1 Samuel 26:24

KJV

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, as thy life {H5315} was much set by {H1431} this day {H3117} in mine eyes {H5869}, so let my life {H5315} be much set by {H1431} in the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and let him deliver {H5337} me out of all tribulation {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look: just as I put great value on your life today, so may my life be given great value by ADONAI. May he deliver me from every kind of trouble!"

Berean Standard Bible

As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.”

American Standard Version

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of Jehovah, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures David's profound appeal to King Saul after the second instance of David sparing Saul's life. It articulates David's unwavering faith in divine justice, his commitment to honoring God's anointed, and his deep trust that the Lord would reciprocate his mercy by preserving his own life amidst relentless persecution. David's plea serves as a testament to his righteous character and his reliance on God for ultimate deliverance from all distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:**
This powerful declaration from David is situated within the latter half of [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"), a period marked by Saul's tragic decline and David's providential rise. Specifically, [1 Samuel 26](/1-samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul Again") recounts the second of two pivotal encounters where David had a clear opportunity to kill King Saul but chose not to. The immediate preceding narrative describes David's stealthy infiltration of Saul's camp at night, accompanied by Abishai, where they found Saul asleep. Abishai's eager proposal to strike Saul down is met with David's resolute refusal, emphasizing Saul's status as "the LORD's anointed" (cf. [1 Samuel 24:6](/1-samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul")). David instead took Saul's spear and water jug as proof of his proximity and mercy. Verse 24 follows David's morning call to Abner and Saul, where he presents these items as undeniable evidence of his loyalty and integrity, contrasting his actions with Saul's unjust pursuit. It forms part of David's final, heartfelt appeal to Saul, urging him to recognize the futility and sinfulness of his relentless hunt, effectively marking a turning point before David's eventual departure into Philistine territory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:**
The historical backdrop for [1 Samuel 26](/1-samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul Again") is the early Israelite monarchy, a time when the nation was transitioning from a tribal confederacy to a centralized kingdom. Kingship was understood as a divine appointment, and the king, though human, was seen as God's representative. To harm the king, especially "the LORD's anointed" (Hebrew: *mashiach YHWH*), was considered a grave offense against God himself, as seen in David's reaction to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul ([2 Samuel 1:14-16](/2-samuel/1-14-16 "2 Samuel 1:14-16 - David's Response to Saul's Death")). The concept of divine retribution and justice was deeply ingrained in Israelite thought; it was believed that God would defend the righteous and punish the wicked. David's nomadic existence, fleeing Saul, also highlights the precariousness of life for those outside the king's favor, often relying on the wilderness for refuge and experiencing constant threat. The taking of a spear and water jug was a symbolic act, demonstrating not only access and the power to take life, but also a deliberate choice of mercy, a powerful cultural statement of non-aggression and profound respect for the sleeping king's vulnerability and the sanctity of his office. This act would have been widely understood as a clear declaration of David's innocent intentions.

