1 Samuel 26:24
And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
Original Language Analysis
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּגְדַּ֤ל
be much set by
H1431
תִּגְדַּ֤ל
be much set by
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
3 of 15
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
נַפְשִׁי֙
And behold as thy life
H5315
נַפְשִׁי֙
And behold as thy life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
הַיּ֥וֹם
this day
H3117
הַיּ֥וֹם
this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 15
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in mine eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תִּגְדַּ֤ל
be much set by
H1431
תִּגְדַּ֤ל
be much set by
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
9 of 15
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
נַפְשִׁי֙
And behold as thy life
H5315
נַפְשִׁי֙
And behold as thy life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in mine eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
11 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְיַצִּלֵ֖נִי
and let him deliver
H5337
וְיַצִּלֵ֖נִי
and let him deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
13 of 15
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
Cross References
Historical Context
The reciprocity principle in prayer reflects ancient Near Eastern covenant thinking where actions toward others established expectations for how one would be treated. David's mercy toward Saul becomes the ground for his appeal to divine mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your treatment of others shape your confidence in approaching God?
- What connection exists between extending mercy and receiving mercy in your experience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's prayer establishes a principle of reciprocity: as he valued Saul's life, may the LORD value his. The Hebrew construction creates a direct correspondence between David's treatment of his enemy and his appeal for divine treatment. This anticipates Jesus' teaching: 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy' (Matthew 5:7). David's plea to be delivered from 'all tribulation' (Hebrew: 'tsarah') acknowledges his ongoing vulnerability while expressing confidence in divine protection.