Bible Strands
1 Samuel 26:10
David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David speaks to Abishai during their nighttime infiltration of Saul’s camp, explaining why he refuses to kill the sleeping king. He asserts that divine judgment, not human intervention, will determine Saul’s fate.
The words — The oath formula חַי־יְהוָה (chai-Yahweh) literally means “by the life of Yahweh.” The verb יִגָּפֶֽנּוּ (yi.gaffe.nu) translates to “he will strike him down,” describing God’s direct action against Saul.
The thread — Genesis 47:29 and Deuteronomy 31:14 frame death as a sovereign appointment rather than a human achievement. Romans 12:19 commands believers to refrain from personal vengeance, leaving retribution to God.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that divine timing supersedes human urgency. It demands active restraint when confronting evil, trusting that judgment belongs to God alone.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.
Cross-references
- Genesis 47:29 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt,
- Deuteronomy 31:14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting.
- Romans 12:19 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.”
- 1 Samuel 25:38 About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead.
- 1 Samuel 31:6 So Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and all his men died together that same day.
- Psalms 37:13 but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.
- 1 Samuel 25:26 Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 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.”
- 1 Samuel 24:15 May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”
- Job 7:1 “Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand?