1 Samuel 26:25

KJV

Then Saul said to David, Blessed [be] thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great [things], and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Saul {H7586} said {H559} to David {H1732}, Blessed {H1288} be thou, my son {H1121} David {H1732}: thou shalt both do {H6213} great {H6213} things, and also shalt still {H3201} prevail {H3201}. So David {H1732} went {H3212} on his way {H1870}, and Saul {H7586} returned {H7725} to his place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul answered David, "Blessings on you, my son David! No question that you will accomplish everything you set out to do!" So David went on his way, and Sha'ul returned to his place.

Berean Standard Bible

Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son. You will accomplish great things and will surely prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.

American Standard Version

Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do mightily, and shalt surely prevail. So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 26:25 marks a poignant, albeit temporary, resolution in the protracted conflict between King Saul and David. Following David's second act of mercy in sparing Saul's life, Saul is momentarily compelled by divine influence to acknowledge David's innocence, divine favor, and destined success. His words serve as a prophetic declaration of David's future greatness and ultimate triumph, even as the narrative subtly underscores the transient nature of Saul's repentance and the inevitability of God's sovereign plan for David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the second major narrative arc (chapters 24-26) where David has the opportunity to kill King Saul but chooses to spare him. The immediate preceding events in [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul's Life a Second Time") detail David's stealthy infiltration of Saul's camp at night, accompanied by Abishai, and his taking of Saul's spear and water jug while Saul and his men were asleep. David then confronts Saul from a safe distance, using the retrieved items as irrefutable proof of his loyalty and lack of malicious intent. This mirrors the earlier incident in the [cave of En-gedi](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave"), establishing a pattern of David's righteousness and Saul's fluctuating, yet ultimately unrepentant, pursuit. Saul's response in this verse is a direct consequence of David's demonstration of mercy and integrity, serving as a climactic moment of recognition before the narrative shifts towards David's temporary sojourn among the Philistines in [1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David Flees to Gath").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness of Ziph, a rugged, desolate region in Judah, which served as a natural refuge for outlaws like David and his men. Saul, as the reigning king, held immense power, and his pursuit of David was a state-sanctioned hunt, driven by paranoia and jealousy over David's popularity and divine favor. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the king was often seen as God's anointed, and harming him, even in self-defense, was considered a grave offense against divine authority. David's repeated refusal to "stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Refuses to Harm Saul")) showcases his deep respect for this principle and his unwavering trust in God's timing for his own ascension. Saul's pronouncement of blessing upon David, particularly from a king to a perceived rebel, is culturally significant, indicating a moment of profound, albeit forced, acknowledgment of David's superior character and divine backing.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"). Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and David's Destiny**. Saul's declaration, "thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail," is a prophetic, albeit involuntary, acknowledgment of God's unwavering hand on David, confirming his ultimate destiny as king, as foreshadowed by his anointing in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing"). Secondly, it underscores **Saul's Fleeting Remorse and Regret**. This moment is characteristic of Saul's tragic reign; he experiences temporary repentance and recognition of David's righteousness, only to revert to his jealous and troubled state, demonstrating his spiritual decline and inability to truly humble himself before God. Thirdly, it exemplifies **David's Integrity and Patience**. David's consistent refusal to take vengeance or seize the throne by force, even when presented with clear opportunities, showcases his profound trust in God's sovereignty and timing, honoring God's anointed king despite personal persecution. Finally, the verse reinforces **The Inevitability of God's Plan**, illustrating the futility of human opposition against divinely ordained purposes. Despite Saul's relentless efforts to thwart David, God's plan for David's kingship remains unshakeable and ultimately prevails.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bārûḵ'_):** This word, derived from the root _b-r-k_, signifies divine favor, prosperity, and well-being. When Saul declares David "blessed," it is more than a mere wish; it is an acknowledgment, perhaps compelled by the Spirit of the Lord, that David is indeed favored by God. In the context of Saul's own rejection by God, his pronouncement of blessing upon David carries immense ironic weight, recognizing David's divine endorsement and future success, which stands in stark contrast to his own declining status.
* **Great things (Hebrew, _gādōl'_):** This adjective, meaning "great," "mighty," or "important," is used here to describe David's future accomplishments. It refers not just to military victories, but to significant deeds that would establish his legacy and fulfill his divine calling. Saul's use of this term implicitly acknowledges David's destined role as a powerful and successful leader, surpassing Saul himself.
* **Prevail (Hebrew, _yāḵōl'_):** This verb means "to be able," "to overcome," "to succeed," or "to endure." When Saul states that David "shalt still prevail," he is prophesying David's ultimate triumph over all obstacles, including Saul's own persistent attempts to destroy him. It speaks to David's enduring strength, resilience, and the certainty of his success because his path is divinely ordained. This word signifies an overcoming power that is not merely human but divinely enabled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Saul said to David, Blessed [be] thou, my son David:"** This opening clause highlights Saul's momentary shift from hunter to a figure of paternal, albeit conflicted, acknowledgment. The address "my son David" is deeply ironic, given Saul's repeated attempts to kill him, yet it also conveys a fleeting tenderness and recognition of David's character. The declaration "Blessed be thou" is a profound admission of David's divine favor, an acknowledgment that David is indeed under God's protection and blessing, a truth that Saul himself had tragically forfeited.
* **"thou shalt both do great [things], and also shalt still prevail."** This is the core of Saul's prophetic utterance. It is a dual prophecy: David will achieve significant accomplishments ("do great things") and he will overcome all opposition and ultimately succeed ("shalt still prevail"). This statement is a direct, albeit involuntary, confirmation of God's plan for David's kingship and his future reign. It serves as a powerful testament to the futility of fighting against God's chosen one.
* **"So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place."** This concluding clause depicts the immediate, yet temporary, resolution of the conflict. David, having demonstrated his integrity and received Saul's acknowledgment, departs peacefully. Saul's return "to his place" signifies a cessation of the immediate pursuit, but also hints at his return to his previous troubled state and the ongoing nature of their unresolved conflict, which would only truly end with Saul's death. This separation underscores the temporary nature of this peace.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices**. Foremost is **Irony**, as Saul, the very king who relentlessly seeks David's life, is compelled to pronounce a blessing upon him and acknowledge his destined greatness. This dramatic irony highlights the futility of Saul's rebellion against God's will and the tragic nature of his own downfall. There is also strong **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing** in Saul's words, as his declaration about David doing "great things" and "prevailing" accurately foretells David's future as Israel's greatest king and the establishment of his enduring dynasty. The phrase "my son David" introduces a touch of **Pathos**, revealing a fleeting moment of paternal affection or regret from Saul, which quickly dissipates. Furthermore, the narrative structure utilizes **Repetition** of the theme of David sparing Saul's life, first in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul") and again in [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul a Second Time"), which serves to emphasize David's consistent righteousness and Saul's persistent, yet ultimately futile, pursuit. The final lines, "So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place," offer a subtle **Contrast**, illustrating the temporary cessation of hostilities and the distinct paths of the two men, one moving towards his destiny, the other returning to his troubled kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the unwavering sovereignty of God in orchestrating His divine purposes, even through the reluctant acknowledgment of His adversaries. Saul's pronouncement is not merely a human concession but a divinely inspired utterance, demonstrating that God can compel even those who oppose His will to speak truth concerning His chosen ones. It affirms that God's plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human malice or opposition; indeed, such opposition can inadvertently serve to highlight the certainty of divine promises. David's consistent integrity and patience in waiting for God's timing, even under immense persecution, are vindicated by this moment, serving as a powerful testament to the ultimate triumph of righteousness and faith over human ambition and jealousy.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - A Man's Heart Plans His Way, But the Lord Directs His Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 26:25 offers profound lessons for believers navigating periods of unjust suffering or opposition. David's unwavering commitment to honoring God's anointed, even when that anointed sought his life, exemplifies a radical trust in divine timing and justice. We are called to exercise patience and mercy, resisting the temptation to take matters into our own hands or to retaliate against those who wrong us. This passage reminds us that God is ultimately in control, and His purposes for our lives will prevail, regardless of the obstacles or adversaries we face. Like Saul, even those who oppose us may, at times, be compelled to acknowledge God's hand on our lives, confirming His blessing and our ultimate vindication. Our task is to remain faithful, to walk in integrity, and to trust that God will bring about His perfect will in His perfect timing, often using the very trials we face to refine our character and solidify our dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's consistent demonstration of mercy toward Saul challenge my own inclinations when faced with injustice or opposition?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "take matters into my own hands" rather than patiently waiting for God's timing and vindication?**
* **Can I identify instances where God has used an unexpected source, perhaps even an adversary, to confirm His plan or blessing in my life?**
* **What does Saul's fleeting repentance teach me about the nature of true repentance and the danger of unaddressed sin?**

