Definition: The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from 1 Samuel 24:12. It’s a really important and unique part of the story of David. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “The LORD will decide for me whether to be punished or not. But my hand – meaning my judgment – won’t harm you.” Let’s unpack that a little more: "The LORD judge between me and thee..." This means the Lord is taking a stand in the middle of a disagreement between David and Goliath (or whoever he was facing). He's deciding what the right thing to do is. "...and the LORD avenge me of thee:" This is where it gets interesting. "Avenge" means to punish severely. The Lord is going to take action to make sure Goliath doesn’t harm David, even if he’s facing him with a giant's army. "...but mine hand shall not be upon thee." This is the crucial part. This is a guarantee from God. It means that David will never directly harm Goliath or anyone else. The Lord’s judgment and punishment will only come if David chooses to do something wrong. The Significance & Context: This verse is incredibly significant because it’s a demonstration of God's sovereignty – His absolute power over everything. It shows that God isn't just passively watching things happen; He actively intervenes and decides the outcome, even when we don’t deserve it. It also highlights David’s humility and trust in God’s judgment. In short, it’s a promise of divine protection and justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Samuel? Discuss the meaning of this verse within the larger context of the book of Samuel? Explore why this verse is considered a significant moment in David's life?