1 Samuel Chapter 24 · Verse 9
And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
Original Language Analysis
לָ֧מָּה
H4100
לָ֧מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תִשְׁמַ֛ע
Wherefore hearest
H8085
תִשְׁמַ֛ע
Wherefore hearest
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
5 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אָדָ֖ם
thou men's
H120
אָדָ֖ם
thou men's
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
8 of 13
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
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
And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
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.