1 Samuel 24:4
And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
Original Language Analysis
אַנְשֵׁ֨י
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֨י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 30
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)
הַיּ֜וֹם
unto him Behold the day
H3117
הַיּ֜וֹם
unto him Behold the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 30
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
אֲֽשֶׁר
H834
אֲֽשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֣ה
of which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 30
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נֹתֵ֤ן
unto thee Behold I will deliver
H5414
נֹתֵ֤ן
unto thee Behold I will deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
13 of 30
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיָדֶ֔ךָ
into thine hand
H3027
בְּיָדֶ֔ךָ
into thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
16 of 30
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
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
that thou mayest do
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
that thou mayest do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
17 of 30
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
19 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִטַ֣ב
to him as it shall seem good
H3190
יִטַ֣ב
to him as it shall seem good
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
20 of 30
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ
unto thee
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ
unto thee
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
21 of 30
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
22 of 30
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיִּכְרֹ֛ת
and cut off
H3772
וַיִּכְרֹ֛ת
and cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
24 of 30
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
25 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּנַֽף
the skirt
H3671
כְּנַֽף
the skirt
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
26 of 30
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
28 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
1 Samuel 26:23The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.1 Samuel 24:10Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.1 Samuel 23:17And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.1 Samuel 23:7And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.1 Samuel 24:18And 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.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
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.