1 Samuel 24 15

1 Samuel 24:15 kjv

The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

1 Samuel 24:15 nkjv

Therefore let the LORD be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my case, and deliver me out of your hand."

1 Samuel 24:15 niv

May the LORD be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand."

1 Samuel 24:15 esv

May the LORD therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand."

1 Samuel 24:15 nlt

May the LORD therefore judge which of us is right and punish the guilty one. He is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power!"

1 Samuel 24 verses

1 Samuel 24 15 Meaning

1 Samuel 24:15 is David's fervent appeal to God to act as the supreme and impartial Judge between him and King Saul. David seeks divine intervention, trusting God to accurately perceive his innocence, advocate for his just cause, and ultimately rescue him from Saul’s oppressive pursuit. It is an act of surrendering his right to self-vindication into the sovereign hands of God, demonstrating profound faith in divine justice and timing.

1 Samuel 24 15 Context

1 Samuel chapter 24 details a pivotal encounter between David and King Saul in the wilderness of Engedi. David and his men were hiding in a cave when Saul, unknowingly, entered the same cave to relieve himself. David’s men urged him to kill Saul, interpreting it as God-given opportunity. However, David refused to harm "the LORD's anointed," choosing instead to cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. Afterward, David revealed himself and his action to Saul, demonstrating his innocence and lack of malice. This verse (1 Sa 24:15) is part of David’s earnest appeal to Saul, where David articulates his resolve to trust God’s judgment rather than taking matters into his own hands. The historical context highlights Saul's relentless, unrighteous pursuit of David, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne. David’s actions and words reveal his profound respect for divine appointment, his humility, and his deep reliance on YHWH's justice, even when unjustly persecuted.

1 Samuel 24 15 Word analysis

• The LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): Refers to the personal, covenant God of Israel. Using this specific name emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises and His active involvement in human affairs, contrasting with generic deities. It signifies an appeal to the God who sees, knows, and intervenes on behalf of His chosen ones.
• therefore: Connects David's appeal to his prior demonstration of innocence and his refusal to harm Saul. It implies, "Since I have shown restraint and respected Your anointing, let YHWH decide."
• be judge (שָׁפָט - shafat): This Hebrew term means more than just a passive judge; it includes the idea of ruling, governing, delivering, vindicating, and punishing. It implies an active, executive role. David is asking God to exercise His authority and dominion over the situation.
• and judge: A repetition that emphasizes the earnestness of David's plea and the absolute conviction that God will and must decide this matter. It highlights the thoroughness of God's coming intervention.
• between me and thee: Clearly defines the two parties in dispute. David lays the specific contention at God's feet for arbitration, demonstrating his clean conscience regarding his dealings with Saul.
• and see (רָאָה - ra'ah): Implies God's perfect omniscience. God doesn't just judge externally; He "sees" the heart, the true intentions, the hidden motives of both David and Saul. David asks God to fully comprehend his integrity and Saul's wrongful pursuit.
• and plead my cause (רִיב - riv): To strive, contend, litigate, or act as an advocate. David is asking God to champion his case, to be his legal representative, presenting his righteousness and vindicating him before Saul and all who observe.
• and deliver me (נָצַל - natsal): To rescue, snatch away, draw out, liberate. This term implies active salvation from peril. David is praying for concrete, physical deliverance from Saul's murderous intentions and persistent pursuit. It’s a plea for God to physically intervene and ensure his safety.
• out of thine hand: Refers to Saul’s power, authority, and ability to harm David. David acknowledges the danger he is in from Saul’s malicious intent and expresses complete dependence on God to overcome that threat.

1 Samuel 24 15 Bonus section

David’s appeal here can be seen as a prophetic statement, declaring what he believed God would do, based on His character and covenant. This reliance on God's future action strengthens David’s character and legitimizes his future kingship. It showcases a critical element of biblical leadership: dependence on divine judgment rather than human strength or cunning. David is not merely waiting idly; he is actively committing his situation to God, demonstrating faith through his actions (sparing Saul) and his words (this plea). This event served to refine David, preparing him for kingship by testing his character and proving his reliance on YHWH, even when provoked to vengeance.

1 Samuel 24 15 Commentary

1 Samuel 24:15 encapsulates David’s exemplary faith and submission to divine sovereignty amidst severe persecution. Rather than yielding to vengeance, as human instinct might dictate, David actively chooses to relinquish judgment to the perfect arbiter: YHWH. This declaration is a profound act of trust, recognizing that God alone possesses the absolute wisdom, justice, and power to right wrongs. It illustrates that true vindication comes from God's hand, not human retaliation. David's willingness to wait on God for justice exemplifies a spiritual principle: we are called to forsake personal vengeance, allowing God to be our defender. This stance also contrasts sharply with Saul's fear-driven self-reliance, highlighting the path of righteousness rooted in God versus the path of despair in man. It instructs believers to pray for God to be their advocate when falsely accused or unjustly treated, demonstrating patience and confidence in God’s ultimate and perfect justice.