1 Samuel 24:18

Verse

And you have shown this day how well you have dealt with me; for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.

American Standard Version (1901)

And thou hast declared this day how that thou hast dealt well with me, forasmuch as when Jehovah had delivered me up into thy hand, thou killedst me not.

Bible in Basic English

And you have made clear to me how good you have been to me today: because, when the Lord gave me up into your hands, you did not put me to death.

Free Bible Version

Today you have demonstrated how well you have treated me—for when the Lord handed me over to you, you didn't kill me.

King James (Authorized) Version

And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.

Translation for Translators

When Yahweh put me in a place in that cave where you could have easily killed me, you did not do that.

Unlocked Literal Bible

You have declared today how you have done good to me, for you did not kill me when Yahweh had put me at your mercy.

Noah Webster Bible

And thou hast showed this day how thou hast dealt with me; forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thy hand, thou didst not kill me.

World English Bible

You have declared today how you have dealt well with me, because when Yahweh had delivered me up into your hand, you didn’t kill me.

Young's Literal Translation

and thou hast declared to-day how that thou hast done good with me, how that Jehovah shut me up into thy hand, and thou didst not slay me,

Context

David’s Oath to Saul

¹⁷and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.¹⁸And you have shown this day how well you have dealt with me; for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.¹⁹When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day.

Summary

In this verse, King Saul acknowledges his wrongdoing and expresses remorse for pursuing David with the intent to harm him. He recognizes David's righteousness and the fact that David spared his life when he had the opportunity to take it. This interaction reveals a moment of humility and recognition of God's favor upon David, despite the conflict between the two men. It showcases the complexity of human relationships and the importance of forgiveness and mercy even in the midst of betrayal and animosity.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me,.... The cutting off of the skirt of his robe only, when his life was in his hand, was a clear proof and full demonstration of his dealing well with him, and might sufficiently convince him he had no ill design upon him: forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not; this was a plain proof and evidence of his kindness to him, which he owns, and also the providence of God in this affair, which had delivered him into the hands of David; by which he might see the Lord was for David, and against him, and might have deterred him from seeking David's hurt hereafter; but it did not.