1 Samuel 26:13

KJV

¶ Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space [being] between them:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} went over {H5674} to the other side {H5676}, and stood {H5975} on the top {H7218} of an hill {H2022} afar off {H7350}; a great {H7227} space {H4725} being between them:

Complete Jewish Bible

David crossed to the other side and climbed to the top of the distant ridge, leaving a considerable space between them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them.

American Standard Version

Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space being between them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 26:13 describes David's calculated and strategic withdrawal from King Saul's camp after his second demonstration of unwavering mercy. Having secretly infiltrated Saul's sleeping encampment and taken his spear and water jug as irrefutable proof of his presence and restraint, David deliberately positions himself on a distant hilltop. This act of establishing a "great space" between himself and Saul's forces was a crucial maneuver, ensuring his safety and setting the stage for a public confrontation that would powerfully demonstrate David's prudence, his profound respect for God's anointed, and his deep trust in divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of the Monarchy") meticulously chronicles the tumultuous transition from the era of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, with a primary focus on the intertwined reigns of Saul and David. This particular passage, found within [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul's Life Again"), marks the second significant occasion where David has a clear opportunity to kill King Saul but conscientiously chooses not to. The first such instance occurred in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave"), where David cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Immediately preceding the narrative details David and Abishai's stealthy infiltration of Saul's sleeping camp, where they find the king utterly vulnerable. Despite Abishai's fervent urging to strike Saul down, David firmly refuses, declaring his refusal to harm "the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Refuses to Harm Saul")). Instead, he takes Saul's spear and water jug, not as weapons, but as silent, undeniable proof of his presence and his remarkable restraint ([1 Samuel 26:11-12](/1_samuel/26-11-12 "1 Samuel 26:11-12 - David Takes Saul's Spear and Water Jug")). Verse 13 then describes David's immediate, calculated withdrawal to a safe and elevated distance, meticulously setting the stage for his subsequent public confrontation with Saul and his commander, Abner, which unfolds dramatically in the verses that follow ([1 Samuel 26:14-25](/1_samuel/26-14-25 "1 Samuel 26:14-25 - David Confronts Saul and Abner")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event transpires during a highly volatile period in Israel's nascent monarchy. King Saul, consumed by an escalating paranoia and debilitating jealousy, relentlessly pursued David, whom he perceived as a direct threat to his throne, despite David's unwavering loyalty. David, though already privately anointed by Samuel as the future king, was forced to live as a fugitive, constantly on the run with a loyal, albeit small, band of followers. The setting for this episode is the wilderness of Ziph, a rugged, desolate, and often treacherous region within Judah. This terrain provided both a natural refuge for David's nomadic existence and significant challenges for his survival. Military encampments of this ancient era were typically less fortified than modern ones, often consisting of tents or makeshift shelters, making stealthy infiltration feasible, especially under the cloak of night. Culturally, the concept of "the Lord's anointed" (מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה, _meshiach Yahweh_) carried immense theological and societal weight. It signified a person divinely chosen, consecrated, and set apart by God for a specific, sacred role, most notably a king or a high priest. To lay violent hands upon such a person, even one as wayward and malicious as Saul, was considered an egregious act against God Himself, a foundational principle deeply ingrained in Israelite theology and law. David's actions throughout this narrative powerfully reflect his profound reverence for this divine appointment, even when it placed his own life in extreme peril.
* **Key Themes:** Several profound themes converge within [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul's Life Again") and are particularly underscored by the actions described in verse 13. Firstly, the overarching theme of **Divine Providence** is strikingly evident, as Saul is explicitly stated to have been "delivered into David's hand" ([1 Samuel 26:8](/1_samuel/26-8 "1 Samuel 26:8 - Saul Delivered into David's Hand")), highlighting God's sovereign control over seemingly coincidental or circumstantial events. Secondly, David's unwavering **Respect for God's Anointed** stands paramount; despite Saul's relentless and malicious pursuit, David consistently refuses to harm the king, recognizing God's ultimate authority over His chosen ones ([1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Refuses to Harm Saul")). This principle is a defining characteristic of David's integrity throughout his period of flight. Thirdly, David demonstrates profound **Trust in Divine Justice**, choosing to rely on God's ultimate vindication rather than taking vengeance into his own hands. He articulates his belief that God will ultimately judge Saul, whether through natural death, in battle, or by direct divine intervention ([1 Samuel 26:10](/1_samuel/26-10 "1 Samuel 26:10 - David's Trust in God's Judgment")). Finally, David's **Prudence and Strategic Wisdom** are on full display as he meticulously calculates his movements, ensuring his personal safety and advantageous positioning before initiating a public confrontation. The "great space" he creates is not merely a physical distance but a strategic buffer, enabling clear communication without immediate threat, serving as a powerful testament to his practical leadership skills and discerning character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went over (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to cross over" and is used very widely to denote any transition, whether literal or figurative. In this context, it emphasizes David's decisive and intentional movement, a deliberate act of crossing a boundary or a significant geographical feature to gain a strategic advantage. It highlights a purposeful transition from the covert act of infiltration to the overt act of public confrontation, but only after securing a safe and advantageous position.
* **Afar off (Hebrew, _râchôwq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be remote," this term describes a considerable distance, both literally and figuratively. Here, it underscores David's deliberate action of placing a significant physical gap between himself and Saul's camp. This "remoteness" conveys a sense of inaccessibility, emphasizing David's strategic foresight in ensuring his safety before engaging in a verbal challenge. It highlights the calculated nature of his withdrawal, ensuring no immediate reprisal.
* **Space (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** Properly meaning "a standing" or "a spot," this word is used broadly to refer to a locality or place, and figuratively, a condition. When coupled with "great" (H7227, _rab_), it denotes a substantial and intentional separation. This "space" was not accidental but a meticulously created physical barrier, transforming a highly dangerous situation into one where David could speak freely without fear of immediate attack. It represents a strategic buffer, essential for the dramatic confrontation that was about to unfold.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David went over to the other side":** This clause marks David's immediate, decisive, and calculated action following his stealthy infiltration of Saul's camp and his act of mercy. "Went over to the other side" implies a significant movement, perhaps crossing a wadi, a ridge, or some natural boundary, to gain a strategic advantage and establish a safe distance from Saul's sleeping army. It signifies a crucial transition from covert operation to a position from which he could initiate an overt, yet safe, confrontation.
* **"and stood on the top of an hill afar off;":** This detail specifies David's chosen vantage point. Standing on a hilltop provided him with both a clear, commanding view of Saul's camp below and an elevated position from which his voice could carry across the distance. The phrase "afar off" reiterates the considerable separation, ensuring that any immediate pursuit or attack from Saul's men would be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible. This strategic elevation also subtly symbolizes David's moral high ground and his position of spiritual authority, even as a hunted fugitive.
* **"a great space [being] between them:":** This final clause explicitly states the outcome and the strategic purpose of David's precise movements. The "great space" was a deliberate creation, a physical manifestation of the growing chasm between David's righteous conduct and Saul's unrighteous, paranoid pursuit. It served as a vital buffer, allowing David to publicly challenge Saul and Abner's negligence and Saul's injustice without putting himself in immediate peril. This physical separation was absolutely essential for the dramatic verbal confrontation that would immediately follow, enabling David's voice to be heard clearly while his person remained secure.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Samuel 26:13](/1_samuel/26-13 "1 Samuel 26:13 - David's Strategic Withdrawal") is richly imbued with literary devices that amplify its theological and dramatic impact. **Irony** is profoundly evident, as Saul, the reigning king with a vast army at his disposal, is depicted as vulnerable and asleep, while David, the hunted fugitive, is paradoxically the one who holds the power of life and death over the monarch. The stark contrast between David's merciful restraint and Saul's relentless, irrational pursuit underscores this deep irony. **Symbolism** also plays a crucial role: the "great space" David deliberately creates is not merely physical but powerfully symbolizes the widening moral and spiritual chasm between David's integrity and Saul's spiritual decline. David's ascent to the "top of an hill" can be interpreted as symbolic of his moral high ground and his eventual, divinely ordained ascent to the throne, standing in stark contrast to Saul's downward trajectory. The spear and water jug, taken as proof, serve as potent **symbols** of David's access to Saul and his remarkable restraint, providing undeniable evidence of Saul's negligence and David's profound mercy. Furthermore, the entire episode, particularly David's unwavering refusal to harm God's anointed, **foreshadows** the ultimate divine justice that will inevitably befall Saul, reinforcing David's deep trust that God will deal with his enemies in His own perfect time ([1 Samuel 26:10](/1_samuel/26-10 "1 Samuel 26:10 - David's Trust in God's Judgment")). The narrative also masterfully employs **contrast** between David's calm, calculated wisdom and Saul's irrational, impulsive paranoia.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The strategic actions of David in [1 Samuel 26:13](/1_samuel/26-13 "1 Samuel 26:13 - David's Strategic Withdrawal") resonate with profound and enduring theological truths. David's deliberate creation of distance before initiating a confrontation is a powerful testament to his reliance on divine wisdom and protection, rather than succumbing to impulsive retaliation or self-vindication. It beautifully illustrates the biblical principle that believers are called to exercise prudence, seek safety, and engage with discernment, even while standing firm in righteousness. His consistent refusal to harm Saul, despite repeated and clear opportunities, underscores a deep reverence for God's sovereignty over human authority and a profound, unwavering trust in God's ultimate justice. This passage teaches that true strength and spiritual maturity lie not in wielding power for personal vengeance, but in patiently waiting for God to act, entrusting Him with the vindication of the righteous and the judgment of the wicked. It highlights the timeless theological truth that God is the ultimate avenger, and His timing is always perfect and just.

