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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 22 - Verse 13

22:13
And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, King Saul confronts one of his servants for allegedly conspiring against him with David, the son of Jesse. Saul accuses the servant of providing David with bread, a sword, and seeking guidance from God on his behalf, ultimately leading to David's rebellion against the king. This passage sheds light on the intense paranoia and insecurity that plagued Saul as he viewed David as a threat to his reign. It reflects Saul's growing resentment towards David's popularity and success, as well as his fear of being overthrown. The verse highlights the themes of betrayal, jealousy, and trust in divine guidance that are prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. Saul's accusations reveal the depths of his suspicions and the lengths to which he would go to protect his power, setting the stage for the ongoing conflict between Saul and David.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 1 Samuel 22:13, Saul expresses his suspicion towards one of his servants who he accuses of conspiring against him by aiding David, the son of Jesse. The theological interpretation of this passage sheds light on Saul's paranoia and insecurity as king, feeling threatened by a potential challenger like David. Saul's fear and jealousy led him to act irrationally and accuse those around him without solid evidence. This verse also highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in making decisions, as David did by inquiring of God. The word "conspired" in this verse points to the theme of betrayal and deceit, as Saul believed that his servant had plotted against him. Overall, this passage serves as a reminder of the dangers of jealousy and the importance of trusting in God for protection and guidance in the face of adversity.

American Standard Version

And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?
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