The Church Fathers on this verse

1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 24:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And thou hast shewed this day what good things thou hast done to me: how the Lord delivered me into thy hand, and thou hast not killed me.

Douay-Rheims

ואת וְאַתָּה֙ הִגַּ֣דְתָּ הַיּ֔וֹם אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֥יתָה אִתִּ֖י טוֹבָ֑ה אֵת֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר סִגְּרַ֧נִי יְהוָ֛ה בְּיָדְךָ֖ וְלֹ֥א הֲרַגְתָּֽנִי׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

In this passage, he highlights another admirable quality of David. After performing a good act, David did not remain silent or allow it to go unnoticed; instead, he approached Saul to share it. His motivation was not rooted in pride, but rather to demonstrate through his actions that he belonged to those who were loyal and supportive, rather than to those who were against him or sought his harm. It is important to communicate one's good actions when they can bring about significant positive impact. Those who boast of their deeds without purpose are no better than mockers; however, when someone reveals their good works to counter negativity from an offended or biased person, they act as a protector and helper. This was David's approach—not to seek praise from Saul, but to alleviate the resentment that had taken hold of him. Thus, Saul recognized David's kindness and acknowledged the favor he had shown him.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.