And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

1 SAMUEL 26:24KJV
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1 Samuel 26:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 26:24 mean?

1 Samuel 26:24 means that David is asking God to value and protect his life just as David valued and spared Saul’s life that day. David hopes that, because he showed mercy to Saul, God will show mercy to him and rescue him from his troubles.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to Saul after sparing Saul’s life when he had the chance to kill him. David uses the moment to express his hope that God will notice his act of mercy and, in turn, treat him with the same care and deliver him from danger. The verse highlights David’s trust in God’s justice and his desire for God’s protection.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 26:24

  • The word for "life" is נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), which often means "life," "soul," or "self." Here, it emphasizes the personal value and preciousness of a person’s life.
  • The word translated "set by" is גָּדַל (gadal), meaning "to be great" or "to be highly valued." David is saying he considered Saul’s life as very important, not just that he spared him, but that he truly valued him.
  • The word for "deliver" is נָצַל (natsal), which means "to rescue" or "to snatch away." David is asking God to actively save him from all his hardships, not just passively protect him.
  • The word for "tribulation" is צָרָה (tsarah), meaning "distress" or "trouble." David is referring to the real dangers and hardships he faces, not just minor problems.

Why 1 Samuel 26:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s mercy toward Saul was not just about avoiding guilt, but about genuinely valuing Saul’s life, which he hopes God will mirror toward him.
  • It connects to the wider story by showing David’s consistent refusal to harm Saul, even when it would have been easy, highlighting his integrity and trust in God’s timing.
  • The verse helps clear up any idea that David acted out of fear or weakness; instead, he acted out of principle and faith, and he openly asks God to treat him with the same care he showed Saul.

Where else these words appear

“tribulation” Hebrew H6869 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
  • Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Isaiah 8:22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.

“by” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.