1 Samuel 26:12

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.

So David {H1732} took {H3947} the spear {H2595} and the cruse {H6835} of water {H4325} from Saul's {H7586} bolster {H7226}; and they gat them away {H3212}, and no man saw {H7200} it, nor knew {H3045} it, neither awaked {H6974}: for they were all asleep {H3463}; because a deep sleep {H8639} from the LORD {H3068} was fallen {H5307} upon them.

So David took the spear and the water jug from Sha'ul's head and got away. Nobody saw or knew about it, and no one awoke, because they were all asleep - a deep sleep from ADONAI had fallen over them.

So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s head; and they gat them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Jehovah was fallen upon them.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a dramatic narrative in the life of David, who is being relentlessly pursued by King Saul, his jealous predecessor. Saul, despite David's loyalty and service, sought to kill him. This particular incident in 1 Samuel chapter 26 describes David's second significant opportunity to kill Saul but choosing not to, demonstrating his unwavering respect for God's anointed leader. David, accompanied by Abishai, infiltrates Saul's camp at night while Saul and his men are asleep, finding Saul vulnerable.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Protection: The central message of this verse is God's direct intervention. The "deep sleep from the LORD" is not accidental but a divine act ensuring David's safety and enabling him to demonstrate his integrity without direct confrontation. It highlights God's active role in protecting His chosen servants and fulfilling His purposes, even in the midst of extreme danger.
  • David's Integrity and Respect for God's Anointed: David's refusal to harm Saul, taking only his spear and water cruse as proof of his presence, underscores his profound respect for the office of king and the one God had anointed, even if that person was persecuting him. This act serves as a powerful testament to David's character and his trust that God would deal with Saul in His own time and way (as seen in David's words in 1 Samuel 26:9-11).
  • Trust in God's Timing and Justice: Instead of taking vengeance into his own hands, David trusts God to deliver him and to execute justice. His actions here parallel an earlier incident where he also spared Saul's life in a cave (1 Samuel 24:4-7).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "deep sleep from the LORD" uses the Hebrew word tardemah (תַּרְדֵּמָה), which signifies a profound, divinely induced slumber or trance. This term is notably used elsewhere in Scripture to describe a supernatural sleep, such as the one God caused to fall upon Adam before taking his rib (Genesis 2:21) or upon Abraham during the covenant ceremony (Genesis 15:12). Its use here emphasizes that the guards' unconsciousness was not mere fatigue but a direct act of God's will, creating the perfect window for David's mission.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: We are reminded that God is actively involved in our lives, even in seemingly impossible or dangerous situations. He can create opportunities and provide protection in ways we cannot foresee, often through seemingly natural circumstances that are, in fact, divinely orchestrated.
  • Responding to Injustice with Integrity: David's example challenges us to respond to persecution or injustice not with retaliation, but with integrity and reliance on God's ultimate justice. His actions demonstrate that true strength lies in trusting God's timing and character rather than seeking immediate revenge.
  • Patience and Waiting on the Lord: David did not usurp God's plan for Saul's removal. This encourages us to be patient and wait for God to act, rather than forcing outcomes in our own strength or timing, especially when dealing with difficult authorities or challenging circumstances.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 2:21

    ¶ And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

  • Genesis 15:12

    ¶ And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

  • Isaiah 29:10

    For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

  • 1 Samuel 26:7

    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.

  • Esther 6:1

    ¶ On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

  • 1 Samuel 24:4

    And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
← Back