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1 Samuel 25:22

So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

1 Samuel 25:22 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, King Saul's daughter Michal warns him about David's enemies and the danger they pose. She expresses that if any of David's enemies are left alive by the morning, God should deal with them in a severe manner. The phrase "pisseth against the wall" is a symbolic way of referring to males, as it was a euphemism for men in ancient Hebrew culture. The verse suggests that anyone who stands in opposition to David will face the wrath of God. This verse highlights the fierce loyalty and protection Michal feels towards David, emphasizing the seriousness of threatening him. It also serves as a reminder of the consequence of going against someone chosen by God. The verse conveys the idea that God's judgment will fall on those who harm His anointed one, with a warning of severe consequences for David's enemies.

Theological Overview

Within this verse from 1 Samuel 25:22, we encounter a unique phrase that may require some theological interpretation. The phrase "any that pisseth against the wall" is a common Hebrew idiom used in the Old Testament to describe males. This phrase is not meant to be taken literally but rather as a term to refer to men as opposed to women, who do not "pisseth against the wall." The underlying message of this verse is a declaration of a curse upon the enemies of David, with the speaker invoking God to bring about severe consequences to those who seek harm against him. This curse serves as a warning of the grave consequences that will befall David's enemies if they continue in their actions against him. It underscores the severity of God's judgment upon those who seek to harm His chosen people.

1 Samuel 25:22 in other translations

American Standard Version

God do so unto the enemies of David, and more also, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light so much as one man-child.

World English Bible

God do so to the enemies of David, and more also, if I leave of all that belongs to him by the morning light so much as one who urinates on a wall.”

Douay-Rheims

May God do so and so, and add more to the foes of David, if I leave of all that belong to him till the morning, any that pisseth against the wall.

Geneva Bible (1599)

So and more also doe God vnto the enemies of Dauid: for surely I will not leaue of all that he hath, by the dawning of the day, any that pisseth against the wall.