Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 24 - Verse 6

24:6
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

Meaning

When we examine this verse closely, we see an important lesson about respect and honor. The context of this verse is when David and his men come across King Saul, who is sleeping vulnerable in a cave. David's men urge him to take advantage of the situation and kill Saul, but David refuses. He acknowledges Saul as the anointed of the LORD, showing reverence for authority and the position that Saul holds. This verse highlights the importance of respecting those in positions of authority, even when it may seem beneficial to act otherwise. It teaches us about the value of honoring God's chosen leaders, even in difficult circumstances. By showing restraint and refusing to harm Saul, David demonstrates his faith and trust in God's plan, setting an example for us to follow in our own lives.

Theological Overview

This verse from 1 Samuel 24:6 shows David's deep reverence for Saul, the king of Israel who had been anointed by the Lord. David's men urged him to take this opportunity to eliminate his enemy, Saul, while he had the chance. However, David refused, citing the reason that he could not bring harm to the Lord's anointed one. This verse reflects a theological interpretation of the concept of anointing in the Bible. Anointing in the Old Testament was a sacred act that set apart individuals for a specific purpose or role in God's plan. The anointing of Saul as king was seen as a divine appointment, and David's respect for this anointing demonstrates his reverence for God's authority and plan. This verse also underscores the importance of obedience to God's chosen leaders, even when faced with personal desires or conflicts. David's refusal to harm Saul serves as a powerful example of honoring and respecting the Lord's anointed, regardless of personal grievances or circumstances.

American Standard Version

And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Jehovah's anointed.
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