1 Samuel 26:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} forbid {H2486} that I should stretch forth {H7971} mine hand {H3027} against the LORD'S {H3068} anointed {H4899}: but, I pray thee, take {H3947} thou now the spear {H2595} that is at his bolster {H4763}, and the cruse {H6835} of water {H4325}, and let us go {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI forbid that I should raise my hand against ADONAI's anointed! But now, we'll take the spear by his head and the jug of water, and get out of here."

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

American Standard Version

Jehovah forbid that I should put forth my hand against Jehovah’s anointed: but now take, I pray thee, the spear that is at his head, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 26:11, David, despite having a clear opportunity to kill his relentless pursuer, King Saul, emphatically refuses to "stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed." This pivotal moment reveals David's profound reverence for God's divine appointments, his unwavering trust in divine justice, and his steadfast integrity, even when facing mortal danger from the very person he refuses to harm. By taking Saul's spear and cruse of water, David secures tangible proof of his innocence and demonstrates a character worthy of the kingship he is destined to inherit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This dramatic scene unfolds in the [Wilderness of Ziph](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul Again"), where King Saul, accompanied by Abner and three thousand chosen men, is encamped in relentless pursuit of David. David and his kinsman Abishai stealthily enter Saul's camp under the cover of night, finding Saul asleep with his spear stuck in the ground near his head and a cruse of water by his bolster. Abishai, seeing a clear and opportune moment to eliminate their enemy, urges David to allow him to kill Saul with a single blow. However, David emphatically refuses, uttering the profound words of this verse. This incident strikingly mirrors an earlier event recorded in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave"), where David also had the chance to kill Saul in a cave at En Gedi but chose to spare his life, cutting off only a corner of Saul's robe as proof ([1 Samuel 24:4](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4 - David Cuts Saul's Robe")). Both instances highlight David's consistent character, his deep respect for God's divine appointments, and his refusal to take personal vengeance, thereby cementing his moral authority and demonstrating his fitness for future kingship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "the LORD's anointed" (Hebrew: _mashiach Yahweh_) was central to ancient Israelite understanding of kingship. Kings were not merely political leaders but were divinely chosen and consecrated through a sacred anointing ritual, often performed by a prophet, signifying their appointment by God for a specific purpose. This anointing rendered them sacrosanct, meaning to harm them was to violate a divine decree and act against God Himself. Despite Saul's disobedience and God's stated rejection of him as king ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection as King")), the office he held was still considered divinely instituted. David, a man after God's own heart, understood this profound theological principle, even when it meant enduring prolonged suffering at the hands of the very person he was forbidden to touch. The wilderness setting also speaks to the harsh realities of fugitive life and military encampments, where such stealthy infiltrations were dangerous but possible.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Respect for God's Anointed**, emphasizing that even when a leader is flawed or actively hostile, their divinely appointed office demands reverence. David's refusal to "stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed" underscores his deep theological conviction that Saul's anointing by the prophet Samuel made him untouchable by human hand, regardless of his current behavior. This is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Trust in God's Sovereignty and Justice**. David explicitly states in the preceding verse ([1 Samuel 26:10](/1_samuel/26-10 "1 Samuel 26:10 - David's Trust in God's Judgment")) that God Himself would deal with Saul, whether through death, battle, or divine judgment, demonstrating his conviction that vengeance belongs to God, not to man ([Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to God")). Furthermore, David's actions exemplify **Integrity and Righteousness** under extreme pressure. Even when his life is in constant danger from Saul, David refuses to compromise his moral and spiritual principles, choosing the righteous path and demonstrating a character worthy of kingship. Finally, the act of taking Saul's **Proof of Innocence**—his spear and cruse of water—serves as tangible evidence that David was in Saul's camp and could have killed him but chose not to. These items become silent witnesses to his good intentions and integrity, which he later uses to confront Saul ([1 Samuel 26:16](/1_samuel/26-16 "1 Samuel 26:16 - David Confronts Saul with the Proof")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"The LORD'S anointed" (Hebrew, _mashiach Yahweh'_):** This is the foundational phrase of the verse. _Mashiach_ (מָשִׁיחַ) literally means "anointed one," from which the English word "Messiah" is derived. In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was a sacred ritual signifying divine consecration and appointment for a specific office, particularly that of king, priest, or prophet. For David, Saul's anointing by Samuel ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul")) meant that he was set apart by God. To "stretch forth mine hand" against him would be to directly oppose God's sovereign choice and violate a sacred boundary. David understood that while God had rejected Saul as king over Israel, God had not revoked Saul's status as "the LORD's anointed" in terms of the sacredness of the office itself. David's reverence was for the divine appointment, not for Saul's personal character or actions.
* **"stretch forth mine hand" (Hebrew, _shalach yad'_):** This idiomatic expression signifies an act of violence, aggression, or taking harmful action against someone. It implies an unauthorized or forbidden act of physical harm. In this context, it underscores the gravity of what Abishai proposed and what David vehemently rejected. David saw this act not merely as killing an enemy, but as an affront to God's sovereign authority over His chosen leader.
