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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 19 - Verse 5

19:5
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

Meaning

This verse from 1 Samuel 19:5 highlights the bravery and righteousness of David, who risked his life to defeat the Philistine Goliath, a champion warrior. The verse emphasizes that David's actions were not only courageous but also orchestrated by the Lord, who brought about a great salvation for all of Israel through David's triumph. The verse goes on to question the senseless act of harming an innocent man like David, who had only acted in the best interest of his people. By reminding the reader of David's heroic deeds and the divine intervention that accompanied them, the verse calls for reflection on the consequences of turning against someone who is clearly favored by the Lord. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of righteousness and the repercussions of acting unjustly towards those who have done no wrong.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see the contrast between the actions of David and Saul. David bravely faced the Philistine giant, Goliath, risking his own life to save the people of Israel. The phrase "put his life in his hand" suggests the courage and faith David had in God's protection. Through this act of bravery, the Lord brought about a great salvation for all of Israel. On the other hand, Saul's jealousy and paranoia led him to sin against innocent blood by seeking to slay David without cause. The word "innocent" here emphasizes David's righteousness and innocence in the eyes of the Lord, contrasting with Saul's unjust actions. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, courage, and righteousness in the eyes of God, as well as the consequences of jealousy and sin. It prompts us to reflect on our own actions and the motivations behind them, reminding us of the need to seek God's will in all that we do.

American Standard Version

for he put his life in his hand, and smote the Philistine, and Jehovah wrought a great victory for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice; wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
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