The Church Fathers on this verse

1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 24:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And now as I know that thou shalt surely be king, and have the kingdom of Israel in thy hand:

Douay-Rheims

וְעַתָּה֙ הִנֵּ֣ה יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֥י מָלֹ֖ךְ תִּמְל֑וֹךְ וְקָ֙מָה֙ בְּיָ֣דְךָ֔ מַמְלֶ֖כֶת יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

How can you be certain of this? You possess a formidable army, wealth, weaponry, fortified cities, steeds, and skilled warriors; yet he stands alone, devoid of any possessions—no city, no dwelling, no kin. What leads you to make such a claim? It is evident through his deeds. The one who has nothing, unguarded and isolated, would not have triumphed over me, fully armed and empowered, had not God been on his side. And now that the Lord is with him, he surpasses all in strength. Do you see the clarity in Saul's reasoning despite his ill intentions? Can you recognize the potential to renounce all malevolence and seek transformation for the better? Thus, let us not lose hope for our salvation. Even when we find ourselves deep in the grip of sin, we have the opportunity to rise, improve ourselves, and leave behind our vices altogether.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.