1 Samuel 24 20

1 Samuel 24:20 kjv

And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.

1 Samuel 24:20 nkjv

And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.

1 Samuel 24:20 niv

I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

1 Samuel 24:20 esv

And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.

1 Samuel 24:20 nlt

And now I realize that you are surely going to be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will flourish under your rule.

1 Samuel 24 verses

1 Samuel 24 20 Meaning

In this verse, King Saul explicitly acknowledges and declares his certain knowledge that David will become the next king of Israel and that the kingdom itself will be permanently established and thrive under David's leadership. This admission is a profound reversal for Saul, coming after David spared his life, and confirms the divine plan for David's ascendancy.

1 Samuel 24 20 Context

First Samuel chapter 24 finds David, pursued relentlessly by King Saul, hiding in the wilderness of Engedi. Despite Saul's efforts to hunt him down, the tables are momentarily turned when Saul, unaware of David's presence, enters the very cave where David and his men are concealed. While Saul is vulnerable, David's men urge him to seize the opportunity to kill his adversary. However, David famously restrains himself and his men, refusing to "lift his hand against the LORD's anointed," choosing instead to cut off a corner of Saul's robe as proof of his restraint and loyalty. After Saul leaves the cave, David reveals himself, calling out to the king and demonstrating the piece of the robe. This act profoundly moves Saul, who recognizes David's righteousness and profound respect for God's anointing, even when provoked. Saul begins to weep, expressing remorse and recognizing the justice of David's actions compared to his own. Verse 20 is part of Saul's emotional and humbling confession in response to David's extraordinary act of mercy.

1 Samuel 24 20 Word analysis

• And now (וְעַתָּה - wə‘attāh): This is a common Hebrew conjunction, signaling a logical or chronological transition, often marking the drawing of a conclusion or the commencement of an important declaration based on previous events. It highlights the immediate consequence or realization following David's merciful act.
• behold (הִנֵּה - hinnēh): An interjection used to draw attention, emphasize, or introduce something striking or noteworthy. Here, it underscores the weight and surprise of Saul's admission. It often functions to make a statement more vivid or to indicate an unveiling of truth.
• I know certainly that thou shalt surely be king (יָדַעְתִּי כִּי מָלוֹךְ תִּמְלוֹךְ - yāda‘tî kî mālōḵ timlōḵ):
  • I know (יָדַעְתִּי - yāda‘tî): The Hebrew verb yada‘ in the perfect tense signifies definite and complete knowledge, a settled conviction, rather than a mere guess or suspicion. Saul is not speculating; he is acknowledging a firm truth.
  • certainly... shalt surely be king (כִּי מָלוֹךְ תִּמְלוֹךְ - kî mālōḵ timlōḵ): This employs the Hebrew infinitive absolute construction (mālōḵ) with the finite verb (timlōḵ) from the root malak (to reign, to be king). This grammatical structure is intensely emphatic, translating to "to rule, you shall rule," or "you shall assuredly be king," "you will without fail reign." It conveys absolute certainty and divine decree. Saul is recognizing God's irrevocable purpose, not merely a likely outcome.
• and that the kingdom of Israel (וְכִי תָּקוּם מַמְלֶכֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל - wəkî tāqûm mamleḵeṯ Yiśrā’ēl):
  • the kingdom of Israel (מַמְלֶכֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל - mamleḵeṯ Yiśrā’ēl): Refers specifically to the divinely established nation ruled by a king. It's not just a personal throne for David but the stability and continuation of the nation under his rule.
• shall be established (תָּקוּם - tāqûm): From the Hebrew root qum (to rise, stand, establish, endure). Here, in the Qal imperfect, it denotes permanence, stability, and divine establishment. Saul implicitly recognizes that the kingdom under David will have a secure foundation and long-lasting nature, in contrast to his own threatened reign. It suggests a divine underpinning to David's rule.
• in thine hand (בְּיָדְךָ - bəyādəḵā): Literally "in your hand." In biblical Hebrew, "hand" is often a metonymy for power, control, authority, and possession. For the kingdom to be "in David's hand" means he will fully control and exercise royal authority over it.

Words-group analysis:

• "And now, behold, I know certainly": This phrase encapsulates Saul's sudden and undeniable revelation. It's a powerful moment where divine truth penetrates his self-deception and envy. His acknowledgment is forced by the overwhelming evidence of David's character and God's clear favor. It reflects an immediate shift in perception, however fleeting.
• "that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand": This twofold declaration is critical. First, it addresses David's personal ascendancy ("surely be king"), affirming his individual divine appointment. Second, it expands beyond David personally to the endurance and stability of the entire nation under his reign ("the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand"). This subtly points to the Davidic Covenant's future promise of a perpetual dynasty and a secure kingdom. Saul acknowledges that God's plan extends not just to David, but through David to Israel's stability.

1 Samuel 24 20 Bonus section

This verse stands as a powerful testament to the triumph of divine will over human opposition. It's striking that this profound theological truth comes from the mouth of the one who most vehemently resisted it. Saul’s confession, forced by the compelling evidence of David's righteous character and divine favor, serves not only to affirm God’s plan but also to underscore Saul's continued rejection of it despite momentary conviction. His knowledge did not lead to repentance or surrender of his throne. It highlights a common biblical theme where those outside God’s direct favor or even His opponents can be compelled to acknowledge His power and sovereign control over events, sometimes against their own desires or plans. This passage, through Saul's words, implicitly contrasts Saul's self-established, failing kingdom with David's divinely appointed, stable, and enduring one.

1 Samuel 24 20 Commentary

Saul's words in 1 Samuel 24:20 are a profoundly significant confession. After tirelessly seeking to kill David and cling to his throne, Saul is brought to a moment of clarity and humility by David's unmatched mercy and righteousness. His admission, "I know certainly that thou shalt surely be king," is not a willing endorsement but a reluctant acknowledgement of undeniable truth. The emphatic Hebrew construction malokh timlokh underscores the absolute certainty of David's future kingship, portraying it as a settled, divine decree. This confession validates earlier prophetic pronouncements regarding David's succession (1 Sam 13:14; 15:28) and is a stark reminder that God's sovereign will ultimately prevails over human schemes and resistance. Furthermore, Saul's statement that "the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand" anticipates the lasting and stable Davidic dynasty that God would covenant to establish through David (2 Sam 7), a lineage culminating in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This moment illustrates how God can use even a bitter enemy to confirm His predetermined plans, highlighting David's reliance on divine timing and the power of responding to evil with good.