King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:7 in the King James Version says “So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the c...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. stayed: Heb. cut off”

1 Samuel 24:7 · KJV

Context

5

And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

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.

7

So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. stayed: Heb. cut off

8

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

9

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

Read 1 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.

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 · 15 words
וַיְשַׁסַּ֨ע1 of 15

“stayed”

H8156

to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid

דָּוִ֤ד2 of 15

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 15
H853

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

אֲנָשָׁיו֙4 of 15
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בַּדְּבָרִ֔ים5 of 15

“with these words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְלֹ֥א6 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נְתָנָ֖ם7 of 15

“and suffered”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

קָ֥ם8 of 15

“rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶל9 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְשָׁא֛וּל10 of 15

“But Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְשָׁא֛וּל11 of 15

“But Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

קָ֥ם12 of 15

“rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מֵֽהַמְּעָרָ֖ה13 of 15

“out of the cave”

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ14 of 15
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃15 of 15

“on his way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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 24:7 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 24:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 7:4Matthew 5:441 Samuel 25:33Romans 12:17-21

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