David will be king, ensuring God’s promise to establish a godly line of leadership for His people.
Saul, the first king of Israel who reigned from around 1050 BC to 1010 BC, had been relentlessly pursuing David in the wilderness near En Gedi, close to the western shore of the Dead Sea. David had the opportunity to take Saul’s life in a cave but instead chose to spare him. Afterward, Saul realized David’s righteousness and God’s plan for David to become king. In 1 Samuel 24:20, Saul confesses to David, saying, “Now, behold, I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand.” (v.20). This admission by Saul came after David revealed how he refused to harm King Saul, illustrating the depth of David’s loyalty and respect toward the Lord’s anointed despite Saul’s aggression.
Saul himself had ruled for decades, but God had already rejected him because he disobeyed the Lord’s commands (1 Samuel 15:23). In contrast, David, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel, would become God’s chosen ruler over Israel. By acknowledging, “I know that you will surely be king…” (v.20), Saul reveals a moment of clarity, recognizing God’s sovereign hand upon David’s life. Saul’s statement also foreshadows the transition from Saul’s troubled monarchy to the establishment of a dynasty under David (2 Samuel 5:3). David would eventually reign as king from around 1010 BC to 970 BC. His humility and reverence stand out powerfully in this passage because his refusal to harm Saul highlighted that David trusted God to seat him as king at the appointed time.
The deeper message found here points to the Lord’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Although Saul persecuted David as an enemy, God’s will prevailed, and even Saul was forced to concede that “the kingdom of Israel will be established in [David’s] hand.” (v.20). This points to the continuous biblical theme of God raising up rulers who ultimately point toward Jesus, the ultimate King (Luke 1:32-33). David’s life of trusting and waiting on the Lord would later become a strong example of faith for God’s people.
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1 Samuel 24:20 meaning
Saul, the first king of Israel who reigned from around 1050 BC to 1010 BC, had been relentlessly pursuing David in the wilderness near En Gedi, close to the western shore of the Dead Sea. David had the opportunity to take Saul’s life in a cave but instead chose to spare him. Afterward, Saul realized David’s righteousness and God’s plan for David to become king. In 1 Samuel 24:20, Saul confesses to David, saying, “Now, behold, I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand.” (v.20). This admission by Saul came after David revealed how he refused to harm King Saul, illustrating the depth of David’s loyalty and respect toward the Lord’s anointed despite Saul’s aggression.
Saul himself had ruled for decades, but God had already rejected him because he disobeyed the Lord’s commands (1 Samuel 15:23). In contrast, David, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel, would become God’s chosen ruler over Israel. By acknowledging, “I know that you will surely be king…” (v.20), Saul reveals a moment of clarity, recognizing God’s sovereign hand upon David’s life. Saul’s statement also foreshadows the transition from Saul’s troubled monarchy to the establishment of a dynasty under David (2 Samuel 5:3). David would eventually reign as king from around 1010 BC to 970 BC. His humility and reverence stand out powerfully in this passage because his refusal to harm Saul highlighted that David trusted God to seat him as king at the appointed time.
The deeper message found here points to the Lord’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Although Saul persecuted David as an enemy, God’s will prevailed, and even Saul was forced to concede that “the kingdom of Israel will be established in [David’s] hand.” (v.20). This points to the continuous biblical theme of God raising up rulers who ultimately point toward Jesus, the ultimate King (Luke 1:32-33). David’s life of trusting and waiting on the Lord would later become a strong example of faith for God’s people.