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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 24:12 May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/24-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/09_1Sa_24_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 24:12 - David Spares Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/24-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/24-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm" title="1 Samuel 24:11">◄</a> 1 Samuel 24:12 <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm" title="1 Samuel 24:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“May the LORD judge between us. Perhaps the LORD will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between me and you, may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Let the LORD judge between you and me, and let the LORD avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you for me; but my hand shall not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />May Yahweh judge between you and me, and may Yahweh avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between me and you; and may the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“May the LORD judge between me and you, and may the LORD take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Jehovah judge between me and thee, and Jehovah avenge me of thee; but my hand shall not be upon thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I'll let the LORD decide which one of us has done right. I pray that the LORD will punish you for what you're doing to me, but I won't do anything to you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />May the LORD decide between you and me. May the LORD take revenge on you for what you did to me. However, I will not lay a hand on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />May the LORD judge which one of us is wrong! May he punish you for your action against me, for I will not harm you in the least. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between me and you, and may he take vengeance on you for me, but I won't be attacking you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between the two of us, and may the LORD vindicate me over you, but my hand will not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between me and you, and may the LORD avenge me of you; but my hand shall not be on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but my hand shall not be upon thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />May Yahweh judge between me and you, and may Yahweh avenge me of you; but my hand will not be on you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />YHWH judges between me and you, and YHWH has avenged me of you, and my hand is not on you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Jehovah doth judge between me and thee, and Jehovah hath avenged me of thee, and my hand is not on thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will judge between me and between thee, and Jehovah avenge me of thee: and my hand shall not be upon thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord revenge me of thee: but my hand shall not be upon thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 24:13> May the Lord judge between me and you. And may the Lord vindicate me from you. But my hand will not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between me and you. May the LORD exact justice from you in my case. I shall not lay a hand on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between me and you! May the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between me and you, and the LORD avenge me of you; but my hand shall not be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />LORD JEHOVAH shall judge between me and you, and LORD JEHOVAH shall avenge me by your hands, and my hand will not be against you<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee; but my hand shall not be upon thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord requite thee on thyself: but my hand shall not be upon thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/24-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7184" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm">David Spares Saul</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">May the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: yiš·pōṭ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To judge, govern. ">judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bê·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- An interval, space between. ">between you and me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇê·ne·ḵā (Conj-w:: Prep:: 2ms) -- An interval, space between. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">and may the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5358.htm" title="5358: ū·nə·qā·ma·nî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 1cs2) -- To avenge, take vengeance. A primitive root; to grudge, i.e. Avenge or punish.">take vengeance</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·me·kā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">on you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: wə·yā·ḏî (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">but my hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will never</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: ṯih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">be</a> <a href="/hebrew/bāḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">against you.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a></span><br />Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-2</a></span><br />“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12</a></span><br />There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-19.htm">Genesis 50:19</a></span><br />But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-29</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. / If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Hebrews 10:30</a></span><br />For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a></span><br />Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The LORD judge between me and you, and the LORD avenge me of you: but my hand shall not be on you.</p><p class="hdg">Lord judge</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10,23</a></b></br> David said furthermore, <i>As</i> the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Genesis 16:5</a></b></br> And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong <i>be</i> upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/11-27.htm">Judges 11:27</a></b></br> Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.</p><p class="hdg">but mine hand</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">1 Samuel 26:11</a></b></br> The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that <i>is</i> at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-43.htm">Avenge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">Avenged</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-7.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-25.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Touch</a> <a href="/numbers/5-6.htm">Wrongs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Avenge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-31.htm">Avenged</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-2.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Touch</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Wrongs</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">He shows thereby his innocence,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-16.htm">Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>May the LORD judge between you and me</b><br>This phrase reflects David's reliance on divine justice rather than personal retribution. In the context of <a href="/1_samuel/24.htm">1 Samuel 24</a>, David spares King Saul's life in the cave at En Gedi, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king despite Saul's pursuit to kill him. The appeal to the LORD as judge underscores the biblical principle found in <a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a>, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay," which is echoed in <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>. This reliance on God for justice is a recurring theme in David's life, as seen in his psalms, where he often calls upon God to judge his enemies.<p><b>and may the LORD take vengeance on you</b><br>David entrusts the matter of vengeance to God, aligning with the biblical teaching that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice. This reflects a deep faith in God's sovereignty and righteousness. The cultural context of the time often involved personal vendettas and blood feuds, but David's response is countercultural, emphasizing forgiveness and trust in God's timing. This foreshadows the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly in <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>, where believers are instructed to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.<p><b>but my hand will never be against you</b><br>David's declaration of non-violence towards Saul is significant, as it highlights his respect for Saul's position as the LORD's anointed. This restraint is a testament to David's character and his understanding of God's will. It also serves as a type of Christ, who, despite being wronged, did not retaliate but entrusted himself to God who judges justly (<a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a>). David's commitment to peace and his refusal to harm Saul, even when he had the opportunity, exemplifies the biblical principle of overcoming evil with good, as later articulated by Paul in <a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Anointed future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul. He is in a position to harm Saul but chooses not to.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cave_at_en_gedi.htm">The Cave at En Gedi</a></b><br>A location in the wilderness where David and his men are hiding. Saul enters the cave, unaware of David's presence.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The God of Israel, whom David invokes as the ultimate judge between him and Saul.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_act_of_mercy.htm">The Act of Mercy</a></b><br>David spares Saul's life, demonstrating restraint and faith in God's justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_justice.htm">Trust in Divine Justice</a></b><br>David's reliance on God to judge between him and Saul teaches us to trust in God's perfect justice rather than taking matters into our own hands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restraint_and_mercy.htm">Restraint and Mercy</a></b><br>By sparing Saul, David exemplifies mercy and self-control, encouraging us to show kindness even to those who wrong us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_timing.htm">Faith in God's Timing</a></b><br>David's patience in waiting for God's timing for his kingship reminds us to wait on God's timing in our own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a></b><br>Despite Saul's unjust actions, David respects Saul's position as king, teaching us to respect authority while trusting God to address injustices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_clear_conscience.htm">The Power of a Clear Conscience</a></b><br>David's decision to not harm Saul allows him to maintain a clear conscience before God, highlighting the peace that comes from righteous actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_revenge.htm">What does the Bible say about revenge and vengeance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_grudges.htm">What does the Bible say about holding grudges?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_david_merciful_to_saul_in_1_sam_24.htm">Why does David’s mercy toward Saul in 1 Samuel 24 contradict other violent actions David takes elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_cutting_saul's_robe_prove_innocence.htm">How does David’s act of cutting Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:4–5) reliably prove his innocence when no neutral witnesses are mentioned? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/24-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">May the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judge</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·pōṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between you and me,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּינִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and may the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">take vengeance</span><br /><span class="heb">וּנְקָמַ֥נִי</span> <span class="translit">(ū·nə·qā·ma·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5358.htm">Strong's 5358: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grudge, avenge, punish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on you,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּ֑ךָּ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·me·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but my hand</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָדִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will never</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be</span><br /><span class="heb">תִֽהְיֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(ṯih·yeh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against you.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 24:12 Yahweh judge between me and you (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>