1 Samuel 24:6 kjv
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
1 Samuel 24:6 nkjv
And he said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD."
1 Samuel 24:6 niv
He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the LORD."
1 Samuel 24:6 esv
He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD's anointed."
1 Samuel 24:6 nlt
He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn't attack the LORD's anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him."
1 Samuel 24 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 10:1 | Then Samuel took a flask... poured it on his head... "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over his inheritance?" | Saul's anointing as king by Samuel. |
| 1 Sam 16:13 | Then Samuel took the horn of oil... anointed him... and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David. | David's own anointing by Samuel. |
| 1 Sam 26:9 | But David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?" | David's similar restraint on a later occasion. |
| 2 Sam 1:14-16 | David said to him, "How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?"... So David said to him, "Your blood be on your own head..." | David executing the man who claimed to have killed Saul. |
| Rom 13:1-2 | Let every person be subject to the governing authorities... For there is no authority except from God... | God establishes authorities, respecting them is respecting God. |
| 1 Chr 16:22 | "Touch not My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm!" | Divine command to not harm God's chosen servants. |
| Ps 105:15 | "Touch not My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm!" | Echoes 1 Chr 16:22, a warning against harming God's people. |
| Deut 32:35 | Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; For the time when their foot slips; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come for them will make haste. | God reserves judgment and vengeance for Himself. |
| Prov 20:22 | Do not say, "I will repay evil!" Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. | Waiting on God for justice rather than acting on revenge. |
| Matt 5:39 | But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. | Resisting the impulse for retaliation. |
| Luke 6:27-28 | But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who spitefully use you. | Loving enemies, exemplified by David's actions towards Saul. |
| Ps 37:7 | Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him... Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. | Patience and trusting God's timing for justice. |
| Phil 2:3 | Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. | Humility and valuing others, even adversaries. |
| 1 Pet 2:13-17 | Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake... for this is the will of God. | Submitting to authorities even when imperfect. |
| 2 Tim 2:24 | And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient... | A believer's disposition even towards opposition. |
| Ps 37:23 | The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. | Trusting God's leading, David waiting for God's way. |
| 1 Sam 26:11 | The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. But now take the spear... and the jug of water... | Almost identical phrase, shows consistent character. |
| Ps 76:10 | Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With a remnant of wrath You will gird Yourself. | God works His purposes even through human anger. |
| Jn 19:10-11 | "Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?" Jesus answered, "You could have no authority at all against Me unless it had been given you from above." | All earthly authority is derived from God. |
| Jer 27:5-6 | "I have made the earth... and I have given it to whom it seemed proper to Me... Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar... my servant." | God installs even unrighteous rulers for His purposes. |
| 1 Pet 4:19 | Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. | Entrusting oneself to God even amid suffering caused by others. |
1 Samuel 24 verses
1 Samuel 24 6 Meaning
1 Samuel 24:6 records David's strong declaration to his men, expressing his profound moral and spiritual reluctance to harm Saul. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit and attempts on his life, David viewed Saul as God's specially chosen and consecrated king. David asserted that to attack or kill Saul would be a grievous sin against the divine ordination of authority. He doubled down on his reasoning, reiterating that Saul's status as "the Lord's anointed" placed him beyond the rightful reach of David's hand, demonstrating David's unwavering respect for God's divine appointment and His established order.
1 Samuel 24 6 Context
1 Samuel chapter 24 details an encounter in the wilderness of Engedi where David, hiding from King Saul, finds Saul alone and vulnerable within a cave. This provided a perfect opportunity for David to kill Saul and immediately claim the throne. Saul had been relentlessly hunting David for a considerable period, driven by paranoia, jealousy, and disobedience to God. Despite this personal vendetta against him, David's response in verse 6 highlights his profound moral and spiritual convictions. The broader historical context is one of a transition of power in Israel, from a disobedient king, Saul, to a king after God's own heart, David. Yet, God orchestrates this transition in His own timing and method, emphasizing the sanctity of the king's divine appointment, even if the individual fails to honor that appointment.
1 Samuel 24 6 Word analysis
And he said to his men, 'The Lord forbid that I should do this thing
- He: Refers to David.
- Said to his men: Indicates David's leadership and his instruction to his followers, preventing them from acting.
