1 Samuel 24:20
And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
And now behold I know well
H3045
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
And now behold I know well
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִּמְל֑וֹךְ
be king
H4427
תִּמְל֑וֹךְ
be king
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
5 of 10
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
תִּמְל֑וֹךְ
be king
H4427
תִּמְל֑וֹךְ
be king
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
6 of 10
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
וְקָ֙מָה֙
shall be established
H6965
וְקָ֙מָה֙
shall be established
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
7 of 10
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
בְּיָ֣דְךָ֔
in thine hand
H3027
בְּיָ֣דְךָ֔
in thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 10
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
Historical Context
Saul's public acknowledgment of David's future kingship created significant political implications. His soldiers heard their king admit the succession would not follow normal dynastic patterns. This confession became part of the public record validating David's later reign.
Questions for Reflection
- What truths do you 'know well' that your behavior contradicts?
- How does Saul's knowledge of David's destiny while opposing it illustrate hardened hearts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
Saul's declaration confirms what Jonathan earlier stated (23:17)—even David's persecutor knew his kingship was inevitable. The Hebrew emphatic construction 'yado'a yadati' (knowing I know/I know well) expresses certainty beyond doubt. The phrase 'shall be established' (Hebrew 'qum') indicates lasting dynasty, not merely David's personal reign. This public acknowledgment before Saul's army effectively conceded the succession dispute. Yet Saul's knowledge did not produce submission—he would resume pursuit despite this confession. His statement fulfilled Samuel's earlier prophecy while demonstrating that theological knowledge without heart transformation produces only more culpable rejection.