Old Testament

1 Samuel 24:15

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Let the LORD be the judge and decide between us. Let him see the truth, argue my case, and rescue me from your hand."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

What 1 Samuel 24:15 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this moment, David is expressing his deep trust in God as the ultimate judge. He is caught in a conflict with Saul, who is pursuing him, and instead of taking matters into his own hands, David appeals to God. He believes that God sees the truth of his situation and will advocate for him. David is not seeking revenge; rather, he wants God to intervene and deliver him from Saul's grasp. This shows a profound faith in divine justice, emphasizing that God understands our struggles and will act on our behalf. David's plea highlights the importance of relying on God when facing difficult circumstances, trusting that He will bring about the right outcome. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to fight our battles alone; we can seek God’s help and guidance in our conflicts. This verse encourages us to maintain our integrity and let God handle the situations that seem beyond our control, reinforcing the belief that justice will ultimately prevail through divine intervention.

How to apply 1 Samuel 24:15 to your life

When facing conflicts or challenges, remember to seek God's guidance instead of reacting impulsively. Trust that He sees your situation and will advocate for you. This approach can bring peace and clarity, allowing you to navigate difficult relationships with grace and integrity. Let go of the need for revenge and rely on divine support instead.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of David cutting a corner from Saul's robe in the cave

Illustrated scene from David's story: David Spares Saul in the Cave (1 Samuel 24:1–22)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

David

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 1 Samuel 24:15

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 1 Samuel 24:15

At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel

Author
Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
Written
Around 930 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites of the early monarchy

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Samuel 24:15 mean?

1 Samuel 24:15 shows David's trust in God as the ultimate judge in his conflict with Saul. Instead of seeking revenge, David appeals to God to see the truth and deliver him from Saul's pursuit.

What is the meaning of 'let the LORD be the judge' in 1 Samuel 24:15?

The phrase 'let the LORD be the judge' emphasizes David's belief that God is the one who can truly assess the situation and bring about justice. David is asking God to intervene on his behalf against Saul.

How does 1 Samuel 24:15 relate to conflict resolution?

1 Samuel 24:15 teaches that in conflicts, one should seek God's guidance rather than retaliate. It encourages trusting God to handle difficult situations and deliver justice.

What themes are present in 1 Samuel 24:15?

Key themes in 1 Samuel 24:15 include trust in God, divine justice, conflict resolution, faith, and integrity. The verse illustrates the importance of relying on God during challenging times.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.