1 Samuel 24:21 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Now promise me before the LORD that you won't kill my descendants after I'm gone, and that you won't wipe out my family name from my father's house.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Saul is asking David to swear before God that he won't destroy Saul's family line when David becomes king.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs after David spared Saul's life in a cave, when Saul was pursuing him. Saul realizes David will indeed become king and is concerned about the ancient practice where new rulers often eliminated the previous king's family to prevent future claims to the throne. This was a common political strategy in the ancient Near East to secure one's dynasty.

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