I Samuel 24:21
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So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
We have hitherto had Saul seeking an opportunity to destroy David, and, to his shame, he could never find it. In this chapter David had a fair opportunity to destroy Saul, and, to his honour, he did not make use of it; and his sparing Saul's life was as great an instance of God's grace in him as the preserving of his own life was of God's providence over him. Observe, I. How maliciously Saul sought David's life (Sa1 24:1, Sa1 24:2). II. How generously David saved Saul's life (when he had him at an advantage) and only cut off the skirt of his robe (Sa1 24:3-8). III. How pathetically he reasoned with Saul, upon this to bring him to a better temper towards him (Sa1 24:9-15). IV. The good impression this made upon Saul for the present (Sa1 24:16-22).
Open source ↗24:21-22 Now swear to me . . . you will not kill my family: Having descendants was a way that Saul’s name would endure among the living. David had already sworn such an oath with Jonathan (20:14-17).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”
May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.
Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed.
Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.