1 Samuel 26:24

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.

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}.

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!"

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

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

1 Samuel 26:24 is a profound statement by David to King Saul, spoken after David had, for the second time, spared Saul's life when he had the clear opportunity to kill him. This verse encapsulates David's unwavering faith, his respect for God's anointed, and his trust in divine justice.

Context

This verse is found in a dramatic episode where King Saul, driven by jealousy and paranoia, relentlessly pursued David to kill him. David, with Abishai, infiltrated Saul's camp at night and found Saul asleep. Abishai urged David to strike Saul, but David refused, citing Saul's status as "the LORD's anointed." After taking Saul's spear and water jug as proof, David called out to Saul in the morning, presenting these items as evidence of his mercy. David's words in verse 24 are part of his appeal to Saul, highlighting his own integrity and trusting God for protection amidst his tribulation.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for Authority and God's Anointed: David's refusal to harm Saul, despite Saul's malicious intent, demonstrates a deep respect for the office of king and for God's sovereign choice. He understood that Saul's appointment was from God, and therefore, vengeance belonged to the Lord.
  • Trust in Divine Justice and Providence: David's plea, "so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD," reveals his conviction that God observes human actions and will act righteously. He trusted that because he valued Saul's life (as God's anointed), God would, in turn, value and preserve his own life. This echoes principles of God's faithfulness to the faithful.
  • Prayer for Deliverance: The final clause, "and let him deliver me out of all tribulation," is a heartfelt prayer for God's continuous protection from the relentless persecution he faced from Saul and other enemies. It shows David's dependence on God for safety and ultimate deliverance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "much set by" comes from the Hebrew word yaqar (יָקָר), meaning "precious," "esteemed," or "highly valued." David is emphasizing that he held Saul's life in high regard, treating it as something valuable and not to be casually taken. The word "tribulation" is from the Hebrew tsarah (צָרָה), which broadly refers to distress, trouble, anguish, or affliction. It encompasses the entirety of the difficult circumstances David was enduring at the hands of Saul.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Responding to Adversity with Integrity: Like David, we are called to respond to those who wrong us with integrity and patience, trusting God to be our ultimate defender. It challenges us to not take matters into our own hands, even when provoked, and to rely on God's divine protection.
  • Trusting God for Deliverance: David's prayer reminds us to bring our struggles and fears before the Lord, confident that He sees our faithfulness and hears our cries for help. We can trust Him to deliver us from our "tribulation" in His perfect timing, just as David trusted God for his own life.
  • Honoring God-Ordained Authority: While not every authority figure today is directly "anointed" in the same way Saul was, the principle of respecting God-ordained authority (where it does not contradict God's direct commands) remains relevant, as seen in Romans 13:1, even when dealing with difficult leaders.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 5:7 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 1:9 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 14:22 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (2 votes)

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

  • Matthew 7:2 (2 votes)

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