1 Samuel 24:9

KJV

¶ And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} to Saul {H7586}, Wherefore hearest {H8085} thou men's {H120} words {H1697}, saying {H559}, Behold, David {H1732} seeketh {H1245} thy hurt {H7451}?

Complete Jewish Bible

David said to Sha'ul, "Why do you listen to people who say, 'David is out to harm you?'

Berean Standard Bible

and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?

American Standard Version

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearkenest thou to men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 24:9, David directly confronts King Saul, who has been relentlessly pursuing him with murderous intent, by challenging the false accusations that have fueled Saul's paranoia. This pivotal moment occurs immediately after David, having had a clear opportunity to kill Saul in a cave, chose instead to spare his life, demonstrating profound respect for God's anointed king and unwavering personal integrity. David's bold question serves to expose the root of Saul's irrational hostility: the insidious influence of slander and misinformation from those around him, rather than any genuine threat from David himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows one of the most dramatic and significant encounters between David and Saul. David and his men are hiding in a cave at Engedi, a remote wilderness area. Unbeknownst to David, Saul enters the very same cave to relieve himself. David's men urge him to seize this divinely-given opportunity to kill Saul, but David steadfastly refuses, affirming his commitment not to "stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed" [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Refuses to Harm Saul"). Instead, David quietly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe, a symbolic act that demonstrates his proximity and power over Saul, yet his restraint. After Saul exits the cave, David calls out to him, presenting the piece of cloth as undeniable proof of his innocence and lack of malicious intent. His subsequent question in this verse directly addresses the underlying cause of Saul's relentless pursuit, setting the stage for a powerful, albeit temporary, reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is ancient Israel during the tumultuous period of the transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy. Saul, the first king, has been rejected by God due to his disobedience [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection as King"), and David has been secretly anointed as his successor [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing"). This creates an inherent tension, exacerbated by Saul's deep-seated jealousy and paranoia, fueled by an evil spirit [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul"). In this culture, a king's authority was absolute, and any perceived challenge to it could result in immediate and brutal reprisal. David, though innocent, is a fugitive, constantly on the run from Saul's forces. The concept of "the Lord's anointed" (Hebrew: *mashiach YHWH*) carried immense weight, signifying a person chosen and set apart by God, whose life was sacred and not to be touched by human hands, even if that person was acting unjustly.
* **Key Themes:** The themes present in 1 Samuel 24:9 are deeply interwoven with the broader narrative of David's rise and Saul's decline. Central is the **power of false accusations and slander**, which tragically blinds Saul to the truth and drives his destructive pursuit of David. This highlights how easily leaders, and indeed any individual, can be swayed by misinformation and malicious gossip, leading to grave injustices. Another prominent theme is **David's unwavering integrity and innocence**. Despite being hunted like an animal and having every human reason to retaliate, David consistently maintains his character. He not only refrains from harming Saul but actively seeks to clear his name, demonstrating his true character and commitment to God's will, even under extreme duress. This is powerfully contrasted with Saul's deteriorating moral state. Finally, the verse underscores **respect for God's anointing and divine authority**. David's steadfast refusal to "stretch out his hand" against Saul, despite Saul's unrighteous actions, serves as a profound example of honoring God's chosen leader, even when that leader is deeply flawed, a principle David reiterates later in the narrative [1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Spares Saul Again").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearest (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb means "to hear, listen, obey, understand." In this context, David is not merely asking if Saul has *heard* the words physically, but if he has *listened to* them, *believed* them, and allowed them to *influence* his actions. It implies a deeper level of reception and acceptance of the slander as truth, leading to Saul's destructive pursuit. David's question challenges Saul's discernment and judgment.
* **Men's words (Hebrew, _divrei anashim'_):** This phrase refers to human speech, often implying gossip, slander, or unverified reports, in contrast to divine revelation or objective truth. David emphasizes that Saul's current misguided actions are based on mere human opinion and malicious falsehoods, rather than on any factual basis or divine leading. It highlights the fallibility and potential for corruption in human communication, especially when it is not rooted in truth.
* **Seeketh thy hurt (Hebrew, _baqqesh ra'ah lach'_):** This powerful phrase literally means "to seek evil for you" or "to seek harm for you." The verb "seek" (בַּקֵּשׁ, _baqqesh_) implies a deliberate, active, and persistent pursuit of a goal. "Hurt" or "evil" (רָעָה, _ra'ah_) encompasses not just physical injury but also misfortune, calamity, or ruin. David is emphatically denying any premeditated plot, malicious intent, or desire to cause Saul personal damage, overthrow him violently, or bring about his downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said to Saul":** This opening clause establishes the direct, personal nature of the confrontation. After a period of hiding and being pursued, David, having just demonstrated his innocence through action (sparing Saul's life and cutting the robe), now chooses to engage Saul verbally. This is not a casual remark but a deliberate, courageous address to the king who seeks his life.
* **"Wherefore hearest thou men's words":** This is a rhetorical question, designed to challenge Saul's judgment and expose the irrationality of his actions. David is not asking for information but prompting Saul to consider *why* he is giving credence to unverified, malicious reports. It implies that Saul's actions are not based on reality or David's true character, but on external, untrustworthy influences.
* **"saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?":** This clause reveals the specific content of the "men's words" – the false accusation that David is actively plotting against Saul, seeking his downfall or harm. The exclamation "Behold!" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) emphasizes the direct and accusatory nature of the slander. David directly quotes the false charge, laying it bare before Saul and implicitly inviting him to compare it with David's recent actions and consistent loyalty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. A prominent device is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?" David is not genuinely seeking an answer but is using the question to highlight the absurdity and injustice of Saul's belief in the slander. It forces Saul to confront the irrational basis of his persecution. There is also significant **Irony** at play: David, the one being hunted as a traitor, has just demonstrated ultimate loyalty by sparing Saul's life, while Saul, the king, is acting on the basis of disloyal "men's words." This stark contrast underscores the moral inversion of their positions. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by placing David's proven actions (sparing Saul) directly against the false accusations ("seeketh thy hurt"). This dramatic contrast serves to expose the lie and vindicate David's character, making Saul's continued persecution appear even more irrational and unjust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of slander and the importance of discernment, a theme consistently echoed throughout Scripture. Saul's failure to discern truth from falsehood, preferring to believe "men's words" over David's demonstrated loyalty and God's clear anointing, leads him down a path of spiritual and personal ruin. David's response, rooted in integrity and a profound respect for God's anointed, serves as a model for how believers should confront injustice and false accusations. It underscores the divine principle that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous, even when they are unjustly persecuted, and that true spiritual authority is demonstrated not through power grabs, but through humble obedience and trust in God's timing and methods.

