I Samuel 26 Commentary
And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?
Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.
David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.
And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?
David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.
The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them.
Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:
And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?
And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.
This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the Lord liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the Lord’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.
And Saul knew David’s voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.
And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?
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.
Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the Lord: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.
Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
And David answered and said, Behold the king’s spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.
The Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed.
And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.
I Samuel 26 focuses on David's unwavering integrity and trust in God, even when presented with the perfect opportunity to eliminate his enemy, King Saul. This chapter showcases a pivotal moment in David's journey to the throne, highlighting his commitment to honoring God's anointed and patiently waiting for God's timing.
Saul's Relentless Pursuit (I Samuel 26:1-4)
Despite a previous moment of repentance (I Samuel 24:16-21), Saul's fear and insecurity drove him to continue his relentless pursuit of David. Provindentially, the Ziphites, betraying David for the second time (see I Samuel 23:19), informed Saul of David's whereabouts, leading him to the wilderness of Ziph (I Samuel 26:1). Saul, accompanied by his troops, set out once again to capture David in his hiding place (I Samuel 26:2-3). David, aware of Saul's movements through his reconnaissance team, located Saul's encampment (I Samuel 26:4). This sets the stage for another dramatic encounter, underscoring Saul's persistent animosity and David's constant vulnerability.
A Daring Infiltration (I Samuel 26:5-6)
Under the cover of night, David, accompanied by Abishai, one of his mighty men (see 1 Chronicles 11:20-21), approached Saul's camp. David's reconnaissance brought him close enough to observe Saul and Abner, the commander of his army, sleeping (I Samuel 26:5). David then proposes a daring plan: to sneak into the heart of Saul's camp. Abishai immediately volunteers to accompany him (I Samuel 26:6). This bold decision emphasizes David's courage and his reliance on something beyond military strategy.
Respect for the Lord's Anointed (I Samuel 26:7-11)
From a military perspective, two men infiltrating a camp of three thousand seems suicidal. However, David's intentions were not rooted in military strategy. He made it clear to Abishai that he would not harm Saul (I Samuel 26:7-11). David's restraint stems from his deep respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed. He understood that it was not his place to take matters into his own hands, even when presented with the perfect opportunity. The author of I Samuel highlights that the Lord was leading David on this midnight adventure to demonstrate again that, though he was the legitimate king of Israel, he was not a usurper. David would wait patiently for the Lord’s timing, holding to his conviction that it was not his place to strike the LORD’s anointed (I Samuel 26:9). This conviction is a cornerstone of David's character, demonstrating his unwavering faith and obedience to God's will.
Evidence of God's Protection (I Samuel 26:12-16)
David took Saul's spear and water jug from beside his head, items that would serve as undeniable proof of his proximity to Saul and his refusal to harm him (I Samuel 26:12). This act was made possible because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon Saul, Abner, and the entire army (I Samuel 26:12). Once at a safe distance, David called out to Abner and Saul's troops, publicly ridiculing them for their failure to protect their king (I Samuel 26:13-16). The scene underscores the power of God's protection and the folly of relying solely on human strength. David revealed that he had taken Saul’s gear right out from under Abner’s nose (I Samuel 26:16), publicly humiliating the army commander who had nothing to say.
Saul's Acknowledgment and David's Plea (I Samuel 26:17-20)
Saul, once again confronted with his own vulnerability and David's integrity, was deeply humiliated (I Samuel 26:17). David protested his innocence before the king, questioning why he was being relentlessly pursued (I Samuel 26:18). He curses those who had falsely troubled him and cut him off from worshiping the Lord within Israel (I Samuel 26:19). David emphasizes the absurdity of Saul's pursuit, portraying himself as insignificant as a single flea (I Samuel 26:20). This poignant image highlights the disproportionate nature of Saul's actions and David's humble self-assessment.
A Fleeting Repentance (I Samuel 26:21-25)
David's actions and plea once again touched Saul's heart, leading him to acknowledge his sin and recognize David's potential to have killed him (I Samuel 26:21). Saul even admitted, "I have been a fool!" (I Samuel 26:21). However, Saul's repentance, like before, proves to be fleeting. Acknowledging foolishness is futile without a commitment to change.
Saul promised, "I will never harm you again" (I Samuel 26:21). However, David had heard this promise before. After declaring his innocence before the Lord once again (I Samuel 26:22-24), David went on his way, and Saul returned home (I Samuel 26:25). Though there is no further record of Saul hunting David, this may be because David would soon leave Israel (see I Samuel 27:4). Saul didn’t turn over a new leaf to live a God-honoring life, as we will soon see. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of genuine repentance and lasting transformation. True repentance involves not just acknowledging wrongdoing but also turning away from it and embracing a new path.
I Samuel 26 demonstrates that true leadership is not about seizing power through force, but about trusting in God's timing and honoring His authority. David's example encourages us to remain faithful, even when facing injustice and persecution, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him.
