1 samuel 24:7 - So David checked his men with these words, and didn’t allow them to rise against Saul. Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 24:7

What does "1 samuel 24:7" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 24:7 is a crucial turning point in the story of David and Saul. Let's break it down:

"So David checked his men with these words...": David's men were urging him to kill Saul. They saw Saul's vulnerability in the cave as a sign from God that David should seize the opportunity to take the throne. David spoke to them, rebuking their advice to kill Saul. The Bible does not record exactly what David said, but we can infer it centered on respecting the Lord's anointed, the wrongness of taking vengeance, and trusting in God's timing.

"...and didn’t allow them to rise against Saul.": This highlights David's strong leadership and control. He could have easily succumbed to the pressure from his men and his own ambition, but he chose to restrain them. He prevented them from attacking and killing Saul.

"Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.": This describes Saul's actions. He was unaware of how close he had come to death. He left the cave, continuing on his mission to hunt David, oblivious to the restraint and respect David had shown him.

In summary, the verse means:

David, despite being presented with the perfect opportunity to kill his enemy Saul (who was also king), actively prevented his men from doing so. He valued God's authority and respected Saul's position as the anointed king, even though Saul was trying to kill him. This act demonstrates David's righteousness, integrity, and faith in God's plan. Saul, unaware of the danger he was in, continued his pursuit of David.

Significance of the Verse:

David's Character: The verse emphasizes David's loyalty, respect for authority, and faith in God's timing. It showcases his righteousness and sets him apart as a man after God's own heart. He resisted the temptation to take matters into his own hands.
Saul's Blindness: It highlights Saul's continued blindness to his own failings and his relentless pursuit of David, even when given a chance to recognize David's loyalty.
Theme of God's Sovereignty: The entire encounter underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and control over events. David's restraint shows that he trusted God to deliver him in His own way and time, rather than resorting to violence and usurpation.
Foreshadowing: It foreshadows David's future kingship. He refused to seize the throne illegitimately, indicating that he would be a king appointed by God, not one who takes power through violence.