« | 1 Samuel 24 | » |
1 David then went up from there and stayed in the refuges behind Engedi.
2 And when Saul returned from the pursuit of the Philistines, he was told that David was in the desert near Engedi.
3 So Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags.
4 When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to ease nature. David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave.
5 David's servants said to him, "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.'" So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul's mantle.
6 Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul's mantle.
7 He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD'S anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the Lord's anointed."
8 With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul. Saul then left the cave and went on his way.
9 David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, "My lord the king!" When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage
10 and asked Saul: "Why do you listen to those who say, 'David is trying to harm you'?
11 You see for yourself today that the LORD just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave. I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead. I decided, 'I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the LORD'S anointed and a father to me.'
12 Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold. Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion. I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life.
13 The LORD will judge between me and you, and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case. I shall not touch you.
14 The old proverb says, 'From the wicked comes forth wickedness.' So I will take no action against you.
15 Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, or a single flea!
16 The LORD will be the judge; he will decide between me and you. May he see this, and take my part, and grant me justice beyond your reach!"
17 When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, "Is that your voice, my son David?" And he wept aloud.
18 Saul then said to David: "You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm.
19 Great is the generosity you showed me today, when the LORD delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me.
20 For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed? May the LORD reward you generously for what you have done this day.
21 And now, since I know that you shall surely be king and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession,
22 swear to me by the LORD that you will not destroy my descendants and that you will not blot out my name and family."
23 David gave Saul his oath and Saul returned home, while David and his men went up to the refuge.
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.