And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?
Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.
David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.
And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?
David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.
The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them.
Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:
And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?
And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.
This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the Lord liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the Lord’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.
And Saul knew David’s voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.
And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?
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.
Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the Lord: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.
Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
And David answered and said, Behold the king’s spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.
The Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed.
And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.
I Samuel 26 focuses on David's unwavering integrity and trust in God, even when presented with the perfect opportunity to eliminate his enemy, King Saul. This chapter showcases a pivotal moment in David's journey to the throne, highlighting his commitment to honoring God's anointed and patiently waiting for God's timing.
Saul's Relentless Pursuit (I Samuel 26:1-4)
Despite a previous moment of repentance (I Samuel 24:16-21), Saul's fear and insecurity drove him to continue his relentless pursuit of David. Provindentially, the Ziphites, betraying David for the second time (see I Samuel 23:19), informed Saul of David's whereabouts, leading him to the wilderness of Ziph (I Samuel 26:1). Saul, accompanied by his troops, set out once again to capture David in his hiding place (I Samuel 26:2-3). David, aware of Saul's movements through his reconnaissance team, located Saul's encampment (I Samuel 26:4). This sets the stage for another dramatic encounter, underscoring Saul's persistent animosity and David's constant vulnerability.
A Daring Infiltration (I Samuel 26:5-6)
Under the cover of night, David, accompanied by Abishai, one of his mighty men (see 1 Chronicles 11:20-21), approached Saul's camp. David's reconnaissance brought him close enough to observe Saul and Abner, the commander of his army, sleeping (I Samuel 26:5). David then proposes a daring plan: to sneak into the heart of Saul's camp. Abishai immediately volunteers to accompany him (I Samuel 26:6). This bold decision emphasizes David's courage and his reliance on something beyond military strategy.
Respect for the Lord's Anointed (I Samuel 26:7-11)
From a military perspective, two men infiltrating a camp of three thousand seems suicidal. However, David's intentions were not rooted in military strategy. He made it clear to Abishai that he would not harm Saul (I Samuel 26:7-11). David's restraint stems from his deep respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed. He understood that it was not his place to take matters into his own hands, even when presented with the perfect opportunity. The author of I Samuel highlights that the Lord was leading David on this midnight adventure to demonstrate again that, though he was the legitimate king of Israel, he was not a usurper. David would wait patiently for the Lord’s timing, holding to his conviction that it was not his place to strike the LORD’s anointed (I Samuel 26:9). This conviction is a cornerstone of David's character, demonstrating his unwavering faith and obedience to God's will.
Evidence of God's Protection (I Samuel 26:12-16)
David took Saul's spear and water jug from beside his head, items that would serve as undeniable proof of his proximity to Saul and his refusal to harm him (I Samuel 26:12). This act was made possible because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon Saul, Abner, and the entire army (I Samuel 26:12). Once at a safe distance, David called out to Abner and Saul's troops, publicly ridiculing them for their failure to protect their king (I Samuel 26:13-16). The scene underscores the power of God's protection and the folly of relying solely on human strength. David revealed that he had taken Saul’s gear right out from under Abner’s nose (I Samuel 26:16), publicly humiliating the army commander who had nothing to say.
Saul's Acknowledgment and David's Plea (I Samuel 26:17-20)
Saul, once again confronted with his own vulnerability and David's integrity, was deeply humiliated (I Samuel 26:17). David protested his innocence before the king, questioning why he was being relentlessly pursued (I Samuel 26:18). He curses those who had falsely troubled him and cut him off from worshiping the Lord within Israel (I Samuel 26:19). David emphasizes the absurdity of Saul's pursuit, portraying himself as insignificant as a single flea (I Samuel 26:20). This poignant image highlights the disproportionate nature of Saul's actions and David's humble self-assessment.
A Fleeting Repentance (I Samuel 26:21-25)
David's actions and plea once again touched Saul's heart, leading him to acknowledge his sin and recognize David's potential to have killed him (I Samuel 26:21). Saul even admitted, "I have been a fool!" (I Samuel 26:21). However, Saul's repentance, like before, proves to be fleeting. Acknowledging foolishness is futile without a commitment to change.
Saul promised, "I will never harm you again" (I Samuel 26:21). However, David had heard this promise before. After declaring his innocence before the Lord once again (I Samuel 26:22-24), David went on his way, and Saul returned home (I Samuel 26:25). Though there is no further record of Saul hunting David, this may be because David would soon leave Israel (see I Samuel 27:4). Saul didn’t turn over a new leaf to live a God-honoring life, as we will soon see. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of genuine repentance and lasting transformation. True repentance involves not just acknowledging wrongdoing but also turning away from it and embracing a new path.
I Samuel 26 demonstrates that true leadership is not about seizing power through force, but about trusting in God's timing and honoring His authority. David's example encourages us to remain faithful, even when facing injustice and persecution, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him.