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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
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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.
Now therefore take the spear that is at his head, etc. The spear either insinuates the power of the kingdom itself or the arms of spiritual virtues, by which the kingdom could be helped. However, it can be taken regarding the earthly kingdom they had and the heavenly kingdom they hoped for, which anyone among them knew to hope for. It is indeed established that both were rightfully taken away from the faithless. Moreover, the cup of water is the observance of carnal types; which, compared to evangelical perfection, is as a cup of water to a cup of wine, not inappropriately taken; whence also above Nabal, despising David who asked for water, did not give it. Abigail also gave wine because the people of the faithless, whether of the law or of the letter, refused to ascribe it to Christ; but everyone faithful knows and recognizes that all things are to be referred to Him, and these things filled with a spiritual flavor to be fervent. Therefore, the spear and the cup of water are taken away from Saul, when because of the crime of perfidy, the entire kingdom and the literal custody of the law are taken away from the Jews. This indeed is done by Abishai at the command of David; when at the command of the Lord, each of the apostles preaching the rights of the Gospel teaches that all old things are to pass away. However, when the spear and the cup were taken away, David added, saying, And let us go; it signifies that Christ was about to depart from the Jews and pass over to the Gentiles to be saved with His preachers. And He Himself, coming to the Passion, announcing it almost with the same word said: Rise, let us go hence.
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Summary
In 1 Samuel 26:11, David, despite having a clear opportunity to eliminate his relentless pursuer, King Saul, emphatically refuses to "stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed." This pivotal moment powerfully 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, choosing a path of righteousness over personal vengeance.
Context
Literary Context
This dramatic scene unfolds in the Wilderness of Ziph, 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, 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). 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), 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, yet David chose restraint.
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) 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). 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the Messiah." This term is central to David's rationale. Saul, despite his unrighteousness and God's rejection of his kingship, still held the office to which he was divinely consecrated through anointing. David's reverence was for the sacredness of this divine appointment, understanding that to harm Saul would be to violate God's established order and usurp His prerogative.
A primitive word referring to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote." In this context, "stretch forth mine hand" (with H7971, shâlach, "to send away, for, or out") is an idiom for an act of violence or aggression. David's refusal to "stretch forth" his "hand" signifies his absolute rejection of taking violent action or personal vengeance against God's chosen one.
Meaning "properly, a headpiece, i.e. (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)." The spear being "at his bolster" indicates its proximity to Saul's head, highlighting his extreme vulnerability and the ease with which David could have struck him. This detail underscores the profound moral and spiritual discipline David exercised by choosing restraint despite the clear opportunity.
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, from H2486, châlîylâh, meaning "far be it!") 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's ordained authority.
"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 (H2595, chănîyth) and his cruse (H6835, tsappachath) of water (H4325, mayim). 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), 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 (H3212, yâlak) 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, thereby demonstrating his reliance on divine providence.
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.
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, thereby reflecting the character of Christ in our own lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Saul still considered "the LORD's anointed" despite his disobedience and rejection by God?
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), and the Spirit of the LORD had departed from him (1 Samuel 16:14). 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?
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, 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). 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). He did not call down legions of angels (Matthew 26:53) 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). 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). 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).