1 Samuel 28:10
And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׁ֤בַֽע
sware
H7650
וַיִּשָּׁ֤בַֽע
sware
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
1 of 12
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
יְהוָ֕ה
As the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֕ה
As the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חַי
liveth
H2416
חַי
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
6 of 12
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָ֕ה
As the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֕ה
As the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִֽם
there shall
H518
אִֽם
there shall
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
8 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִקְּרֵ֥ךְ
happen
H7136
יִקְּרֵ֥ךְ
happen
Strong's:
H7136
Word #:
9 of 12
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
Historical Context
The oath formula 'As the LORD liveth' invoked God's own existence as guarantee. Its use here, protecting forbidden spiritual practices, illustrates how religious language can persist even when its substance has been abandoned.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious language and practices become divorced from genuine faith?
- What warning does Saul's spiritual confusion offer to those who maintain forms without substance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Saul's oath 'As the LORD liveth' (Hebrew: 'chai-YHWH') represents the height of spiritual perversion: invoking YHWH's name to guarantee protection for practicing what YHWH has forbidden. The cognitive dissonance is stunning. Saul uses the most solemn oath formula of Israelite faith to enable violation of that faith's fundamental commands. This moment captures Saul's spiritual confusion: still using religious language while acting in complete opposition to religious requirements.