1 Samuel 26:18

And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil [is] in mine hand?

And he said {H559}, Wherefore doth my lord {H113} thus pursue {H7291} after {H310} his servant {H5650}? for what have I done {H6213}? or what evil {H7451} is in mine hand {H3027}?

and continued, "Why is my lord chasing his servant? What have I done? What evil am I planning?

And he continued, โ€œWhy is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?

And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 26:18, we hear David's poignant plea to King Saul, challenging the relentless and unjust pursuit of his life. After once again demonstrating his ability to harm Saul but choosing mercy instead, David directly confronts the king about the baseless nature of his persecution. This verse encapsulates David's innocence and his bewilderment at Saul's persistent animosity.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after David has secretly entered Saul's camp at night and taken Saul's spear and water jug from beside his head while Saul and his men were asleep. This act, witnessed by Abishai, served as proof that David could have easily killed Saul, yet chose not to. This event mirrors an earlier occasion in the cave of En-gedi where David also spared Saul's life (1 Samuel 24:4). Saul's relentless pursuit of David stems from his deep-seated jealousy and paranoia, ignited after David's victory over Goliath and the women's song praising David more than Saul (1 Samuel 18:7). David's question, "Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil [is] in mine hand?" is a direct appeal to Saul's conscience, highlighting the utter lack of justification for the king's actions.

Key Themes

  • Innocence Under Persecution: David's rhetorical questions powerfully convey his blamelessness. He has committed no offense against Saul, yet he is hunted like a criminal. This theme resonates with the experience of many who face unjust accusations.
  • Unjust Authority: The verse exposes the abuse of power by King Saul, who, driven by envy, persecutes an innocent and loyal subject. It contrasts Saul's unrighteous leadership with David's integrity and respect for God's anointed.
  • Integrity and Trust in God: Despite being pursued and having ample opportunity for revenge, David consistently chooses to act with integrity and leaves judgment in God's hands (Romans 12:19). His plea to Saul is a statement of truth, not a cry for vengeance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "what evil [is] in mine hand?" uses the Hebrew word ื‘ึฐึผื™ึธื“ึดื™ (b'yadi), literally "in my hand," which is an idiom signifying "in my possession" or "done by my hand." It emphasizes that David has committed no wrong deed or held any ill intent. The term "pursue" (Hebrew: ืจึธื“ึทืฃ, radaph) implies a relentless, often hostile chase, accurately describing Saul's obsessive hunt for David.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for contemporary life. When faced with unjust accusations or persecution, David's example encourages us to maintain our integrity and appeal to truth, even when those in authority act unfairly. It reminds us that our character and actions speak louder than our words, and that remaining blameless before God and man is a powerful testimony. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of trusting in God's justice and timing, rather than seeking personal retribution, when we are wronged.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 24:9 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 24:11 (4 votes)

    Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

  • 1 Samuel 24:14 (4 votes)

    After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

  • Psalms 35:7 (2 votes)

    For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

  • Psalms 69:4 (2 votes)

    They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored [that] which I took not away.

  • John 18:23 (2 votes)

    Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

  • 1 Samuel 17:29 (2 votes)

    And David said, What have I now done? [Is there] not a cause?