1 Samuel Chapter 24 · Verse 12

Authorized King James Version

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The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Original Language Analysis

יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט judge H8199
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט judge
Strong's: H8199
Word #: 1 of 11
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּינִ֣י H996
בֵּינִ֣י
Strong's: H996
Word #: 3 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵינֶ֔ךָ H996
וּבֵינֶ֔ךָ
Strong's: H996
Word #: 4 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּנְקָמַ֥נִי avenge H5358
וּנְקָמַ֥נִי avenge
Strong's: H5358
Word #: 5 of 11
to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִמֶּ֑ךָּ H4480
מִמֶּ֑ךָּ
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וְיָדִ֖י me of thee but mine hand H3027
וְיָדִ֖י me of thee but mine hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 8 of 11
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
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽהְיֶה H1961
תִֽהְיֶה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 10 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בָּֽךְ׃ H0
בָּֽךְ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 11 of 11

Analysis & Commentary

The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

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