1 Samuel 26:19

KJV

Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if [they be] the children of men, cursed [be] they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord {H113} the king {H4428} hear {H8085} the words {H1697} of his servant {H5650}. If the LORD {H3068} have stirred thee up {H5496} against me, let him accept {H7306} an offering {H4503}: but if they be the children {H1121} of men {H120}, cursed {H779} be they before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; for they have driven {H1644} me out this day {H3117} from abiding {H5596} in the inheritance {H5159} of the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, Go {H3212}, serve {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please, now, may my lord the king hear what his servant is saying. If it is ADONAI who has stirred you up against me, let him receive an offering. But if it's human beings, then a curse on them before ADONAI! - because, as things stand today, they have driven me out, so that I can no longer share in ADONAI's inheritance - they've said, 'Go, serve other gods!'

Berean Standard Bible

Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’

American Standard Version

Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it be Jehovah that hath stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if it be the children of men, cursed be they before Jehovah; for they have driven me out this day that I should not cleave unto the inheritance of Jehovah, saying, Go, serve other gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 26:19, David, having once again demonstrated his unwavering loyalty by sparing King Saul's life, makes a poignant appeal to his relentless pursuer. He presents a profound spiritual dilemma, questioning whether Saul's animosity is divinely orchestrated, in which case a sacrificial offering could appease God, or if it originates from malicious human influence. David laments the devastating consequence of being unjustly driven from the promised land, "the inheritance of the LORD," equating this exile to a forced abandonment of his covenant God for foreign deities, thereby underscoring the severe spiritual and physical toll of Saul's unrighteous persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful rhetorical climax within David's second opportunity to kill Saul, yet he chooses to spare him, mirroring the earlier encounter in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave of Engedi"). In both instances, David consistently demonstrates profound respect for God's anointed king and unwavering commitment to righteous conduct, even when facing extreme injustice. Here, in [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul a Second Time"), David, accompanied by Abishai, infiltrates Saul's sleeping camp, takes Saul's spear and water jug, and then calls out to Abner and Saul from a safe distance. Verse 19 is an integral part of David's impassioned plea, where he seeks to understand the true source of Saul's relentless pursuit and to clear his own name. His words emphasize his innocence and the severe spiritual ramifications of his unjust exile, serving as a direct, heartfelt appeal for reconciliation and justice, highlighting the deep personal and theological stakes involved.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israelites, the land of Canaan was far more than mere territory; it was the tangible "inheritance of the LORD" ([Numbers 26:53](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53 - Land Divided by Lot")), a divine gift promised to Abraham and his descendants as the sacred space for covenant relationship, worship, and divine blessing. To be driven from this land was tantamount to being cut off from God's presence, the community of faith, and the locus of true worship, effectively forcing one into a realm where pagan gods were worshipped. Such exile carried immense spiritual and social stigma, implying a loss of identity, divine protection, and access to sacred rituals. Furthermore, the concept of divine "stirring up" or "incitement" (often through an adversary) was understood within a worldview where God maintained ultimate sovereignty over all events, even those seemingly negative. While God's ultimate control was acknowledged, human responsibility for sin remained paramount. David's lament profoundly reflects the deep cultural and theological significance of the land as the very embodiment of God's covenant with Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several central themes within the book of Samuel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the tension between **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency**, as David contemplates both God's potential role in his suffering and the malicious actions of "children of men." It profoundly underscores the **Spiritual Significance of the Land**, portraying exile from "the inheritance of the LORD" as a catastrophic spiritual crisis, akin to being compelled into idolatry. This connects directly to the broader theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as David strives to remain loyal to Yahweh despite being driven from His land and tempted to serve other gods. David's plea also exemplifies **Righteous Suffering and Trust in God's Justice**, as he refrains from vengeance and appeals to both divine and human justice, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate him, a theme frequently echoed in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 7:8-9](/psalms/7-8-9 "Psalm 7:8-9 - God Judges the Righteous")). Finally, it illuminates the **Destructive Nature of Malice and Slander**, as David pronounces a curse upon those who have falsely accused him and instigated Saul's persecution, leading to his forced displacement and profound spiritual peril.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This term (H113) signifies a sovereign, master, or owner, used here by David to respectfully address Saul as "my lord the king." While it can refer to human authority, its broader usage in Scripture, including for God Himself, imbues David's address with a recognition of Saul's divinely appointed, albeit currently mismanaged, authority. David's use of this title underscores his humility and his respect for the office, even while challenging the man.
