2 Samuel 1:14

And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto him, How wast thou not afraid {H3372} to stretch forth {H7971} thine hand {H3027} to destroy {H7843} the LORD'S {H3068} anointed {H4899}?

David asked him, "How is it that you weren't afraid to raise your hand to destroy ADONAI's anointed?"

So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?”

And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to put forth thy hand to destroy Jehovah’s anointed?

Commentary

In 2 Samuel 1:14, King David confronts the Amalekite who claims to have killed King Saul. This verse encapsulates David's profound reverence for divine appointment and his understanding of God's sovereignty over earthly rulers, even his enemies.

Context of 2 Samuel 1:14

This verse immediately follows the Amalekite's account of Saul's death on Mount Gilboa. The Amalekite, hoping to gain favor, presents Saul's crown and bracelet to David, claiming he delivered the final blow to the mortally wounded king. Instead of rejoicing at the death of his persecutor, David is filled with grief, tearing his clothes and mourning Saul and Jonathan. David's question to the Amalekite reveals his shock and condemnation of the act, highlighting his unwavering respect for Saul's position as God's chosen king. This event sets the stage for David's just, though stern, judgment against the Amalekite, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:15-16.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reverence for God's Anointed: David's reaction underscores the sacredness of the office of king, particularly when appointed by God. Even though Saul had relentlessly pursued David and sought his life, David consistently refused to lay a hand on him, acknowledging Saul as "the LORD'S anointed" (1 Samuel 26:9). This principle teaches that vengeance belongs to God.
  • Divine Sovereignty: David understood that Saul's reign and its end were ultimately in God's hands. To take the life of God's anointed, even in a seemingly merciful act, was to usurp God's prerogative. This demonstrates a deep trust in God's plan and timing.
  • Moral Authority and Justice: David's immediate condemnation of the Amalekite establishes his moral authority as a future king. He demonstrates that he will uphold justice and righteousness, even when it means punishing someone who claims to have helped him.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "the LORD'S anointed" translates from the Hebrew mashiach Yahweh (מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה). The word mashiach is the root of the English word "Messiah" and signifies someone set apart and consecrated by God, usually through anointing with oil. In this context, it emphasizes Saul's unique, divinely ordained status, making any act of violence against him an affront to God Himself. David's question highlights the Amalekite's audacious disregard for this sacred designation.

Practical Application and Significance

David's response in 2 Samuel 1:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Respect for Authority: While we are called to discern and critique, there is a biblical principle of respecting those in authority, particularly those God has placed in positions of leadership (Romans 13:1). This doesn't mean blindly following wrong actions, but recognizing the office.
  • Trust in God's Timing: David waited patiently for God to remove Saul and elevate him, rather than taking matters into his own hands. This encourages believers to trust God's perfect timing and methods for resolving difficult situations, rather than seeking personal vengeance or shortcuts.
  • Understanding Divine Judgment: God reserves the right to judge and remove leaders. Our role is often to pray for them and commit situations to God's sovereign will.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 26:9 (8 votes)

    And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

  • Psalms 105:15 (5 votes)

    [Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

  • 1 Samuel 24:6 (5 votes)

    And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 31:4 (5 votes)

    Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

  • Numbers 12:8 (5 votes)

    With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

  • 2 Peter 2:10 (5 votes)

    ¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.