* [Proverbs 14:15](/proverbs/14-15 "Proverbs 14:15 - The Simple Believes Every Word")
* [Psalm 7:3-5](/psalm/7-3 "Psalm 7:3-5 - David's Plea for Vindication")
* [Matthew 5:11-12](/matthew/5-11 "Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed are the Persecuted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's confrontation with Saul in this verse offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating a world often rife with misinformation and personal attacks. It challenges us to examine the sources of our beliefs and the motivations behind the words we hear, especially concerning others. Are we quick to believe rumors or accusations, or do we seek truth, verification, and discernment? Like Saul, we can become blinded by paranoia or prejudice if we allow "men's words" to dictate our perceptions and actions, rather than relying on objective reality, God's truth, and our own experiences. David's response exemplifies integrity under pressure; he did not retaliate in kind but chose a path of truth and honor, trusting God for vindication. This calls us to maintain our character and principles even when falsely accused or unjustly persecuted, remembering that our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from winning every argument or defending every slight. It encourages us to confront injustice with truth, humility, and a steadfast reliance on God's sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I susceptible to believing "men's words" without proper discernment, whether about others or about myself?**
* **How do I respond when I am falsely accused or slandered? Do I react in anger, or do I seek to address the untruth with integrity and trust God for vindication, as David did?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater discernment in a world filled with conflicting information and opinions?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul so quick to believe false accusations about David, despite David's loyalty?**

Answer: Saul's susceptibility to false accusations stemmed from a combination of factors. The Spirit of the Lord had departed from him, and an evil spirit tormented him, leading to deep-seated paranoia, jealousy, and irrational fear of David, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne. David's military successes and popularity, coupled with the prophecy that a neighbor would take Saul's kingdom [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - Samuel's Prophecy to Saul"), fed Saul's insecurity. In this state, Saul was ripe for manipulation by "men's words" – likely courtiers or rivals of David who sought to gain favor with the king by slandering David. Saul's spiritual decline impaired his judgment, making him unable to discern truth from malicious falsehood, leading him to believe the worst about David despite clear evidence to the contrary, such as David's repeated opportunities to harm Saul but choosing not to [1 Samuel 24:4](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4 - David Spares Saul in the Cave").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 24:9, with David's confrontation of Saul regarding false accusations, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate experience of Jesus Christ. David, the innocent one, is slandered and pursued by the king, yet he responds with integrity and refuses to harm God's anointed. This mirrors Christ, the true King and the perfectly innocent Son of God, who was relentlessly pursued by those who spread "men's words" against Him, accusing Him of blasphemy, sedition, and seeking to destroy the temple [Mark 14:58](/mark/14-58 "Mark 14:58 - False Testimony Against Jesus"). Jesus, like David, had every opportunity to exercise His divine power and destroy His accusers and persecutors, yet He chose not to retaliate. Instead, He silently endured the false testimonies and unjust condemnation, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant who "was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth" [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"). His response was not one of self-vindication through force, but through humble submission to the Father's will, ultimately offering Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, even the sin of slander and injustice [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, David's integrity in the face of false accusations points to the perfect integrity and redemptive suffering of Christ, who bore the ultimate "hurt" for us, not seeking His own, but our eternal good.

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 29:12

¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

Ecclesiastes 7:21

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

Ecclesiastes 7:22

For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

Psalms 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Proverbs 25:23

¶ The north wind driveth away rain: so [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Proverbs 26:28

¶ A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Proverbs 26:20

¶ Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.