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.
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.
Saul is asking David to swear before God that he won't destroy Saul's family line when David becomes king.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, King Saul is relentlessly pursuing David, whom he views as a threat to his throne, even though David has shown loyalty. During an encounter in a cave at En Gedi, David spares Saul's life and only cuts a piece of his robe, demonstrating restraint and mercy. Saul, recognizing David's goodness, asks for this oath to ensure his family line continues, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern cultural emphasis on preserving one's descendants and legacy for honor and inheritance.
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