King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:15 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:15 in the King James Version says “The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine han...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. deliver: Heb. judge”

1 Samuel 24:15 · KJV

Context

13

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

14

After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

15

The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. deliver: Heb. judge

16

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

17

And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

Read 1 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of leaving vengeance to God rather than taking matters into one's own hands. David's restraint shows mature faith that trusts God to vindicate and promote in His timing. This passage warns against using apparent opportunities to advance personal interests when doing so requires violating godly principles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהָיָ֤ה1 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְהוָה֙2 of 12

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְדַיָּ֔ן3 of 12

“therefore be judge”

H1781

a judge or advocate

וְיִשְׁפְּטֵ֖נִי4 of 12

“and deliver”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

בֵּינִ֣י5 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵינֶ֑ךָ6 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וְיֵ֙רֶא֙7 of 12

“between me and thee and see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְיָרֵ֣ב8 of 12

“and plead”

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

אֶת9 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רִיבִ֔י10 of 12

“my cause”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

וְיִשְׁפְּטֵ֖נִי11 of 12

“and deliver”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

מִיָּדֶֽךָ׃12 of 12

“me out of thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 24:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 24:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 43:1Psalms 35:1Psalms 119:1541 Samuel 24:12Micah 7:9Micah 1:2

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