TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head; and they went away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen on them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So Dauid tooke the speare and the pot of water from Sauls head, and they gate them away, and no man saw it, nor marked it, neither did any awake, but they were all asleepe: for the Lord had sent a dead sleepe vpon them.
Young's Literal Translation
And David taketh the spear, and the cruse of water at the pillow of Saul, and they go away, and there is none seeing, and there is none knowing, and there is none awaking, for all of them are sleeping, for a deep sleep from Jehovah hath fallen upon them.
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 26 verses 6–12
6 ¶ Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
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.
8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?
10 David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.
11 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.
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.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–12. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And there was no one who saw or understood, etc. There was no one among the reprobate who, hearing the Lord or His apostles preaching the future desolation of Judea, and the erasure of its ancient state from the land, understanding either their past misdeeds or future damnation, would awake to repentance; but they persisted in all impiety, because the Lord, due to preceding merits, blinded their senses. Alternatively, the sleep of the Lord fell upon them, that is, heavier than usual, which the Lord imposed on them particularly because of David’s advent, not allowing them to awaken until He himself had gone back.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 26:12 vividly portrays God's precise and powerful intervention, enabling David to infiltrate King Saul's encampment undetected and retrieve Saul's spear and water cruse from beside his head. This stealthy operation was made possible because a profound, divinely orchestrated sleep had fallen upon Saul and his entire army, rendering them completely oblivious to David and Abishai's presence. The verse not only highlights God's unwavering protection over His chosen servant but also underscores David's remarkable integrity and his steadfast commitment to honoring God's anointed, even when facing mortal danger, demonstrating his trust in divine justice rather than resorting to personal vengeance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Irony is strikingly prominent, as Saul, who relentlessly hunts David with murderous intent, is rendered utterly vulnerable and delivered into David's hands by the very God he claims to serve. The hunter becomes the hunted's prey, yet the prey demonstrates remarkable mercy and restraint. Symbolism is evident in David's taking of the spear and water cruse; the spear represents Saul's kingship, authority, and power, while the water cruse signifies his life and essential needs. David's act of taking these items, rather than Saul's life, is a powerful symbolic gesture of demonstrating his legitimate claim to the throne and his refusal to shed innocent blood, asserting moral superiority. The "deep sleep from the LORD" functions as a clear Divine Intervention or a Miracle, a direct and supernatural act of God that dramatically alters the natural course of events. This emphasizes God's active involvement in the narrative and His sovereign control over human circumstances. Finally, David's actions here serve as Foreshadowing, revealing his character as a man of integrity, patience, and unwavering trust in God—qualities that would ultimately define his future reign and set him apart from Saul's impulsive and self-serving leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 26:12 stands as a profound testament to God's active sovereignty and His meticulous care for His chosen. It illustrates that God is not confined by human limitations or circumstances, but can orchestrate events, even the sleep of an entire army, to fulfill His purposes and protect His servants. This divine intervention underscores the theological truth that God is the ultimate sustainer and protector of His people, and that His plans will prevail regardless of human opposition. Furthermore, David's response to this divinely opened window of opportunity — choosing restraint and trust over vengeance — highlights the biblical principle that justice and retribution ultimately belong to God, not to individuals seeking personal vindication. It calls believers to a posture of patience and reliance on God's perfect timing and righteous judgment, even in the face of severe injustice.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful narrative from 1 Samuel 26:12 offers profound lessons for believers navigating challenging circumstances today. It reminds us that God is perpetually at work, often in unseen and unexpected ways, orchestrating events to protect His own and advance His kingdom purposes. In moments of intense pressure, injustice, or persecution, like David, we are called to trust in God's sovereign hand rather than resorting to our own strength or seeking immediate retaliation. David's integrity in refusing to harm God's anointed, even when given the perfect opportunity, challenges us to maintain our character and ethical standards, even when those around us act unjustly. True strength is found not in taking matters into our own hands, but in patiently waiting for the Lord to act, believing that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous and deal with the wicked in His perfect timing. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deeper faith in God's unseen providence, recognizing that He can create pathways where none seem to exist, and that His timing is always perfect.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why didn't David kill Saul when he had the chance, especially given Saul's relentless pursuit?
Answer: David's refusal to kill Saul, despite having two clear opportunities (here and in 1 Samuel 24), stemmed from his profound respect for God's anointing. David understood that Saul, though disobedient and persecuting, was still "the Lord's anointed" (1 Samuel 26:9). He believed that vengeance and the removal of a king belonged solely to God, not to him. David trusted that God would deal with Saul in His own time and way, either through the Lord striking him down, his time coming, or his going into battle and perishing (1 Samuel 26:10). This demonstrated David's deep faith, patience, and commitment to divine justice over personal retribution.
What was the significance of David taking Saul's spear and water cruse?
Answer: David took the spear and water cruse as tangible proof that he had been in Saul's camp and could have killed him, yet chose not to. The spear was a potent symbol of Saul's royal authority and military power; by taking it, David demonstrated his ability to disarm the king, symbolically taking his power without taking his life. The water cruse represented Saul's life and sustenance. These items served as irrefutable evidence for Saul and his men that David had honored God's anointed, even when given the perfect opportunity for revenge. It was a non-violent act of demonstration, asserting David's moral superiority and trust in God's justice, rather than an act of aggression.
Is this "deep sleep from the LORD" a common biblical motif, and what does it signify?
Answer: Yes, the "deep sleep from the LORD" (Hebrew: tardêmâh) is a significant biblical motif, often signifying a supernatural, divinely induced slumber or trance. It is not mere fatigue but a profound unconsciousness orchestrated by God for specific purposes. Beyond this instance with Saul's army, it appears when God causes a deep sleep to fall upon Adam before taking his rib to create Eve (Genesis 2:21) and when a deep sleep falls upon Abraham during the covenant ceremony, signifying God's unilateral commitment to His promises (Genesis 15:12). In 1 Samuel 26:12, it signifies God's direct, sovereign intervention to protect David and facilitate his mission, demonstrating that God is actively involved in human affairs and can manipulate circumstances to fulfill His divine will.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine intervention and David's response in 1 Samuel 26:12 powerfully foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God sovereignly protected David, His chosen king, from the malicious intent of Saul, so too did God protect His Son, Jesus, throughout His earthly ministry, until the appointed time for His ultimate sacrifice. David's profound respect for God's anointed, even in the face of unjust persecution, prefigures Christ's perfect submission to the Father's will and His non-retaliatory response to injustice. When confronted by His enemies, Jesus did not call down legions of angels (Matthew 26:53) but willingly submitted to the cross, trusting His Father's timing and plan for redemption. The "deep sleep from the LORD" that fell upon Saul's army speaks to God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances, a sovereignty perfectly displayed in Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. God orchestrated every detail of Christ's life and sacrifice, ensuring that His redemptive plan would unfold precisely as prophesied. Just as David refused to take vengeance, Jesus, the true Lamb of God, took away the sin of the world not through force, but through self-giving love, entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23). This narrative ultimately points to Christ as the King who truly reigns by divine appointment, whose kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and who perfectly embodies the integrity and trust in God's timing that David imperfectly demonstrated.