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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 26:6–12.
Here is, I. David's bold adventure into Saul's camp in the night, accompanied only by his kinsman Abishai, the son of Zeruiah. He proposed it to him and to another of his confidants (Sa1 26:6), but the other either declined it as too dangerous an enterprise, or at least was content that Abishai, who was forward to it, should run the risk of it rather than himself. Whether David was prompted to do this by his own courage, or by an extraordinary impression upon his spirits, or by the oracle, does not appear; but, like Gideon, he ventured through the guards, with a special assurance of the divine protection.
II.The posture he found the camp in Saul lay sleeping in the trench, or, as some read it, in his chariot, and in the midst of his carriages, with his spear stuck in the ground by him, to be ready if his quarters should by beaten up (Sa1 26:7); and all the soldiers, even those that were appointed to stand sentinel, were fast asleep, Sa1 26:12. Thus were their eyes closed and their hands bound, for a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them; something extraordinary there was in it that they should all be asleep together, and so fast asleep that David and Abishai walked and talked among them, and yet none of them stirred. Sleep, when God gives it to his beloved, is their rest and refreshment; but he can, when he pleases, make it to his enemies their imprisonment. Thus are the stout-hearted spoiled; they have slept their sleep, and none of the men of might have found their hands, at thy rebuke, O God of Jacob! Psa 76:5, Psa 76:6. It was a deep sleep from the Lord, who has the command of the powers of nature, and makes them to serve his purposes as he pleases. Whom God will disable, or destroy, he binds up with a spirit of slumber, Rom 11:8. How helpless do Saul and all his forces lie, all, in effect, disarmed and chained! and yet nothing is done to them; they are only rocked asleep. How easily can God weaken the strongest, befool the wisest, and baffle the most watchful! Let all his friends therefore trust him and all his enemies fear him.
III.Abishai's request to David for a commission to dispatch Saul with the spear that stuck at his bolster, which (now that he lay so fair) he undertook to do at one blow, Sa1 26:8. He would not urge David to kill him himself, because he had declined doing this before when he had a similar opportunity; but he begged earnestly that David would give him leave to do it, pleading that he was his enemy, not only cruel and implacable, but false and perfidious, whom no reason would rule nor kindness work upon, and that God had now delivered him into his hand, and did in effect bid him strike. The last advantage he had of this kind was indeed but accidental, when Saul happened to be in the cave with him at the same time. But in this there was something extraordinary; the deep sleep that had fallen on Saul and all his guards was manifestly from the Lord, so that it was a special providence which gave him this opportunity; he ought not therefore to let it slip.
IV.David's generous refusal to suffer any harm to be done to Saul, and in it a resolute adherence to his principles of loyalty, Sa1 26:9.
David charged Abishai not to destroy him, would not only not do it himself, but not permit another to do it. And he gave two reasons for it: - 1. It would be a sinful affront to God's ordinance. Saul was the Lord's anointed, king of Israel by the special appointment and nomination of the God of Israel, the power that was, and to resist him was to resist the ordinance of God, Rom 13:2. No man could do it and be guiltless. The thing he feared was guilt and his concern respected his innocence more than his safety. 2. It would be a sinful anticipation of God's providence. God had sufficiently shown him, in Nabal's case, that, if he left it to him to avenge him, he would do it in due time. Encouraged therefore by his experience in that instance, he resolves to wait till God shall think fit to avenge him on Saul, and he will by no means avenge himself (Sa1 26:10): "The Lord shall smite him, as he did Nabal, with some sudden stroke, or he shall die in battle (as it proved he did soon after), or, if not, his day shall come to die a natural death, and I will contentedly wait till then, rather than force my way to the promised crown by any indirect methods." The temptation indeed was very strong; but, if he should yield, he would sin against God, and therefore he will resist the temptation with the utmost resolution (Sa1 26:11): "The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth my hand against the Lord's anointed; no, I will never do it, nor suffer it to be done." Thus bravely does he prefer his conscience to his interest and trusts God with the issue.
V.The improvement he made of this opportunity for the further evidence of his own integrity.
