1 Samuel 26 24

1 Samuel 26:24 kjv

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.

1 Samuel 26:24 nkjv

And indeed, as your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued much in the eyes of the LORD, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation."

1 Samuel 26:24 niv

As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble."

1 Samuel 26:24 esv

Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the LORD, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation."

1 Samuel 26:24 nlt

Now may the LORD value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May he rescue me from all my troubles."

1 Samuel 26 verses

1 Samuel 26 24 Meaning

This verse captures David's profound prayer and declaration of faith addressed to Saul after sparing his life for the second time. It is a petition for divine reciprocity and protection. David acknowledges his valuing of Saul's life on that day and appeals to God to similarly value his life and deliver him from all the distress and trouble he endures, especially from Saul's relentless pursuit. It underscores David's reliance on God's justice and sovereignty, choosing not to take matters into his own hands.

1 Samuel 26 24 Context

1 Samuel chapter 26 recounts the second instance where David has an opportunity to kill King Saul, who is actively pursuing him to take his life. Saul, hearing David's location, brings 3,000 chosen men to hunt him in the wilderness of Ziph. David, with Abishai, covertly enters Saul's sleeping camp at night and finds Saul vulnerable, asleep with his spear near his head. Abishai offers to strike Saul with the spear, ensuring his death with one blow. However, David steadfastly refuses, reiterating his theological conviction that he would not "stretch out his hand against the LORD's anointed." He asserts that only the LORD can strike him, or his day will come, or he will go into battle and perish. Instead, David takes Saul's spear and water jug as proof of his presence and Saul's vulnerability. He then calls out to Abner and Saul from a distance, revealing what he has done. This act and the subsequent declaration in verse 24 profoundly demonstrate David's unwavering faith, his respect for God's anointing, and his choice to rely solely on God's justice rather than seeking vengeance or expediting his own ascent to the throne.

1 Samuel 26 24 Word analysis

• And indeed: This conjunction "And indeed" (or "Indeed, then" in some translations) serves as an emphatic transition, directly linking David's immediate past action of valuing Saul's life to his subsequent prayer and expectation from God. It introduces a solemn and weighty declaration.

• as your life (nephesh, Hebrew: נֶפֶשׁ): The word nephesh here refers not merely to the biological life but to the entire being, the self, the person. David means "as I valued your very existence." It underscores the comprehensive respect David showed towards Saul, even though Saul sought his ruin.

• was valued much (yaqar, Hebrew: יָקָר): The root yaqar means "precious," "costly," "esteemed," or "rare." It indicates something held in high regard or having great importance. David explicitly states he considered Saul's life as extremely valuable and did not treat it cheaply or dismissively. This highlights his intentional, rather than casual, decision to spare Saul.

• this day in my sight: This phrase grounds David's action in a specific, recent event. "In my sight" (or "eyes") signifies his direct observation and conscious decision. It is an immediate, demonstrable act of righteousness by David, serving as the basis for his subsequent plea to God.

• so let my life: This marks the shift to a direct plea for divine action, establishing a clear parallel. David anticipates a reciprocal valuing from God, mirroring his own conduct.

• be valued much in the sight of the LORD (YHWH): This is the core of David's appeal to divine justice and Providence. He is not appealing to a human king, but to the sovereign God. "In the sight of the LORD" implies God's full knowledge and appreciation of David's actions and intentions. David trusts that God, who sees all, will consider his life valuable and intervene on his behalf, just as he considered Saul's life valuable.

• and let Him deliver me (natzal, Hebrew: נָצַל): This is a strong verb meaning to "rescue," "deliver," "snatch away," or "pluck out." It indicates a plea for active, powerful intervention by God to remove him from danger. David acknowledges his need for divine rescue.

• out of all tribulation (tsarah, Hebrew: צָרָה): This noun denotes "distress," "trouble," "adversity," "anguish," or "affliction." It's a comprehensive term for all the hardships David faced, particularly Saul's unrelenting pursuit, but also potentially other dangers inherent in his fugitive lifestyle. David asks for a complete deliverance from every form of adversity.

• "as your life...so let my life...in the sight of the LORD": This phrase functions as a covenantal plea, demonstrating David's faith that God rewards those who act righteously. It expresses the principle that God upholds those who honor His anointed and respect His sovereign appointments. David trusts that his valuing of Saul's God-given kingship, despite Saul's failings, will be met with God's reciprocal valuing of David's own life and purpose. It embodies the concept of trusting divine justice rather than human revenge or manipulation.

• "let Him deliver me out of all tribulation": This highlights David's complete dependence on God for rescue from all his afflictions. It demonstrates a holistic trust that God's deliverance will be comprehensive, extending to every aspect of his distress. This plea is a culmination of David's character—one who submits to God's will and expects His protective hand.

1 Samuel 26 24 Bonus section

This verse stands as a powerful testament to David's character, contrasting sharply with the common political strategies of the ancient Near East, which often involved assassinating rivals to seize power. David's actions were counter-cultural and demonstrated his profound commitment to divine law over worldly ambition. His statement also subtly challenges the "might makes right" mentality by asserting God's ultimate authority over human life and destiny. The prophetic element of this verse is evident in God's continued preservation of David's life through numerous dangers until he eventually became king, demonstrating God's faithfulness to David's trusting plea. The repetition of "valued much" underscores the intentionality of both David's merciful act and his expectation of God's perfect justice.

1 Samuel 26 24 Commentary

1 Samuel 26:24 encapsulates David's profound theological perspective and deep trust in God amidst severe persecution. Having spared King Saul's life twice, David did not act out of sentimentality but from conviction regarding the sanctity of God's anointed and a steadfast belief that God, not man, would establish the kingdom and execute justice. This verse is David's prayer that God, who observed his mercy and obedience, would reciprocally show him mercy and deliverance from the immense distress caused by Saul. It underlines the spiritual principle that righteous conduct, especially the refusal to take vengeance and instead rely on God's sovereignty, earns divine favor and protection. David's words are a confident appeal to God's character as a just judge and faithful deliverer. His petition isn't presumptuous, but rather a reflection of his consistent submission to God's will and his expectation of divine vindication. This act sets David apart as a man after God's own heart, willing to suffer for righteousness while waiting patiently for the Lord's timing and intervention.