What Have I Done?

“What Have I Done?” - 1 Samuel 29:8

This is a great question to ask in examining yourself, having others examine you, but most of all having Christ examine you, so that you have the opportunity for repentance.

This exact phrase is used 8 times in the AV1611 and David uses it more than anyone else (3x’s) and once he asks his brother, Eliab, at the battle with Goliath, “What have I now done?” (1 Samuel 17:29)

David asks this question in an attempt to find and clear himself of any fault, sin, wrongdoing, or guilt. This type of question was asked by David time and time again to friend, family, and foes, which gave him the heart and humility to pen Psalm 51.

In every situation that David asks this question, there was no wrongdoing on his part. In fact, the guilt lay with the party he was addressing or referencing. Nevertheless, David kept his heart close to God, and his conscience void of offence in asking, “What have I (now) done?”

The “others” in the Bible who asked this question and were without guilt were: the “dumb ass” (Numbers 22:8), Gideon (Judges 8:2), Elijah (1 Kings 19:20), and the LORD (Micah 6:3). My, what a list to be included in, if we are to ask that question in sincerity!!

The last time this question/phrase is asked/used, is found in Jeremiah 8:6, and there it is used as a question that was NOT asked by the nation of Israel. The lack of this question is connected to their holding “fast deceit,” refusing “to return,” “no man (repenting) of his wickedness,” and “perpetual backsliding.” They would turn and continue in “his course” not knowing “the judgment of the LORD.”

Asking this simple question could keep us from from a lot of heartache down the road. It could keep our family relationships in tact. It could keep our personal relationships in tact. It could keep our church relationships in tact. But most importantly, it could keep our relationship with Jesus Christ in tact, if we would humbly and sincerely respond correctly to the answer, once we’ve asked, “What have I done?”