1 And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, [which is] before Jeshimon?
2 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.
3 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.
4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.
5 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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 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.
9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless?
10 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.
11 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.
12 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.
13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space [being] between them:
14 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?
15 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.
16 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.
17 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.
18 And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil [is] in mine hand?
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.
20 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.
21 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.
22 And David answered and said, Behold the king’s spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.
23 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.
24 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.
25 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.
Summary of 1 Samuel Chapter 26
In this chapter, the narrative focuses on the ongoing conflict between David and King Saul. The chapter depicts a critical moment where David has the opportunity to kill Saul but chooses instead to spare his life, demonstrating his integrity and respect for God’s anointed king.
Key Characters
- David – The future king of Israel, known for his faithfulness and mercy.
- Saul – The current king of Israel, who is increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David.
- Abishai – David’s loyal warrior who accompanies him on the mission to confront Saul.
Plot Analysis
- Saul’s Pursuit of David: The chapter begins with the Ziphites informing Saul of David’s location in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul gathers 3,000 men to hunt David down, reflecting his obsession and desperation to eliminate David.
- David’s Reconnaissance: David learns of Saul’s pursuit and sends scouts to confirm Saul’s location. This demonstrates David’s strategic thinking and awareness of his surroundings.
- Infiltration of Saul’s Camp: David and Abishai stealthily enter Saul’s camp at night. They find Saul sleeping with his spear stuck in the ground beside him, which symbolizes Saul’s vulnerability and the precariousness of his reign.
- Abishai’s Proposal: Abishai urges David to kill Saul, believing this is a divine opportunity. However, David rebukes him, emphasizing the principle that it is wrong to harm the Lord’s anointed.
- David’s Mercy: Instead of killing Saul, David takes Saul’s spear and water jug, showcasing his ability to act with restraint and mercy. This moment highlights David’s moral integrity and respect for God’s authority.
- Confrontation: After escaping the camp, David calls out to Saul, revealing his presence and the evidence of his mercy. He questions Saul’s pursuit and accuses him of wrongdoing, further emphasizing the injustice of Saul’s actions against him.
- Saul’s Response: Saul acknowledges David’s righteousness and admits his wrongdoings, expressing remorse for his pursuit. This moment illustrates a temporary reconciliation between the two, although it is overshadowed by Saul’s continued instability.
- David’s Assurance: David reassures Saul that he will not harm him and expresses his faith in God’s protection and future plans. He also asks for a promise of safety for his own life, indicating his desire for peace.
Thematic Elements
- Mercy and Forgiveness: David’s decision to spare Saul’s life emphasizes the theme of mercy, illustrating the importance of forgiveness even in the face of persecution.
- Divine Sovereignty: The chapter underscores the belief that God ultimately controls the fate of leaders, as David respects Saul’s position as God’s anointed king.
- Integrity and Character: David’s actions reflect his strong moral character, contrasting sharply with Saul’s increasingly erratic behavior.
- Conflict and Resolution: The ongoing conflict between David and Saul serves as a backdrop for the exploration of human relationships, power struggles, and the quest for peace.
Conclusion
1 Samuel Chapter 26 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of David and Saul, showcasing themes of mercy, integrity, and divine authority. David’s refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, highlights his character and sets the stage for his eventual rise to kingship. The chapter invites readers to reflect on the complexities of leadership, the nature of conflict, and the importance of moral choices in the face of adversity.
