1 Samuel 26:25
Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁא֖וּל
Then Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֖וּל
Then Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 20
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
בָּר֤וּךְ
Blessed
H1288
בָּר֤וּךְ
Blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
5 of 20
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בְּנִ֣י
be thou my son
H1121
בְּנִ֣י
be thou my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גַּ֚ם
H1571
גַּ֚ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
great
H6213
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
great
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
great
H6213
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
great
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְגַ֖ם
H1571
וְגַ֖ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
תּוּכָ֑ל
prevail
H3201
תּוּכָ֑ל
prevail
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
13 of 20
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
תּוּכָ֑ל
prevail
H3201
תּוּכָ֑ל
prevail
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
14 of 20
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
15 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְדַרְכּ֔וֹ
on his way
H1870
לְדַרְכּ֔וֹ
on his way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
17 of 20
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְשָׁא֖וּל
Then Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֖וּל
Then Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
18 of 20
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
Historical Context
This represents the final direct encounter between Saul and David. The note that 'Saul returned to his place' suggests a return to normalcy that proves illusory. Within months, Saul will consult a necromancer, and soon after, he and his sons will fall on Mount Gilboa.
Questions for Reflection
- When have unexpected sources spoken truth about your calling or future?
- How do you process final encounters with those who have both blessed and wounded you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Saul's blessing carries prophetic weight despite his compromised spiritual state: 'thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail.' The Hebrew 'yakol tukhal' (surely prevail) uses emphatic doubling to express certainty. This ironic prophecy from David's persecutor confirms what Samuel declared at David's anointing. The narrative conclusion, 'David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place,' signals their final parting. They will not meet again; the next time Saul sees David, it will be through a medium's dark arts.