1 Samuel 24:18
And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
Original Language Analysis
הִגַּ֣דְתָּ
And thou hast shewed
H5046
הִגַּ֣דְתָּ
And thou hast shewed
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
הַיּ֔וֹם
this day
H3117
הַיּ֔וֹם
this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 15
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
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂ֥יתָה
how that thou hast dealt
H6213
עָשִׂ֥יתָה
how that thou hast dealt
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אִתִּ֖י
H854
אִתִּ֖י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
טוֹבָ֑ה
well
H2896
טוֹבָ֑ה
well
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
8 of 15
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֛ה
with me forasmuch as when the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
with me forasmuch as when the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּיָֽדְךָ֖
me into thine hand
H3027
בְּיָֽדְךָ֖
me into thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 15
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
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern succession often involved assassination of rivals. David's restraint was culturally remarkable—most pretenders to a throne would have seized such an opportunity. Saul's recognition of this demonstrated understanding of what David's action cost him.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God 'delivered' someone into your power, and how did you respond?
- What does Saul's accurate perception of providence teach about knowledge without obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
Saul correctly interprets David's restraint as divine test passed. The Hebrew 'higadta' (you have declared/shown) suggests David's actions spoke louder than words. Saul's acknowledgment that 'the LORD had delivered me into thine hand' admits divine providence favored David—a stunning concession from a king pursuing supposed conspiracy. The phrase 'thou killedst me not' (velo heragattani) states the obvious but significant: David had opportunity and motive yet chose mercy. Saul's reasoning demonstrates that even spiritually blind persons can sometimes recognize God's hand in circumstances, though recognition alone does not produce transformation.