- The Lord forbid: Hebrew chalilah li Adonai (חָלִילָה לִּי יְהוָה). Chalilah (חָלִילָה) is a strong interjection, literally meaning "profane to me!" or "far be it from me!" It expresses utmost abhorrence or repudiation of an action as sacrilegious or unthinkable, a plea for God to prevent such an act. It highlights David's immediate and internal spiritual revulsion at the thought of harming God's anointed, signaling a deep sense of divine law and moral integrity. This phrase often signifies a refusal based on ethical or religious grounds (cf. Gen 44:7, 1 Sam 20:2, Josh 22:29).
- that I should do this thing: Refers to killing Saul or directly harming him. This reflects David's personal decision and conviction, which he then articulates to his followers.
to my master, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him,
- to my master: Hebrew la'doni (לַאדֹנִי). Despite Saul's hostility, David still acknowledges Saul's legitimate authority and superior position as king, seeing himself as a servant. This demonstrates respect for the office if not always the person. This counteracts Saul's own diminishing respect for the office God placed him in by his disobedience.
- the Lord's anointed: Hebrew meshiach Adonai (מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה). Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) means "anointed one," from which the title "Messiah" derives. In the Old Testament, it primarily referred to someone set apart by God for a specific office (king, priest, prophet) through anointing with oil. Saul, though rejected by God for disobedience (1 Sam 15:23), was still physically anointed by Samuel (1 Sam 10:1). David understands that this divine act made Saul sacred and inviolable by human hand without divine permission. This highlights a key Old Testament principle: the sacredness of divinely appointed authority. This polemics against the idea that political power can be taken by force without regard for divine decree. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty over who sits on the throne.
- to put out my hand against him: A clear statement of the intended action, meaning to physically assault, injure, or kill. This direct expression removes any ambiguity about what David considers forbidden.
since he is the Lord's anointed.
- since he is the Lord's anointed: This repetition emphasizes and solidifies the sole reason for David's restraint. It's not out of fear of Saul's power, or sympathy for Saul, but out of profound reverence for God's act of anointing and establishing Saul's kingship. The repetition strengthens the theological principle David is upholding and serves as an unequivocal justification for his choice, acting as a concise summary of the ethical and spiritual boundary. It underscores David's belief in God's sovereignty and His right to remove or install leaders according to His own will, not through human usurpation.
1 Samuel 24 6 Bonus section
David's restraint in 1 Samuel 24 and again in 1 Samuel 26 are hallmarks of his character as "a man after God's own heart." This ethical stance was not simply strategic, but rooted in deep theological conviction. David understood that taking Saul's life, even under immense provocation and with easy opportunity, would constitute a trespass against the divine order. His belief system prevented him from "touching" what God had consecrated, reflecting an understanding that God alone removes and installs kings. This principle later finds its fulfillment in Christ, the ultimate "Anointed One," whom no human authority could overcome, for His kingdom is not of this world (Jn 18:36), and all power is given to Him (Matt 28:18). David's refusal foreshadows the greater truth that God's plan for succession unfolds divinely, not by human ambition or violence. His loyalty to God superseded his loyalty to his own ambition or self-preservation, cementing his character as a model of faithful submission to divine sovereignty.
1 Samuel 24 6 Commentary
1 Samuel 24:6 is a pivotal verse, showcasing David's deep respect for God's established authority, even when that authority is represented by a deeply flawed and hostile individual like Saul. David's profound statement, "The Lord forbid," reveals an unshakeable conviction that transcends personal grievance or political ambition. He views attacking Saul not as a pragmatic solution to his problems, but as a direct transgression against God Himself, who anointed Saul king. David acknowledges Saul as "my master" and repeatedly stresses Saul's identity as "the Lord's anointed." This demonstrates his understanding that earthly rule, particularly in Israel, derived its legitimacy directly from divine appointment. David chose to wait for God's timing and method of transferring the kingdom, refusing to hasten it through ungodly means, a stark contrast to how many would seize power. This act profoundly illustrates David's "heart after God," valuing divine principles over immediate personal gain or even self-preservation. It serves as an enduring model for believers to honor positions of authority, even imperfect ones, recognizing that ultimate authority belongs to God alone.
- Example: A believer facing unjust treatment from a supervisor, while having the power to undermine them, chooses to pray for them and maintain a respectful demeanor, trusting God for vindication or change.
- Example: When a governing leader enacts unpopular or even morally questionable policies, a Christian upholds prayer for that leader and seeks God's wisdom, rather than resorting to rebellious or discrediting acts that undermine divinely instituted order, unless direct disobedience to God is required.