He and Abishai carried away the spear and cruse of water which Saul had by his bed-side (Sa1 26:12), and, which was very strange, none of all the guards were aware of it. If a physician had given them the strongest opiate or stupifying dose, they could not have been faster locked up with sleep. Saul's spear which he had by him for defence, and his cup of water which he had for his refreshment, were both stolen from him while he slept. Thus do we lose our strength and our comfort when we are careless, and secure, and off our watch.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But what great and wonderful and Christian patience is to be found in David from whom Christ descended according to the flesh! David often had the opportunity to kill King Saul, his persecutor, who was eager to destroy him. Yet when Saul was subject to him and in his power, David preferred to save his life and did not retaliate on his enemy but, on the contrary, even avenged him when he was killed. In short, many prophets have been killed, many martyrs have been honored with glorious deaths, and all have attained their heavenly crowns through the merit of patience, for a crown for sorrow and suffering cannot be obtained unless patience in sorrow and suffering precede.
For the truth is not preached with swords or with darts, nor by means of soldiers, but by persuasion and counsel. But what persuasion is there where fear of the emperor prevails? Or what counsel is there, when he who withstands them receives at last banishment and death? Even David, although he was a king and had his enemy in his power, did not prevent the soldiers by an exercise of authority when they wished to kill his enemy, but, as the Scripture says, David persuaded his men by arguments, and did not allow them to rise up and put Saul to death. But [the devil], being without arguments of reason, forces all men by his power, that it may be shown to all that their wisdom is not according to God but merely human, and that they who favor the Arian doctrines have indeed no king but Caesar; for by his means it is that these enemies of Christ accomplish whatsoever they wish to do.
After that, the opportunity to kill the enemy presented itself to him twice. Once in the cave Saul fell into David’s hands unawares, and again in the tent when he was relaxed in sleep. David stood over him when he was asleep, and when he could have satisfied all his anger by murdering the one who pursued him, he did not lay a hand on him himself, and he said to the one eager for the kill, “Do not destroy.” The voice which prevents destruction in the case of this man is obviously the voice of God.For this reason, just as those who produce the more notable inscriptions on stones cut the characters deeply by frequently applying the chisel with blows to the carving of the letters, so the Holy Spirit contrives, by means of continuous repetition, that this great saying may become more distinct and quite clear on the stela of our memory, so that this inscription, having been carved in us distinctly and without confusion, might be known well in the time of misfortunes. For, in my opinion, the goal of the economy of the Holy Spirit is to set forth the previous accomplishments of holy ones for guidance for the life after these accomplishments, the representation leading us forward to good which is equal and similar. For whenever the soul swells with revenge against someone who is provoking it, and the blood around the heart boils with anger against the one who has grieved the soul, then, when one has looked up at this stela which the Holy Spirit set up for David, and has read the word on it which David uttered on behalf of him who was eager for his own blood, he will not fail to calm the troubled thoughts in his soul and appease his passion by his desire to imitate the same things.
But this is marvelous not only for the fact that he grants life to the one who is doing everything against his life, but because David, although he had been anointed to the office of king and knew that he would not otherwise partake of that position unless Saul were out of the way, judged it better to suffer ill patiently in his private low estate than to enter upon the kingship by satisfying his anger against the one who had caused him grief.
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Summary
1 Samuel 26:10 encapsulates David's profound faith and unwavering commitment to God's ultimate sovereignty, even when confronted with relentless persecution from King Saul. This pivotal declaration, made during David's second clear opportunity to eliminate his tormentor, articulates his conviction that justice and judgment belong exclusively to the LORD. David outlines three potential divine methods for Saul's demise—direct divine intervention, natural death, or death in battle—thereby demonstrating his absolute trust in God's perfect timing and righteous judgment, rather than resorting to personal vengeance.
Context
Literary Context
This verse marks a critical juncture in the long-running narrative of David's flight from King Saul. It occurs during the second significant instance where David, despite being relentlessly pursued and hunted by Saul, has a clear opportunity to take Saul's life but steadfastly refuses. Chapter 26 opens with the Ziphites once again betraying David's hiding place to Saul, prompting Saul to pursue David with 3,000 chosen men. David, accompanied by Abishai, infiltrates Saul's sleeping camp under the cover of night. When Abishai urges David to strike Saul, believing God has delivered their enemy into their hands, David's response in 1 Samuel 26:9 and the subsequent declaration in 1 Samuel 26:10 firmly articulate his principle: vengeance and judgment are God's prerogative alone. This incident powerfully echoes and reinforces David's similar act of restraint in the cave of En Gedi, detailed earlier in 1 Samuel 24, establishing a consistent pattern of David's character and his deep reverence for God's anointed.