* **"bolster" (Hebrew, _mera'ashah'_):** This word (מְרַאֲשָׁה) refers to a pillow, headrest, or the place where one's head rests. Its mention here highlights the intimacy and vulnerability of Saul's sleeping position, making David's restraint even more striking. The spear "at his bolster" indicates it was within easy reach, a constant companion for a king in a military camp, yet it became a symbol of his unguarded state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed:"** This opening clause is a powerful declaration of David's theological conviction and moral stance. "The LORD forbid" (Hebrew: _chalilah li l'Adonai_) expresses a strong, almost horrified, rejection of the idea. It's a prayerful plea that such a sacrilege would never occur. David's refusal is not based on fear of Saul or his men, but on his deep reverence for God's sovereign choice and the sacredness of the anointing. He recognizes that to harm Saul would be to directly defy God.
* **"but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that [is] at his bolster, and the cruse of water,"** This clause outlines David's alternative, non-violent course of action. Instead of taking Saul's life, David instructs Abishai to take two specific items: Saul's spear and his cruse (a small jar) of water. These items are highly personal and symbolic. The spear represents Saul's authority and power (it was often a king's personal weapon, even used to pin people to walls, as in [1 Samuel 19:10](/1_samuel/19-10 "1 Samuel 19:10 - Saul Tries to Pin David with a Spear")), and the cruse of water represents his personal sustenance and vulnerability. By taking these, David gains undeniable proof that he was in Saul's camp and had the opportunity to kill him but chose not to, demonstrating his integrity and proving his lack of malicious intent.
* **"and let us go."** This final, concise command signifies the immediate and decisive departure from Saul's camp. It emphasizes David's commitment to avoiding further temptation or confrontation, and his trust that God will ultimately deal with Saul. David's mission was not to kill Saul, but to obtain proof and then remove himself from the situation, leaving judgment to God.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Samuel 26:11 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological and dramatic impact. **Contrast** is starkly evident between Saul's relentless, unrighteous pursuit of David and David's unwavering, righteous restraint. While Saul seeks to kill God's chosen successor, David refuses to harm God's current, albeit flawed, anointed king. This highlights David's superior moral character and fitness for kingship. **Symbolism** is powerfully employed through the spear and the cruse of water. The spear, a weapon of war and a symbol of royal authority, becomes a testament to Saul's vulnerability and David's non-violence. The cruse of water, a basic necessity, further underscores Saul's unguarded state. Both items serve as silent witnesses to David's integrity and later as irrefutable **Proof of Innocence** when David confronts Saul. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing** in David's actions. His consistent reverence for divine authority and his patient trust in God's timing foreshadow the nature of his future reign as a king who seeks God's heart and relies on divine justice rather than personal vengeance. Finally, **Irony** pervades the scene: the "anointed" king (Saul) acts unrighteously and seeks to murder, while the one being pursued (David), though not yet formally king, embodies true kingly character, integrity, and reverence for God's sacred appointments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's actions in 1 Samuel 26:11 resonate with profound theological principles that extend throughout the biblical narrative. His unwavering respect for "the LORD's anointed," even when that individual is his bitter enemy, underscores the sacredness of divinely appointed authority. This does not imply blind obedience to evil, but rather a recognition that God is sovereign over all human leadership, and ultimate justice belongs to Him. David's refusal to take vengeance into his own hands demonstrates a deep trust in God's perfect timing and His righteous judgment, embodying the principle that personal retribution is God's prerogative. This act also highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and moral purity, even when faced with extreme provocation and personal danger, serving as a model for how believers are called to respond to injustice within God's sovereign plan.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Psalm 105:15](/psalms/105-15 "Psalm 105:15 - Do Not Touch My Anointed Ones")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision in 1 Samuel 26:11 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating complex relationships and challenging circumstances today. His profound reverence for God's appointment, even in a flawed leader like Saul, calls us to re-evaluate our own attitudes toward authority, whether in government, church, or workplace. It challenges us to respect the office, even when we disagree with or are wronged by the person holding it, trusting that God ultimately permits and oversees all authority. Furthermore, David's unwavering trust in God's timing for justice, refusing to take matters into his own hands, is a powerful antidote to our human inclination for immediate retribution or control. It reminds us to surrender our desire for personal vengeance and patiently wait for the Lord to act, knowing that His justice is perfect and His timing is sovereign. David's consistent integrity, even when his life was on the line, serves as a compelling example of living out our faith with moral courage, choosing the righteous path regardless of personal cost or perceived self-interest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's reverence for "the LORD's anointed" challenge our own attitudes toward authority, particularly when we disagree or feel wronged by those in power?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to take matters into your own hands rather than trusting God's timing and justice? What practical steps can you take to surrender these situations to Him?**
* **What does David's consistent integrity, even under duress, teach us about living out our Christian principles in challenging circumstances today?**
* **How can cultivating a heart that honors God's choices, even when they seem counterintuitive or difficult, strengthen your faith and character?**

