1 Samuel 26:19
Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.
1 Samuel 26:19 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, King David's servant pleads with him to hear his words. The servant acknowledges that if the Lord has stirred up the king against him, then he will accept it as an offering. However, if it is the work of men that has driven him away from the inheritance of the Lord, then he curses them before the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of seeking God's will and acknowledging His sovereignty. It also underscores the idea of seeking justice and righteousness in the face of persecution or injustice. By appealing to the king and ultimately to the Lord, the servant exemplifies the importance of addressing grievances and seeking resolution in a righteous manner.
Theological Overview
In this verse, King David is facing a difficult situation where he is being driven out from his inheritance by men who are potentially being influenced by the Lord. David pleads with the king to hear his words and presents an offering to appease the situation. The theological interpretation of this verse suggests that even in times of trouble and uncertainty, it is important to seek God's will and trust in His plan. The word study of this verse reveals the significance of the terms "lord" and "servant", highlighting the relationship between authority and humility. This verse also underscores the consequences of serving other gods, as David expresses that those who have caused harm to him will be cursed before the Lord. This illustrates the importance of staying faithful and loyal to the one true God, even in the face of adversity.
1 Samuel 26:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it be Jehovah that hath stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if it be the children of men, cursed be they before Jehovah: for they have driven me out this day that I should not cleave unto the inheritance of Jehovah, saying, Go, serve other gods.
World English Bible
Now therefore, please let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is so that Yahweh has stirred you up against me, let him accept an offering. But if it is the children of men, they are cursed before Yahweh; for they have driven me out this day that I shouldn’t cling to Yahweh’s inheritance, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods!’
Douay-Rheims
Now therefore hear, I pray thee, my lord the king, the words of thy servant: If the Lord stir thee up against me, let him accept of sacrifice: but if the sons of men, they are cursed in the sight of the Lord, who have cast me out this day, that I should not dwell in the inheritance of the Lord, saying: Go, serve strange gods.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Now therefore, I beseech thee, let my lord the King heare the wordes of his seruant. If the Lord haue stirred thee vp against me, let him smell the sauour of a sacrifice: but if the children of men haue done it, cursed be they before the Lord: for they haue cast me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, Goe, serue other gods.