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1 Samuel 26 Samuel Anoints David

1 David Again Spares Saul’s Life
The Ziphites went to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hakilah, which faces Jeshimon?”

2 So Saul went down to the Desert of Ziph, with his three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search there for David.

3 Saul made his camp beside the road on the hill of Hakilah facing Jeshimon, but David stayed in the desert. When he saw that Saul had followed him there,

4 he sent out scouts and learned that Saul had definitely arrived.

5 Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the commander of the army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the camp, with the army encamped around him.

6 David then asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?”
“I’ll go with you,” said Abishai.

7 So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him.

8 Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won’t strike him twice.”

9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?

10 As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.

11 But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”

12 So David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep.

13 Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the hill some distance away; there was a wide space between them.

14 He called out to the army and to Abner son of Ner, “Aren’t you going to answer me, Abner?”
Abner replied, “Who are you who calls to the king?”

15 David said, “You’re a man, aren’t you? And who is like you in Israel? Why didn’t you guard your lord the king? Someone came to destroy your lord the king.

16 What you have done is not good. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men deserve to die, because you did not guard your master, the Lord’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?”

17 Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice, David my son?”
David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.”

18 And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?

19 Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the Lord has incited you against me, then may he accept an offering. If, however, men have done it, may they be cursed before the Lord! They have now driven me from my share in the Lord’s inheritance and have said, ‘Go, serve other gods.’

20 Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the Lord. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”

21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have erred greatly.”

22 “Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of your young men come over and get it.

23 The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed.

24 As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”

25 Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed, my son David; you will do great things and surely triumph.”
So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.

Previous Chapter 1 Samuel 25 Next Chapter 1 Samuel 27

Analysis of 1 Samuel Chapter 26

The twenty-sixth chapter of 1 Samuel provides a compelling narrative of conflict, mercy, and the moral complexities inherent in the pursuit of power and justice. It offers readers a dramatic portrayal of David’s magnanimity, Saul’s continued pursuit, and the divine orchestration at play. This analysis will explore the chapter in depth, shedding light on the significant themes, character dynamics, and theological implications.

Introduction and Context

1 Samuel Chapter 26 occurs during a tumultuous period in the history of Israel. David, the anointed future king, is still a fugitive fleeing from King Saul, who is desperate to eliminate him as a perceived threat to his throne. This chapter mirrors a similar event in Chapter 24, where David spares Saul’s life despite having the opportunity to kill him. Here, once again, David exemplifies restraint and righteousness in face of potential gain through violence.

Verses 1-5: The Ziphites’ Betrayal

The chapter begins with the Ziphites going to Saul at Gibeah to inform him of David’s location. They say, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” This act of betrayal sets the stage for the unfolding drama. The Ziphites’ repeated treachery highlights a recurring motif of human weakness and the pitfalls of political maneuvering.

Saul then mobilizes his three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul’s relentless pursuit, despite earlier pledges to cease, underscores his consuming paranoia and the deep psychological and spiritual struggle he faces. He camped by the road on the hill of Hachilah, and David, learning of this, sent out spies to confirm Saul’s position, demonstrating his strategic acumen and caution.

Verses 6-12: David’s Bold Action

David then asks Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai, Joab’s brother, who will accompany him into Saul’s camp. Abishai volunteers, showcasing the strong loyalty David commands among his followers. Under the cover of night, David and Abishai penetrate Saul’s camp, finding Saul asleep with his spear stuck in the ground beside his head and Abner and the army encamped around him.

Abishai interprets this scenario as divine providence, allowing David to eliminate Saul: “God has given your enemy into your hand this day.” However, David refrains from killing Saul, articulating a profound theological principle: “The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.” This act reflects David’s deep respect for God’s anointed king and his unwavering faith in God’s timing and justice.

Instead of taking Saul’s life, David takes his spear and the jug of water by his head, symbols of Saul’s vulnerability and David’s mercy. They depart without stirring any of the soldiers, indicating a supernatural element to their mission’s success as “a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.”

Verses 13-20: David Confronts Saul and Abner

David goes to a distant hill and calls out loudly to Abner, Saul’s general, chastising him for failing to protect his king. This public rebuke serves multiple purposes: it humiliates Abner, it demonstrates David’s righteousness, and it emboldens his moral high ground over Saul. By calling out, “Where are Saul’s spear and water jug?”, David reveals his presence without threatening actual violence, emphasizing his capacity for peace over aggression.

David’s address to Saul is poignant, revealing his internal struggle and the toll of being perpetually hunted. He asks Saul why he is pursuing him and accuses those who have stirred Saul against him (potentially referencing court schemers or even demonic influences as seen previously). David also makes a heartfelt plea: “Let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the LORD.” This exposes his anguish and desire for divine proximity and justice.

Verses 21-25: Saul’s Response and Reconciliation

Saul recognizes David’s voice and responds with a surprising admittance of sin and folly: “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm.” Saul’s oscillations between remorse and hostility reveal the tragic complexity of his character—a man entangled in a web of jealousy, fear, and sporadic moments of clarity.

David returns Saul’s spear, symbolizing a peace offering and a reiteration of his innocence. He states, “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness,” reaffirming his faith in divine justice. Saul blesses David, acknowledging his future success: “Blessed are you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” Despite this moment of reconciliation, the underlying tension remains, tallied with lessons on the ethical dilemmas of mercy, authority, and the burden of leadership.

Key Themes and Theological Reflections

  • Respect for God’s Anointed: David’s refusal to kill Saul, despite having viable opportunities, underscores a cardinal theme: respecting God’s appointed leaders. David’s restraint is not merely political but deeply theological, grounded in acknowledging God’s sovereignty. This respect foreshadows Jesus’ teachings on loving one’s enemies and underscores the sanctity of divine appointments.
  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: The depiction of a deep sleep over Saul’s camp emphasizes God’s control over events. David’s unswerving belief in God’s timing showcases a faith that recognizes divine orchestration even in dire circumstances. This divine involvement reassures believers of God’s omnipotence and omnipresence in human affairs.
  • Moral Integrity and Leadership: David’s actions illustrate the complexities of moral decision-making in leadership. His mercy and restraint offer a model of ethical leadership that values righteousness over expediency. David’s decisions reflect a deep conviction that real power lies in moral integrity and faithfulness rather than physical dominance.
  • The Consequences of Fear and Jealousy: Saul’s relentless pursuit of David, driven by fear and jealousy, leads to his moral and psychological unraveling. His inability to overcome these emotions results in persistent instability. This narrative highlights the destructive potential of unchecked negative emotions and their impact on leadership and community welfare.

Conclusion

1 Samuel Chapter 26 is a vivid narrative that provides valuable insights into the nature of power, justice, and divine providence. It offers a rich exploration of human character and the ethical complexities of leadership. Through David’s actions, we are reminded of the importance of righteousness, mercy, and unwavering faith in God’s plan. The chapter serves as a profound lesson in the value of integrity and the ultimate futility of actions driven by fear and jealousy. Overall, this chapter not only advances the historical narrative of David and Saul but also deepens our understanding of the timeless principles of godly leadership and ethical conduct.