* **Key Themes:**
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and David's narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Reverence for God's Anointed**, even when that anointed one is acting unjustly. David's consistent refusal to harm Saul (cf. [1 Samuel 24:6](/1-samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul")) demonstrates a profound respect for God's sovereign choice and the sanctity of the office, rather than the character of the man. Secondly, it highlights **Trust in Divine Justice and Providence**. David's expectation that the Lord would "set by" his life mirrors his own valuing of Saul's life, reflecting a deep conviction that God sees and rewards righteous actions, a principle often articulated in the [Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms") (e.g., [Psalm 18:20](/psalms/18-20 "Psalm 18:20 - God Rewards the Righteous")). This theme is crucial in understanding David's character development. Finally, the plea for deliverance from "all tribulation" emphasizes the theme of **God as Protector and Deliverer**. Despite his own capabilities and the opportunities to take matters into his own hands, David consistently relies on God for his safety and vindication, acknowledging his complete dependence on divine intervention amidst relentless persecution, a recurring motif throughout David's life as depicted in the [Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms"), where he frequently cries out for rescue (e.g., [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This word (H5315) is a broad term meaning "a breathing creature," "vitality," "soul," or "self." In this context, it refers to the very essence of a person's existence, their being, or their physical life. When David speaks of Saul's "life" and his own "life," he is referring to their physical existence and well-being, emphasizing the preciousness of human life itself, which he has preserved for Saul and hopes God will preserve for him.
* **much set by (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** This word (H1431) is a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively make) large" or "great." While it can mean to grow or magnify, in this specific construction ("much set by"), it conveys the sense of being highly esteemed, valued, or considered great/important. David's use of *gâdal* here signifies that he regarded Saul's life with immense value and importance, and he prays that the Lord would likewise consider his own life to be of great worth and importance, worthy of preservation. This implies a divine reciprocity based on David's righteous actions.
* **tribulation (Hebrew, _tsârâh'_):** This word (H6869) means "tightness," and figuratively, "trouble," "adversity," "affliction," or "distress." It encompasses the comprehensive nature of the difficult circumstances David was enduring: the relentless pursuit by Saul, the constant threat to his life, the displacement from his home, and the emotional toll of being unjustly persecuted. David's plea to be delivered from "all tribulation" signifies his desire for complete and comprehensive relief from the immense pressures and dangers he faced, acknowledging the pervasive nature of his suffering and his dependence on God for rescue.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes":** David begins by drawing a direct parallel between his merciful action and his expectation of divine reciprocity. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) serves to draw immediate and emphatic attention to the profound truth he is about to declare. He reminds Saul that he, David, has just demonstrated an extraordinary act of valuing Saul's life, holding it as precious and refraining from taking it, despite having the perfect opportunity and Saul's malicious intent. This serves as a powerful rhetorical point, highlighting David's integrity, loyalty, and contrasting it sharply with Saul's irrational and murderous pursuit. It's a statement of fact and a moral challenge to Saul.
* **"so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD":** This is the core of David's prayer and declaration of faith, forming a direct appeal to divine justice. Building on the preceding clause, David expresses his profound trust that just as he honored God's anointed and valued Saul's life, God Himself would honor, value, and preserve David's life. It is not a demand, but a humble yet confident appeal to God's righteous character and His commitment to those who walk in integrity. David is not asking for Saul's favor, but for God's, believing that God sees his righteous actions and will respond in kind, demonstrating His providential care.
* **"and let him deliver me out of all tribulation":** This final clause is a heartfelt and comprehensive prayer for deliverance, revealing David's complete reliance on God. David acknowledges the pervasive and multifaceted nature of his suffering ("all tribulation"), which includes not only Saul's immediate threat but all forms of distress, danger, and affliction he faced as a fugitive. By entrusting his deliverance to God ("let him deliver me"), David demonstrates his consistent posture of dependence on divine intervention, rather than relying on his own strength or seeking vengeance. This plea is for ongoing divine protection and ultimate vindication from every form of adversity.

#### Literary Devices

The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** that enhance its meaning and impact. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **comparative parallelism** or **analogy**, where David draws a direct link between his valuing of Saul's life and his hope that the Lord will likewise value his own. The structure "as X, so Y" ("as thy life was much set by... so let my life be much set by...") is a clear example of this, establishing a moral and spiritual reciprocity. The phrase "much set by" functions as a key **repetition** that emphasizes the concept of valuing life, amplifying its significance and underscoring David's consistent principle. The entire verse also functions as a **prayer**, a direct address to God (implicitly, as the subject of "let him deliver") within the context of a dialogue with Saul, revealing David's inner disposition and unwavering reliance on divine justice. Finally, there is a strong element of **irony** present, as David, the innocent party being unjustly pursued, demonstrates greater respect for God's anointed and a more righteous character than the anointed king himself, Saul, who is actively seeking to harm the one God has chosen. This highlights the moral inversion of their roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Samuel 26:24](/1-samuel/26-24 "1 Samuel 26:24 - David's Prayer for Deliverance") encapsulates profound theological truths concerning divine justice, human responsibility, and God's providential care. David's actions reflect an understanding that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to humans, even when wronged. His trust that God would "set by" his life demonstrates a deep conviction in God's active observation of human conduct and His commitment to rewarding faithfulness and integrity. This verse underscores the principle that those who honor God and His appointed authorities, even in challenging circumstances, can confidently appeal to His righteous judgment and expect His protection. It highlights the spiritual discipline of entrusting one's vindication and deliverance entirely to God, rather than resorting to self-help or retaliation, a hallmark of true faith.

