1 Samuel 24:8
1 Samuel 24:8 in Multiple Translations
After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance.
And after that David came out of the hollow rock, and crying after Saul said, My lord the king. And when Saul gave a look back, David went down on his face and gave him honour.
A little later David came out of the cave and shouted, “My master the king!” When Saul looked around, David bowed down with his face to the ground.
So Dauid ouercame his seruants with these words, and suffered them not to arise against Saul: so Saul rose vp out of the caue and went away.
and David riseth afterwards, and goeth out from the cave, and calleth after Saul, saying, 'My lord, O king!' And Saul looketh attentively behind him, and David boweth — face to the earth — and doth obeisance.
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave and cried after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and showed respect.
David also rose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
And David stopped his men with his words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rising up out of the cave, went on his way.
After Saul left the cave and started to walk on the road again, David came out of the cave and shouted to Saul, “King Saul!” Saul turned around and looked, and David bowed down with his face touching the ground.
David waited a few minutes, then he went out too. He called out to Saul, “Hey boss.” Saul looked back over his shoulder. David got down on his knees, to show him respect.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:8
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1 Samuel 24:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:8
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 24:8
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 24:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 24:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:8
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:8
Context — David Spares Saul
8After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence
9and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? 10Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 25:23–24 | When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. |
| 2 | Romans 13:7 | Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. |
| 3 | Exodus 20:12 | Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 20:41 | When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 26:17 | Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said. |
| 6 | Genesis 17:3 | Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, |
| 7 | 1 Peter 2:17 | Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. |
1 Samuel 24:8 Summary
[In this verse, David shows great respect and humility by bowing down to Saul, even after Saul had been trying to hurt him. This is because David recognized Saul as God's chosen king, and he wanted to honor God by honoring Saul. As it says in Romans 13:1-2, we are called to submit to authority and respect those in positions of power, not because they are perfect, but because God has established them. By following David's example, we can learn to trust God and respect authority, even in difficult situations.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David call out to Saul and bow down after he had just spared his life?
David showed respect and submission to Saul as the Lord's anointed king, demonstrating his commitment to honoring God's authority, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:9-11 and Romans 13:1-2.
What motivated David to bow facedown in reverence to Saul?
David's actions were motivated by his reverence for God and his recognition of Saul's position as the Lord's anointed, as stated in 1 Samuel 24:6 and Psalm 105:15.
Is this verse suggesting that we should submit to authority even if it is unjust or ungodly?
This verse highlights David's submission to God's authority, and by extension, to the authority God had established in Saul, as seen in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14, but it does not necessarily imply submission to ungodly authority.
How does David's behavior in this verse reflect his character and relationship with God?
David's actions demonstrate his trust in God's sovereignty, his respect for authority, and his commitment to doing what is right in God's eyes, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate reverence and respect for authority in my own life, just as David did with Saul?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my need to submit to authority, as David did in this situation?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and timing, rather than taking matters into my own hands?
- In what ways can I show humility and deference to others, even if they are not in positions of authority over me?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 24:8
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:8
Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God's Truth: Rebellion and Patriotism by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses five qualities that are best developed in a nation during times of struggle: submission, goodness, respect, commitment, and prayer. He emphasi |
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1 Peter 2:7 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:7, emphasizing that true believers are those who recognize their lost state and see Christ as their only Savior. He describes how Christ is precious |
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Fraud Exposed and Condemned by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of conducting fair and upright business transactions as a reflection of true religion. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be gove |
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Have You Paid This Debt? by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that debts extend beyond financial obligations, highlighting the importance of honoring and respecting others as lifelong debts we owe. He discusses the respo |
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Homily 19 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of walking wisely in a world filled with evil, emphasizing the need to understand the will of the Lord and to redeem the time. He highlig |
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Fraud Exposed and Condemned. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of conducting fair and upright business transactions as a reflection of true religion. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be gove |
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Homily 70 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the Pharisees' attempt to entangle Jesus in His words, highlighting their wicked intentions and hidden craftiness. Despite their flattery and deceitf |