* **Stirred up (Hebrew, _çûwth'_):** The Hebrew verb (H5496) means "to prick," "stimulate," "entice," or "provoke." David uses it to describe a potential divine instigation behind Saul's relentless persecution. This acknowledges God's ultimate sovereignty, suggesting that if God is the source of this opposition, it might be for a specific purpose (e.g., testing, discipline, or preparation for kingship), which could then be appeased through an offering. This contrasts sharply with human adversaries, whom he curses, implying a recognition of God's mysterious control over all circumstances, even difficult ones.
* **Driven (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** This primitive root (H1644) means "to drive out from a possession," "expatriate," or "divorce." David's use of this word vividly portrays his forced expulsion from the land of Israel. It's not merely a voluntary departure but an aggressive, coercive act that severs his connection to his rightful place. The intensity of this word highlights the profound injustice and the spiritual crisis of being dislocated from the "inheritance of the LORD."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant."**: David opens with a humble yet firm appeal to Saul, acknowledging his royal authority ("my lord the king") while presenting himself as a loyal "servant." This respectful address is a strategic rhetorical move, designed to open Saul's ears to reason and justice, setting a tone of earnest entreaty rather than defiance, despite David being the unjustly hunted party.
* **"If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering:"**: David first considers the possibility that God is the ultimate cause of Saul's animosity. This reflects a deep theological understanding of divine sovereignty, where God can use even human adversaries for His purposes. If the conflict is divinely ordained, David suggests a spiritual solution: an offering or sacrifice to appease God, implying that a right relationship with God would resolve the earthly conflict.
* **"but if [they be] the children of men, cursed [be] they before the LORD;"**: David then presents the alternative: if human malice, specifically slanderers or advisors ("the children of men"), is the true source of Saul's persecution, he pronounces a severe curse upon them. This highlights the gravity of their sin in God's eyes, as they are actively working against God's anointed and disrupting His divine plan. The distinction emphasizes human culpability for malicious actions, contrasting them with God's sovereign purposes.
* **"for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods."**: This clause provides the justification for David's curse and reveals the profound spiritual danger he perceives. Being driven from "the inheritance of the LORD" (the promised land) is presented as a spiritual exile, effectively forcing him into pagan territory where he would be pressured to abandon Yahweh and worship foreign deities. This is a deeply felt, hyperbolic accusation, underscoring the extreme spiritual and physical hardship imposed by his persecutors, who are, in effect, compelling him towards apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
David's speech in this verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey his profound distress and appeal for justice. He masterfully constructs a **Dilemma** for Saul, presenting two mutually exclusive explanations for his persecution: divine instigation or malicious human influence. This rhetorical strategy compels Saul to confront the true source of his actions. The implied question, "Which is it, God or men?" functions as a potent **Rhetorical Appeal**, designed to provoke Saul into self-reflection about the spiritual implications of his relentless pursuit. Furthermore, David utilizes **Hyperbole** when he claims his persecutors are "saying, Go, serve other gods." While they did not literally utter these words, being driven from the land of Israel into pagan territory would inevitably expose him to the immense pressure and temptation of idolatry, making the statement a vivid exaggeration of the spiritual danger. The phrase "inheritance of the LORD" itself serves as rich **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical land but the covenant relationship with God, divine blessing, and the sacred locus of true worship. David's lament over being driven from it powerfully underscores the profound spiritual significance of his unjust exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's lament in 1 Samuel 26:19 powerfully articulates the profound spiritual and existential crisis of being alienated from God's people and land. His willingness to consider divine instigation reflects a deep-seated belief in God's ultimate sovereignty, even over human suffering and conflict. However, his swift curse upon "the children of men" reveals his clear understanding of human responsibility for malice and injustice. This tension between divine sovereignty and human culpability is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reminding us that while God is ultimately in control, human choices have real and often devastating consequences. David's distress over being driven from the "inheritance of the LORD" highlights the intimate connection between place, people, and covenant in ancient Israelite theology, where the land was not merely property but a sacred space for communion with God. His fear of being forced to "serve other gods" underscores the constant spiritual battle against idolatry and the importance of remaining steadfast in one's allegiance to the one true God, even in exile.

