional, Christ's anointing by the Holy Spirit was eternal and perfect ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit")). David's restraint, born of respect for a flawed human king, points to the infinitely greater truth that no one can "stretch forth their hand" against God's ultimate Anointed One without facing divine judgment, yet Christ willingly allowed Himself to be touched and crucified for our salvation ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). In Christ, the principle of respecting God's anointed culminates in the worship and submission due to the one true King, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and who perfectly embodies the divine justice and mercy David sought to uphold.

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

Job 31:29

If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:

Job 31:30

Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.

Romans 12:14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Romans 13:2

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

2 Samuel 1:14

And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].