1 Samuel 24 8

1 Samuel 24:8 kjv

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

1 Samuel 24:8 nkjv

David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down.

1 Samuel 24:8 niv

Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, "My lord the king!" When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.

1 Samuel 24:8 esv

Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage.

1 Samuel 24:8 nlt

David came out and shouted after him, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked around, David bowed low before him.

1 Samuel 24 verses

1 Samuel 24 8 Meaning

1 Samuel 24:8 portrays David's profound act of humility, courage, and unwavering respect for Saul's divinely ordained kingship, despite Saul's relentless pursuit and attempts to kill him. Having spared Saul's life by merely cutting a piece of his robe, David now bravely steps out of the cave and, at great personal risk, prostrates himself before Saul, openly acknowledging Saul as "My lord the king" and demonstrating deep reverence. This action establishes David's blamelessness and refutes any accusation of rebellion, showing his submission to God's chosen authority and His timing.

1 Samuel 24 8 Context

Chapter 24 of 1 Samuel finds David and his men hiding in a cave in Engedi, seeking refuge from King Saul, who is obsessively pursuing David to kill him. Saul enters the very cave where David and his men are concealed to relieve himself, unaware of their presence. David's men urge him to seize this opportune moment to kill Saul, interpreting it as God delivering his enemy into his hands. However, David firmly refuses, reasoning that he cannot "put out his hand against the LORD's anointed." He secretly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe as proof of his opportunity to kill Saul but instantly regrets even this minor act against his king. Verse 8 describes David's remarkable and audacious follow-up to this event, immediately after Saul leaves the cave. It underscores David's unique character as a man after God's own heart, prioritizing God's ordained order above personal safety or ambition. The broader historical context is a kingdom in crisis, with a king rejected by God and a future king on the run, yet upholding principles of submission and divine authority.

1 Samuel 24 8 Word analysis

• Afterward: Indicates a temporal sequence, showing this event immediately followed David cutting Saul's robe and his conviction over it.

• David also arose (וַיָּקָם גַּם-דָּוִד - vayyaqam gam-davîd):

  • arose (qum): This Hebrew verb often signifies a deliberate, purposeful act or initiation of a significant movement, rather than merely getting up. It highlights David's decisiveness and courage in initiating this direct encounter.
  • also (gam): Connects David's action directly to Saul's departure, showing he didn't wait long.

• and went out of the cave (וַיֵּצֵא מִן-הַמְּעָרָה - vayyetze min-hamme'arah):

  • David leaves his place of safety and concealment, putting himself at extreme risk. This demonstrates profound courage, faith, and a desire to clarify his intentions to Saul. He openly confronts, not ambushes.

• and called after Saul (וַיִּקְרָא אַחֲרֵי שָׁאוּל - vayyiqra acharei sha'ul):

  • called (qara): To cry out, proclaim, or summon. David actively and loudly draws Saul's attention. He is not subtle but direct in his address.

• “My lord the king!” (אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ - adoni hammelek):

  • My lord (adoni): A formal, humble address acknowledging a superior. It implies respectful submission and a subordinate relationship.
  • the king (hammelek): Explicitly recognizes Saul's legitimate title and God-given authority, despite Saul's failings and hostility towards David. This counteracts any notion of rebellion.

• And when Saul looked behind him (וַיַּבֵּט שָׁאוּל אַחֲרָיו - vayyabbat sha'ul aḥarav): Saul's turning suggests surprise and immediate attention, indicating the impact of David's call.

• David bowed with his face to the ground (וַיִּקֹּד דָּוִד אַפַּיִם אָרְצָה - vayyiqqod davîd appayim artza):

  • bowed (qadad): Implies a very deep, deferential bow, bringing the head low in submission.
  • with his face to the ground (appayim artza): Describes the most extreme form of prostration, literally touching his face to the earth. This gesture signifies profound humility, absolute submission, and deep reverence, typically performed before a sovereign or deity.

• and paid homage (וַיִּשְׁתָּחוּ - vayyishtaḥu, Hithpael of shaḥah):

  • paid homage: This verb is used both for worshiping God and showing the utmost respect and submission to a human authority. Here, it denotes David's recognition of Saul’s sacred status as God's anointed, extending the highest honor and obeisance. It unequivocally distinguishes David’s heart and actions from a rebel or usurper.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "arose and went out... and called after Saul, 'My lord the king!'": This sequence highlights David's bold initiative and respectful address. It demonstrates that David is acting honorably and openly, not deceptively. It's a calculated act to disarm Saul's suspicions through overt submission.
  • "bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage": These parallel expressions emphatically underscore the depth of David's humility, reverence, and unequivocal submission. This is not merely an outward show but stems from his conviction regarding God's appointment of Saul, setting David apart from common rebels.

1 Samuel 24 8 Bonus section

• David's action in this verse, immediately after resisting the temptation to kill Saul, profoundly demonstrates his trust in God to execute justice and establish His kingdom in His own time, rather than by human might or expediency. It contrasts starkly with Saul's impulsive and disobedient character.
• This act of homage was not born out of fear for his own life (as he just showed courage by coming out), but out of a deep reverence for God's divine institution of kingship in Israel and respect for Saul as "the LORD's anointed." This distinguishes David from an opportunist or revolutionary.
• David's humility and submission here are often cited as prime examples of what it means to be a "man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22), emphasizing his alignment with God's will and moral principles above personal vindication or ambition.
• The elaborate gesture of prostration ("face to the ground") followed by the general statement of "paid homage" would have been an unmistakable sign to Saul and everyone present of David's true intentions – allegiance, not rebellion.

1 Samuel 24 8 Commentary

1 Samuel 24:8 encapsulates a pivotal moment in David's character development and his relationship with Saul. It demonstrates David's radical trust in God's sovereignty and His timing. Despite having every opportunity and justification for rebellion from a human perspective, David chooses to uphold God's law regarding His anointed. His actions – stepping out of hiding, respectfully calling out to Saul, and then performing a deep prostration of absolute homage – serve to affirm Saul's God-given authority and David's own submissive heart. This display of profound humility disarms Saul, challenges his perceptions of David as a threat, and exemplifies Christ-like love for an enemy and respect for divinely appointed offices. David sets a precedent for believers: one respects the office even if disagreeing with the officeholder, trusting God for ultimate justice and deliverance. His actions are not manipulative but arise from genuine reverence for God's plan and His chosen leader.