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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 24 - Verse 4

24:4
And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.

Meaning

The verse "And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily." from the Bible, specifically from the Book of 1 Samuel, highlights a pivotal moment in the relationship between King Saul and David. In this verse, David's men remind him of the prophecy that God had given him - that he would defeat his enemy, Saul. Instead of taking the opportunity to harm Saul when he had the chance, David chooses to only cut off a piece of Saul's robe as a sign of his respect for the king and his unwillingness to harm him, despite Saul's continued pursuit of David's life. This action demonstrates David's integrity, humility, and faith in God's plan. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful lesson about forgiveness, mercy, and trusting in God's timing and guidance.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 1 Samuel 24:4, we see the men of David reminding him of the promise that the Lord had made to him, that He would deliver his enemy into his hand. This verse highlights the sovereignty of God and His control over the events in David's life. The men of David encourage him to take action and do as he pleases with Saul, who was seeking to kill him. The word 'robe' in this verse can be interpreted as a symbol of authority and kingship, as cutting off a piece of someone's garment was considered a sign of disrespect. The act of cutting off the skirt of Saul's robe symbolized David's restraint and respect for Saul's position as king, despite the mistreatment he had endured. This verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's promises and seeking His guidance in difficult situations, even when faced with the temptation to take matters into our own hands.

American Standard Version

And the men of David said unto him, Behold, the day of which Jehovah said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thy hand, and thou shalt do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
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