1 Samuel 11:13
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּמַ֥ת
be put to death
H4191
יוּמַ֥ת
be put to death
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
4 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אִ֖ישׁ
There shall not a man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
There shall not a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הַיּ֛וֹם
for to day
H3117
הַיּ֛וֹם
for to day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַיּ֛וֹם
for to day
H3117
הַיּ֛וֹם
for to day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עָשָֽׂה
hath wrought
H6213
עָשָֽׂה
hath wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Exodus 14:13And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.1 Samuel 19:5For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?2 Samuel 19:22And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?Exodus 14:30Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern victory celebrations often included execution of enemies and traitors. Saul's restraint contrasts sharply with standard practice and demonstrates the influence of Yahwistic theology on early Israelite kingship. This moment of grace anticipates David's later refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as the source of victory change how we treat those who opposed us?
- When is mercy the appropriate response to those who doubted or criticized us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.
Saul's refusal to execute his critics represents his finest moment, demonstrating kingly restraint and theological insight. His reasoning - 'to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel' - correctly attributes victory to God rather than himself. The phrase 'there shall not a man be put to death this day' establishes a precedent of royal mercy that reflects divine grace. Saul recognizes that celebration of God's deliverance should not be marred by internal bloodshed. This grace toward enemies would, ironically, later contribute to his downfall when he spared Agag.