Historical & Cultural Context
The concept of "the LORD's anointed" (Hebrew: māšîaḥ, from which "Messiah" derives) was central to ancient Israelite kingship. Kings were not merely political leaders but were divinely chosen and consecrated through anointing with oil, symbolizing God's Spirit resting upon them. To lay a hand on the LORD's anointed, even a wicked king like Saul, was considered an affront to God Himself, who had established that authority. David's profound respect for this sacred office, despite Saul's egregious attempts on his life, stands in stark contrast to the common practice of usurping power through assassination in the ancient Near East. Furthermore, in a culture where personal honor and vengeance were often expected, David's decision to defer judgment to God was radical, reflecting a deep theological conviction rooted in the Mosaic Law, which taught that vengeance belongs to the LORD (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:35).
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Respect for God's Anointed, highlighting David's unwavering reverence for the divinely established office of kingship, even when the incumbent, Saul, was unfaithful and actively sought David's life. David's consistent refusal to harm Saul (as seen also in 1 Samuel 24:6) sets him apart as a man after God's own heart, demonstrating a righteousness that prioritizes God's will over personal gain or retribution. Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates Divine Justice and Sovereignty. David firmly believes that God Himself will deal with Saul, outlining three specific ways God might bring about Saul's end: direct divine intervention ("the LORD shall smite him"), natural death ("his day shall come to die"), or death in battle ("he shall descend into battle, and perish"). This highlights David's conviction in God's absolute control over life and death, and His ultimate justice, a sentiment echoed in later biblical texts like Romans 12:19. Finally, David's actions exemplify Patience and Trust in God's Timing. Rather than taking matters into his own hands, David chose to wait on the Lord, enduring years of unjust persecution. This demonstrates profound patience and trust that God's plan and timing are perfect, even when facing severe personal threat, a principle often commended in the wisdom literature (e.g., Psalm 37:7).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, derived from a root meaning "to live," emphasizes the active, dynamic, and enduring existence of God. When used in the solemn oath "As the LORD liveth," it invokes God's very being as the guarantee of the truth and certainty of David's statement. It underscores the profound weight of his words and his deep conviction that God is alive, actively present, and just, and will indeed act according to His character. It is an affirmation of God's reality and His involvement in human affairs, contrasting with the inertness of idols.
This verb signifies to push, gore, defeat, or inflict. In a theological context, it often implies a direct, sudden, and often fatal blow or judgment from God. It can refer to a plague, a defeat in battle, or a direct divine intervention resulting in death or incapacitation. In this context, it suggests a supernatural act of God's judgment, distinct from natural causes or military conflict, highlighting God's immediate and personal involvement in executing justice.
This word's primary meaning is to scrape together or away, leading to concepts of accumulating or, more relevantly here, scattering, removing, or ruining. When applied to death, especially in battle, it emphasizes the finality and utter destruction that would befall Saul. It highlights the ultimate consequence of his actions, whether by direct divine hand or by the natural course of warfare, signifying a complete end to his life.
Verse Breakdown
"David said furthermore, [As] the LORD liveth"
David's declaration is introduced with a solemn oath, emphasizing the absolute certainty and divine authority behind his words. By invoking the living God, David underscores that his refusal to act is not out of fear or weakness, but out of a deep reverence for God's sovereignty and His exclusive right to judge. This sets the tone for the divine pronouncements that follow, grounding them in God's active presence.
"the LORD shall smite him"
This clause presents the first of three possible ways David envisions God's judgment upon Saul. It refers to a direct, supernatural act of God, implying a sudden and decisive divine intervention, perhaps through illness, plague, or some other miraculous means. This option highlights God's immediate and personal involvement in executing justice, bypassing human agency entirely.
"or his day shall come to die"
This second possibility suggests a more natural course of events, implying that Saul would eventually die of old age or illness, as part of the natural human lifespan. This acknowledges God's control over the timing of all lives, even without a dramatic "smite." It reflects David's patience and willingness to wait for God's ordinary providence, recognizing that God works through both extraordinary and ordinary means.
"or he shall descend into battle, and perish"
The final scenario anticipates Saul's death in warfare. This option is particularly poignant given Saul's military background and the ongoing conflicts with the Philistines. It foreshadows Saul's actual death, which occurs in battle against the Philistines in 1 Samuel 31, demonstrating David's prophetic insight and God's ultimate fulfillment of His own timing and method of justice, even through human conflict.
