1 Samuel 26:23

23 Remember: The LORD rewards every person for their righteousness and loyalty, and I wasn't willing to lift a hand against the LORD's anointed, even though the LORD handed you over to me today.

1 Samuel 26:23 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 26:23

The Lord render to every man his righteousness, and his
faithfulness
Or recompense every man that deals justly and faithfully with others, as he had done with Saul; or the Lord, who is just and faithful to his promises, reward the men that act the good and upright part; and this was a prayer of faith; for David doubted not that, though Saul might fail, yet God could not;

for the Lord delivered thee into [my] hand this day;
or, "into an hand"

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 into the hand of Abishai, who had it in his power to slay him, when he went and took the spear that was at his bolster, and would have done it, but David suffered him not:

but I would not stretch forth my hand against the Lord's anointed;
nor suffer another to stretch forth his hand against him; so careful and tender was he of his life.

F24 (dyb) "in manum", Pagninus, Montanus.

1 Samuel 26:23 In-Context

21 Then Saul said, "I have sinned! David, my son, come back! Because you considered my life precious today, I won't harm you again. I have acted foolishly and have made a huge mistake."

22 "Here is the king's spear," David answered. "Allow one of your servants to come over and get it.

23 Remember: The LORD rewards every person for their righteousness and loyalty, and I wasn't willing to lift a hand against the LORD's anointed, even though the LORD handed you over to me today.

24 And just as I considered your life valuable today, may the LORD consider my life valuable, and may he deliver me from all trouble."

25 Then Saul said to David, "Bless you, David, my son! You will accomplish much and will certainly succeed." Then David went on his way, but Saul went back home.