* [Psalm 18:20](/psalms/18-20 "Psalm 18:20 - God Rewards the Righteous")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1-peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer in [1 Samuel 26:24](/1-samuel/26-24 "1 Samuel 26:24 - David's Prayer for Deliverance") offers a timeless model for believers navigating personal adversity and injustice. In a world that often encourages immediate retaliation or self-preservation at any cost, David's response to Saul stands as a powerful testament to radical trust in God's sovereignty and justice. He chose to honor God's anointed, even when that individual was his persecutor, demonstrating a profound spiritual maturity that prioritized divine principles over personal vengeance. This challenges us to examine our own reactions when we are wronged, betrayed, or unjustly treated. Do we take matters into our own hands, seeking to right perceived wrongs through our own efforts, or do we, like David, entrust our lives, our reputation, and our vindication to the Lord? His plea for deliverance from "all tribulation" reminds us that it is not weakness but profound faith to acknowledge our struggles and bring them transparently before God, confident that He sees, He cares, and He is capable of delivering us from every form of distress, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This verse calls us to cultivate a life of integrity, mercy, and unwavering dependence on God, trusting that our faithfulness, even in suffering, is "much set by" in His eyes, and that He will ultimately act on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's act of sparing Saul challenge my natural inclination to seek revenge or immediate justice when I feel wronged?**
* **In what specific "tribulations" or difficult circumstances in my life do I need to more fully trust God for deliverance, rather than trying to control the outcome myself?**
* **What does it mean for my life to be "much set by in the eyes of the LORD," and how should that understanding shape my daily choices and responses to others, particularly those who may oppose me?**

### FAQ
**Why did David spare Saul's life a second time, even after Saul continued to pursue him?**

Answer: David spared Saul's life a second time, as recorded in [1 Samuel 26](/1-samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul Again"), primarily out of profound reverence for God's anointed. David consistently refused to lay a hand on "the LORD's anointed" (cf. [1 Samuel 24:6](/1-samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul")), understanding that Saul's kingship, though flawed and marked by divine rejection, was still divinely ordained in its office. To harm Saul would be to usurp God's prerogative to remove or judge His chosen leader. David believed that God alone had the right to deal with Saul, and he trusted in divine justice to vindicate himself and deal with Saul in His own timing. This action also served as a powerful demonstration of David's integrity and loyalty, contrasting sharply with Saul's irrational paranoia and malice. David's consistent mercy highlighted his righteous character and his unwavering faith that God would ultimately deliver him and establish his own kingdom without him having to resort to violence against God's chosen.

**What does "much set by" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "much set by" translates the Hebrew word *gâdal* (H1431), which in this specific construction means "precious," "esteemed," "highly valued," or "honored." When David says Saul's life was "much set by" in his eyes, he means he regarded Saul's life as sacred and valuable, not something he would casually take, despite the provocation and the threat Saul posed to him. By then praying that his own life would be "much set by in the eyes of the LORD," David expresses his deep trust that God would likewise consider his life precious and worthy of preservation, in light of his righteous actions and his honoring of God's anointed. It signifies a reciprocal valuing: because David valued what God valued (Saul's life as king), he trusted God to value David's life in return, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's actions and prayer in [1 Samuel 26:24](/1-samuel/26-24 "1 Samuel 26:24 - David's Prayer for Deliverance") find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, though righteous in his actions towards Saul, was still a sinner who needed deliverance, and his trust in God's vindication foreshadows the perfect submission of the Son. Jesus, the true and greater David, likewise faced relentless persecution and unjust accusations, yet He never retaliated or sought personal vengeance. Instead, He perfectly embodied the principle of entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously, as articulated in [1 Peter 2:23](/1-peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering"). When given the opportunity to call down legions of angels ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")), Jesus willingly surrendered His life, not for His own preservation from death, but as the ultimate sacrifice for the "tribulation" of humanity – the burden of sin and its eternal consequences. His life was indeed "much set by" in the eyes of the Father, not because of His own righteous acts (for He was perfectly righteous), but because He was the beloved Son, chosen to accomplish salvation. The Father's ultimate "deliverance" of Jesus was not from death, but through death, raising Him from the grave ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")) and exalting Him to His right hand ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, David's prayer for deliverance from tribulation points to the Lamb of God who, through His own suffering, delivers all who believe from the ultimate tribulation of sin and eternal death, offering eternal life and peace ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")) and the promise of deliverance from all future tribulation for His followers ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Great Tribulation")).

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

Matthew 5:7

Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

2 Corinthians 1:9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2 Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Psalms 54:7

For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen [his desire] upon mine enemies.

2 Thessalonians 3:2

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all [men] have not faith.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.