1 Samuel Chapter 24 · Verse 13
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
Original Language Analysis
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מְשַׁל֙
the proverb
H4912
מְשַׁל֙
the proverb
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
הַקַּדְמֹנִ֔י
of the ancients
H6931
הַקַּדְמֹנִ֔י
of the ancients
Strong's:
H6931
Word #:
4 of 11
(of time) anterior or (of place) oriental
מֵֽרְשָׁעִ֖ים
from the wicked
H7563
מֵֽרְשָׁעִ֖ים
from the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
5 of 11
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
יֵ֣צֵא
proceedeth
H3318
יֵ֣צֵא
proceedeth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְיָדִ֖י
but mine hand
H3027
וְיָדִ֖י
but mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 11
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
- What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
- How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?
Analysis & Commentary
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of leaving vengeance to God rather than taking matters into one's own hands. David's restraint shows mature faith that trusts God to vindicate and promote in His timing. This passage warns against using apparent opportunities to advance personal interests when doing so requires violating godly principles.