This verse is from 1 Samuel 26:18, part of a conversation between David and King Saul. Let's break it down:
"He said, 'Why does my lord pursue his servant?'" David is speaking to Saul, his king ("my lord"), and questioning why Saul is chasing after him, David ("his servant"). The use of "pursue" implies a relentless and aggressive chase, like a hunter after prey.
"For what have I done?" David is asking what he has done to warrant this treatment. He is questioning the justification for Saul's pursuit.
"What evil is in my hand?" This is a rhetorical question emphasizing David's innocence. He is saying he has done nothing wrong, he bears no guilt or malice. "In my hand" can be understood literally (he hasn't committed any violent acts) but also figuratively (he harbors no ill intentions).
In essence, the verse expresses David's bewilderment and distress at being relentlessly hunted by Saul despite having done nothing to deserve such treatment. It highlights David's loyalty and integrity, contrasting it with Saul's perceived paranoia and irrationality.
Context is important: This verse occurs after David has snuck into Saul's camp at night and taken Saul's spear and water jug. David could have killed Saul, but he didn't, choosing instead to demonstrate his respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed king. David's actions serve to prove his innocence and lack of desire to harm Saul, making this verse a poignant appeal for Saul to reconsider his actions.
This verse is from 1 Samuel 26:18, part of a conversation between David and King Saul. Let's break it down:
"He said, 'Why does my lord pursue his servant?'" David is speaking to Saul, his king ("my lord"), and questioning why Saul is chasing after him, David ("his servant"). The use of "pursue" implies a relentless and aggressive chase, like a hunter after prey.
"For what have I done?" David is asking what he has done to warrant this treatment. He is questioning the justification for Saul's pursuit.
"What evil is in my hand?" This is a rhetorical question emphasizing David's innocence. He is saying he has done nothing wrong, he bears no guilt or malice. "In my hand" can be understood literally (he hasn't committed any violent acts) but also figuratively (he harbors no ill intentions).
In essence, the verse expresses David's bewilderment and distress at being relentlessly hunted by Saul despite having done nothing to deserve such treatment. It highlights David's loyalty and integrity, contrasting it with Saul's perceived paranoia and irrationality.
Context is important: This verse occurs after David has snuck into Saul's camp at night and taken Saul's spear and water jug. David could have killed Saul, but he didn't, choosing instead to demonstrate his respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed king. David's actions serve to prove his innocence and lack of desire to harm Saul, making this verse a poignant appeal for Saul to reconsider his actions.