### FAQ

**Why was Saul still considered "the LORD's anointed" despite his disobedience and rejection by God?**

Answer: Saul was still considered "the LORD's anointed" because his anointing was a divine act of consecration to an office, not a guarantee of perpetual personal righteousness or favor. God had indeed rejected Saul as king over Israel due to his disobedience ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection as King")), and the Spirit of the LORD had departed from him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). However, the sacredness of the *office* of the king, established by God, remained. David understood that while Saul's personal conduct was deplorable, the *anointing* itself was from God, making the office sacrosanct. To harm Saul would be to directly violate God's established order and usurp God's prerogative to remove or judge His chosen leaders. David's reverence was for the divine institution, not for the man's character.

**Did David's refusal to kill Saul mean he condoned Saul's actions or believed Saul was innocent?**

Answer: No, David's refusal to kill Saul did not mean he condoned Saul's actions or believed him innocent. David was fully aware of Saul's malicious intent and his unjust persecution. In fact, in the very verse preceding [1 Samuel 26:11](/1_samuel/26-11 "1 Samuel 26:11 - David Spares Saul Again"), David explicitly states his belief that God would ultimately deal with Saul: "As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish" ([1 Samuel 26:10](/1_samuel/26-10 "1 Samuel 26:10 - David's Trust in God's Judgment")). David's decision was not an endorsement of Saul's sin, but a profound act of faith and submission to God's sovereignty. He refused to take personal vengeance or usurp God's role as the ultimate judge, demonstrating his trust that God would bring about justice in His own way and time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound reverence for "the LORD's anointed" in 1 Samuel 26:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person of Jesus Christ, the true and perfect Anointed One, the Messiah. David, himself an anointed king, foreshadows Christ in his patient suffering, his refusal to take vengeance, and his unwavering trust in the Father's will. Just as David refused to "stretch forth his hand" against Saul, the imperfect anointed one, so too did Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, submit willingly to the hands of sinful men, refusing to retaliate against those who unjustly persecuted Him ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering Patiently")). He did not call down legions of angels ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")) but instead surrendered to the divine plan, trusting that His Father would vindicate Him. The ultimate "stretch forth mine hand against the LORD's anointed" was the crucifixion of Jesus, yet even this horrific act was part of God's sovereign plan for salvation ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreordained Plan of the Cross")). Unlike Saul, whose anointing was for a temporal kingdom and whose reign ended in failure, Jesus' anointing is eternal, establishing a spiritual kingdom through His self-sacrifice ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). David's integrity and trust in God's timing point to Christ, who perfectly embodied these virtues, becoming the rightful King not by seizing power, but by humbly obeying the Father and conquering sin and death through His cross and resurrection ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 24:6

And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD.

1 Samuel 24:12

The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

2 Samuel 1:14

And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?

2 Samuel 1:16

And David said unto him, Thy blood [be] upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.