1 Samuel Chapter 24 · Verse 5

Authorized King James Version

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And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙ H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אַֽחֲרֵי And it came to pass afterward H310
אַֽחֲרֵי And it came to pass afterward
Strong's: H310
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כֵ֔ן H3651
כֵ֔ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וַיַּ֥ךְ smote H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ smote
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 4 of 14
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
לֵב heart H3820
לֵב heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 5 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
דָּוִ֖ד that David's H1732
דָּוִ֖ד that David's
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 6 of 14
david, the youngest son of jesse
אֹת֑וֹ H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַ֚ל H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כָּרַ֔ת him because he had cut off H3772
כָּרַ֔ת him because he had cut off
Strong's: H3772
Word #: 10 of 14
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 #: 11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּנָ֖ף skirt H3671
כָּנָ֖ף skirt
Strong's: H3671
Word #: 12 of 14
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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 13 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לְשָׁאֽוּל׃ Saul's H7586
לְשָׁאֽוּל׃ Saul's
Strong's: H7586
Word #: 14 of 14
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

Analysis & Commentary

And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

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.

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