* [Deuteronomy 4:20](/deuteronomy/4-20 "Deuteronomy 4:20 - Israel, God's Inheritance from the Iron Furnace")
* [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1-2 "Psalm 42:1-2 - Longing for God's Presence Like a Deer")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's words in 1 Samuel 26:19 offer a profound template for navigating times of unjust suffering and persecution. His initial posture of seeking to understand the source of the animosity—whether divine permission or human malice—models a crucial step in spiritual discernment. When facing adversity, it is vital to prayerfully consider if God is allowing a trial for our growth and refinement, or if the opposition stems from human envy, misunderstanding, or outright malice. David's distress over being driven from "the inheritance of the LORD" and the implied pressure to "serve other gods" resonates deeply with the spiritual battles believers face today. Our "inheritance" is not a physical land but our spiritual standing in Christ and our secure place within the community of faith. Anything that seeks to alienate us from this spiritual heritage or tempt us towards compromise with the world's values is a profound threat to our allegiance to God. David's steadfastness in appealing to God's justice, rather than resorting to revenge, serves as a powerful example of maintaining integrity and trusting in God's ultimate vindication, even when circumstances are dire. We are called to protect our spiritual environment, cling to our identity in Christ, and resist all pressures that would lead us away from our faithful allegiance to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing adversity or conflict, how do you typically discern its source: divine testing, human malice, or a combination?**
* **What does "the inheritance of the LORD" mean to you as a New Testament believer, and what pressures in your life might tempt you to compromise that spiritual inheritance?**
* **How can David's response of seeking justice and appealing to God, rather than taking revenge, inform your reactions to those who persecute or slander you?**

### FAQ
**What does David mean by "If the LORD have stirred thee up against me"? Is God truly the source of evil or conflict?**

Answer: David's statement reflects a common biblical understanding of God's ultimate sovereignty over all events, even those that appear negative or involve human sin. In ancient Israelite thought, nothing happened outside of God's overarching permission or purpose. The phrase "stirred up" (Hebrew *çûwth*, H5496) implies that God might be permitting or even orchestrating Saul's animosity, not necessarily as a direct instigator of evil, but perhaps as a means of testing David, refining his character, or fulfilling a larger divine plan (e.g., preparing David for kingship). It acknowledges that God can use even the wicked actions of humans to achieve His righteous ends, as seen in the broader narrative of the Bible (e.g., [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Brothers' Evil Turned to Good")). However, this does not absolve human agents of their moral responsibility for their sinful choices, which David clearly distinguishes by cursing "the children of men" who maliciously drive him out. David is not accusing God of evil, but rather acknowledging His mysterious control over all circumstances, even those that bring suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's lament in 1 Samuel 26:19, particularly his anguish at being "driven out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods," finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in Jesus Christ. David, though innocent, was unjustly persecuted and exiled from the promised land, facing the spiritual threat of idolatry. Christ, the truly innocent One, was likewise rejected by His own people and driven out, not just from the land, but ultimately to the cross outside the city gates, bearing our reproach ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). Yet, unlike David, who feared being forced to serve other gods, Jesus perfectly resisted all temptation to compromise His allegiance to the Father, even when offered all the kingdoms of the world ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness")). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ reclaims the ultimate "inheritance of the LORD" – not a physical land, but the spiritual kingdom of God and eternal life. He brings His followers into this eternal inheritance, making them "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). We are no longer alienated or forced into spiritual exile, but are brought near by the blood of Christ, made citizens with the saints, and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, what David feared—being cut off from God's inheritance and compelled towards idolatry—is definitively overcome in Christ, who secures our eternal belonging and empowers us to serve the true God alone.

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

2 Samuel 14:16

For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man [that would] destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.

2 Samuel 20:19

I [am one of them that are] peaceable [and] faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?

2 Samuel 16:11

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

1 Samuel 18:10

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and [there was] a javelin in Saul's hand.

Psalms 120:5

¶ Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, [that] I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

1 Chronicles 21:1

¶ And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

Galatians 1:8

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.