1 Samuel 23:21
And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.
Original Language Analysis
בְּרוּכִ֥ים
Blessed
H1288
בְּרוּכִ֥ים
Blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
3 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
be ye of the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
be ye of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Blessing formulas invoking Yahweh were common expressions of gratitude. Saul's use of such language to thank those helping him pursue David shows how religious vocabulary can be divorced from genuine piety. His self-pity ('compassion on me') denied his role as aggressor.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious language be misused to sanction ungodly actions?
- What does Saul's self-perception as victim teach about spiritual blindness?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.
Saul's response reveals profound spiritual confusion. The Hebrew 'beruchim attem la-Yahweh' (blessed be you of the LORD) invokes divine blessing on those helping him pursue God's anointed. His claim that they showed 'compassion' (Hebrew 'chamaltem') for him casts himself as victim rather than persecutor. This distorted self-perception typifies those who have rejected God's word—they reinterpret their wickedness as righteousness and view enablers as compassionate friends. Saul blessed in God's name those who helped him oppose God's purposes. Religious language employed against God's will becomes blasphemous inversion.