2 Samuel 1:14 kjv

And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?

2 Samuel 1:14 nkjv

So David said to him, "How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?"

2 Samuel 1:14 niv

David asked him, "Why weren't you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?"

2 Samuel 1:14 esv

David said to him, "How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?"

2 Samuel 1:14 nlt

"Why were you not afraid to kill the LORD's anointed one?" David asked.

2 Samuel 1 verses

2 Samuel 1 14 Meaning

In 2 Samuel 1:14, David confronts the Amalekite who claims to have killed Saul, sternly questioning his audacity for striking down "the LORD's anointed." This verse signifies David's deep reverence for God's appointed king, despite Saul's failings, and pronounces judgment on the one who dared to lay hands on him. It underscores the profound theological implications of touching a ruler consecrated by divine decree.

2 Samuel 1 14 Context

The verse occurs immediately after an Amalekite claims to have mercifully put Saul to death on Mount Gilboa after Saul was mortally wounded. The Amalekite, thinking he would receive favor from David for this act, brought Saul's crown and armlet to him. However, David's response is one of horror and judgment, not reward. The immediate context of 2 Samuel chapter 1 describes David receiving the tragic news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths. Historically, Saul was Israel's first king, divinely chosen and anointed by Samuel (1 Sam 10:1). Despite Saul's subsequent disobedience and the LORD's rejection of his dynasty, he still held the sacred title of "the LORD's anointed." David himself had two clear opportunities to kill Saul but refused, explicitly stating his reverence for this title (1 Sam 24:6, 1 Sam 26:9-11). This deep-seated respect is crucial to understanding David's outrage in 2 Samuel 1:14. David's response also highlights his just and righteous character, rejecting any personal gain from Saul's demise at the hands of another.

2 Samuel 1 14 Word analysis

• Then David: The name דָּוִד (Dav̌ı̄ḏ), meaning "beloved," is consistently used for the man after God's own heart, whose unwavering respect for divine appointment is a hallmark of his character.
• said to him: Indicates a direct confrontation and stern interrogation, rather than acceptance or celebration.
• "How is it": Expresses incredulity, shock, and condemnation. It's a rhetorical question challenging the Amalekite's fundamental understanding of sacred boundaries.
• "you were not afraid": The Hebrew verb יָרֵא (yare'), means "to fear, be afraid, reverence." It carries connotations of respect and awe. David implies that the Amalekite lacked the fundamental fear of God and reverence for divine authority, which should have deterred him. This is not merely physical fear but a deep moral and spiritual apprehension of consequences.
• "to stretch out": שָׁלַח (shalach), meaning "to send forth, extend." Here, it specifically denotes initiating an action with the hand, an act of physical violence and aggression.
• "your hand": Emphasizes the personal, direct act of the Amalekite. It implicates him directly in the transgression.
• "to destroy": שָׁחַת (shachat), a strong verb meaning "to ruin, spoil, corrupt, destroy." It implies an act of desecration and defilement, not merely killing, but an act that brings spiritual ruin. It often denotes a violent or malicious act, often resulting in complete ruin.
• "the LORD's anointed": מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה (Meshiach Yahweh).
  • "LORD's" (יְהוָה - Yahweh): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His divine sovereignty and the sacredness of what He establishes.
  • "anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ - maschiach): Derives from the verb מָשַׁח (mashach), meaning "to smear" or "to anoint," typically with oil. In this context, it signifies someone specially set apart, consecrated, and chosen by God for a specific office (king, priest, prophet). Despite Saul's later rebellion, his initial anointing was a divine act that bestowed upon him a unique, sacred status in God's eyes. Touching the "anointed" was considered touching God's direct act of appointment.
• "to stretch out your hand to destroy": This phrase encapsulates the brazenness and sacrilege of the Amalekite's claimed act. It implies a deliberate, presumptuous violation of a divinely ordained boundary. The very idea of an ordinary person taking such an action against someone designated by Yahweh was anathema to David.

2 Samuel 1 14 Bonus Section

• The Amalekite's Deception: Many scholars believe the Amalekite likely fabricated the story of killing Saul to gain favor with David, presenting himself as a bringer of good news and a loyal agent. He misjudged David's character, failing to understand David's deep reverence for God's anointed. Regardless of the truth of his claim, his boast of the deed was enough for David to condemn him, as it revealed his willingness to strike the king.
• Divine Vengeance is God's Prerogative: David's judgment on the Amalekite reinforces the idea that God reserves the right to remove His anointed, and it is not for man to "destroy" them, especially in such a disrespectful manner. This aligns with Romans 12:19, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord."
• Anticipation of the Messiah: The title "the LORD's Anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ יְהוָה) holds profound significance as it foreshadows "the Messiah" (Christos in Greek), the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. David's profound respect for Saul's anointing highlights the greater reverence due to Christ, who is eternally God's chosen King, Priest, and Prophet.

2 Samuel 1 14 Commentary

David's interrogation in 2 Samuel 1:14 exposes the profound theological principle that God's chosen vessels, even flawed ones, are ultimately under His direct authority and protection. David viewed Saul, despite their protracted conflict and Saul's moral failures, as sacrosanct because God Himself had anointed him. This verse highlights David's exemplary character and unwavering adherence to God's sovereign choices. It wasn't about vengeance for an enemy king, but reverence for divine appointment. The Amalekite's alleged act revealed a total lack of fear of God and understanding of His sacred appointments, demonstrating profound disrespect for Yahweh's will. For this reason, the Amalekite was immediately judged, receiving no commendation, but swift execution. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the solemnity attached to divine callings and the seriousness of challenging God's authority by harming His designated leaders.