### FAQ

**Was Saul's blessing of David genuine, or was it merely manipulative?**

Answer: Saul's blessing appears to be genuine in the moment, reflecting a temporary, divinely-compelled acknowledgment of David's righteousness and God's favor upon him. The Hebrew word for "blessed" (_baruch_) implies a sincere recognition of divine favor. However, it was a fleeting moment of clarity and remorse, characteristic of Saul's tragic pattern throughout his reign. While he acknowledged David's innocence and destiny, his underlying jealousy and paranoia were not permanently eradicated. His actions in subsequent chapters, where he continues to pursue David, demonstrate that this moment, while sincere, did not lead to lasting repentance or a fundamental change in his heart. It was a temporary truce, not a true reconciliation, driven by the profound impact of David's mercy and perhaps a momentary conviction by the Spirit of the Lord.

**What happened immediately after this encounter?**

Answer: Immediately after this encounter, the passage states, "So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place." This signifies a temporary cessation of Saul's pursuit. However, the peace was short-lived. David, recognizing that Saul's repentance was unreliable and his life was still in danger, decided to leave Israelite territory. He sought refuge among the Philistines, serving Achish, the king of Gath, for a year and four months ([1 Samuel 27:1-7](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1 - David Flees to Gath")). This period highlights David's continued reliance on God's protection and his strategic maneuvering in the face of persistent threat, even after Saul's momentary acknowledgment of his destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in 1 Samuel 26:25, with Saul's prophetic declaration of David's future triumph, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed king, suffering unjustly at the hands of Saul, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate King, who suffered unjustly at the hands of His own people and the authorities. Just as Saul, against his will, acknowledged David's destiny to "do great things" and "prevail," so too did the powers of this world, unknowingly, contribute to the ultimate triumph of Christ. The crucifixion, intended to be Christ's defeat, was in fact the means by which He "prevailed" over sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Christ, the true "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), truly did "do great things" through His life, death, and resurrection, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never be overthrown ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32 - He Will Be Great and Will Be Called the Son of the Most High")). His ultimate victory is not merely a prevailing over earthly enemies but a cosmic triumph, securing salvation and eternal life for all who believe, demonstrating that God's plan for His anointed King is utterly unstoppable and eternally glorious ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

Numbers 24:9

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.

Numbers 24:10

¶ And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed [them] these three times.

Genesis 32:28

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

1 Samuel 24:19

For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.

Romans 8:37

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.