1 Samuel Chapter 24 · Verse 14
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
Original Language Analysis
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
מִ֤י
H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 15
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יָצָא֙
come out
H3318
יָצָא֙
come out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 15
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
מִ֖י
H4310
מִ֖י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
7 of 15
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
רֹדֵ֑ף
whom dost thou pursue
H7291
רֹדֵ֑ף
whom dost thou pursue
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
9 of 15
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
מֵ֔ת
a dead
H4191
מֵ֔ת
a dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
12 of 15
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
After
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
Cross References
1 Samuel 26:20Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.1 Samuel 17:43And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.2 Samuel 9:8And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
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
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
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.