Literary Devices
1 Samuel 26:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify David's character and theological convictions. The most prominent is the Oath, "As the LORD liveth," which functions as a solemn, binding declaration, lending immense weight and certainty to David's subsequent pronouncements. This oath elevates David's words from mere speculation to a divinely guaranteed truth, emphasizing his deep reverence for God's active presence. The verse also employs a Tricolon (a series of three parallel clauses), outlining three distinct possibilities for Saul's demise: divine smiting, natural death, or death in battle. This tripartite structure provides a comprehensive scope of God's sovereign control over life and death, encompassing both extraordinary divine intervention and the ordinary course of human events. Furthermore, the verse contains powerful Foreshadowing, as Saul's eventual death in battle (as recorded in 1 Samuel 31) aligns precisely with one of David's prophetic pronouncements, demonstrating God's ultimate control over the unfolding narrative. Finally, David's speech employs Contrast, setting his patient trust in God's justice against Abishai's impulse for immediate, human-orchestrated vengeance, thereby highlighting David's unique spiritual discernment and moral integrity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
David's declaration in 1 Samuel 26:10 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and justice. It asserts that God, as the ultimate arbiter, holds the exclusive right to determine the end of individuals, especially those He has appointed. David's refusal to take vengeance into his own hands is not merely an act of restraint but an act of worship, acknowledging God's perfect timing and righteous judgment. This posture reflects a deep understanding that human attempts at retribution often fall short of true justice and can usurp God's role. It teaches that even in the face of grave injustice and personal threat, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate vindication and to wait patiently for His perfect plan to unfold. This principle liberates individuals from the burden of personal vengeance and places it squarely in the hands of a just and sovereign God.
Reflection and Application
David's unwavering trust in God's timing and justice, even when his life was in peril, provides a powerful model for believers navigating personal injustice and adversity today. In a world that often encourages immediate gratification and personal retribution, David's example calls us to a higher standard of faith and patience. When we are wronged, betrayed, or persecuted, the natural inclination is to seek swift justice or to retaliate. However, David demonstrates that true spiritual maturity involves relinquishing the burden of vengeance and entrusting our cause to the perfectly just and sovereign God. This does not mean passively accepting evil or failing to seek legal recourse where appropriate, but rather actively choosing to respond in a way that honors God, trusting that He will ultimately right all wrongs, in His way and in His time. It invites us to cultivate a posture of submission to divine providence, finding peace in the knowledge that God sees, God knows, and God will act.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did David not kill Saul, even though Saul was clearly trying to kill David?
David's refusal to kill Saul, even when given multiple opportunities (as seen in 1 Samuel 24 and 1 Samuel 26), stemmed from his profound reverence for God's sovereignty and the sacred office of kingship. Saul, despite his unfaithfulness and murderous intent, was still "the LORD's anointed" (Hebrew: māšîaḥ). David understood that Saul's authority, though misused, originated from God. To lay a hand on Saul would be to directly oppose God's choice and usurp His prerogative to remove or judge a king. David consistently deferred judgment to God, trusting that the LORD Himself would deal with Saul in His own perfect timing and manner, as articulated in 1 Samuel 26:10. This demonstrates David's deep faith that God would ultimately bring about justice without David having to compromise his integrity or God's divine order.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
David's refusal to take vengeance and his patient trust in God's sovereign timing in 1 Samuel 26:10 powerfully foreshadow the ultimate "Anointed One," Jesus Christ. Like David, Jesus was unjustly pursued and persecuted, yet He never retaliated or sought personal vengeance. When faced with betrayal, false accusations, and crucifixion, Jesus, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, submitted Himself to the Father's will, trusting in divine justice rather than earthly power. Isaiah 53:7 prophesied that He would be "oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth," a truth echoed in 1 Peter 2:23, which states, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." Jesus' death on the cross, far from being a defeat, was the ultimate act of divine justice and love, where God "smote" His own Son for the sins of humanity, fulfilling the need for judgment while extending grace (Romans 5:8). Thus, David's patient waiting for God to act finds its perfect and redemptive fulfillment in Christ's complete submission to the Father's plan, culminating in a victory far greater than any earthly triumph over an enemy, securing eternal salvation for all who believe.