* [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul's Life")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord, Wait Patiently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in [1 Samuel 26:13](/1_samuel/26-13 "1 Samuel 26:13 - David's Strategic Withdrawal") offer timeless and profound wisdom for navigating conflict, injustice, and persecution in our own lives. In moments of intense pressure, unfair accusation, or active hostility, our natural human inclination might be to react impulsively, to seek immediate retribution, or to defend ourselves aggressively. However, David's remarkable example calls us to a significantly higher standard: to exercise strategic wisdom, to create necessary "space" for clear-headed engagement, and to prioritize safety and principled conduct over rash, emotional retaliation. This "space" can manifest in various forms—it might be physical distance, emotional detachment, or even a spiritual pause—allowing us to process difficult situations, seek divine guidance through prayer, and respond with discernment rather than raw, unchecked emotion. Furthermore, David's unwavering respect for God's anointed, even when that authority was deeply flawed, actively hostile, and seeking his life, profoundly challenges us to consider our own attitudes towards those in positions of power, both secular and spiritual. It serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate trust is in God's sovereign hand to bring about justice and vindication, encouraging us to release our grip on personal vengeance and instead commit our cause fully to Him. This passage invites us to cultivate patience, prudence, and a deep, abiding reliance on divine justice in all our interactions, especially with adversaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to create "space" (physical, emotional, or spiritual) before engaging in conflict or difficult conversations?**
* **How can David's example of respecting flawed authority, while simultaneously trusting God for ultimate justice, inform your interactions with challenging leaders or unfair systems in your own context?**
* **What does it practically mean to "leave vengeance to God" in your current circumstances, and how might embracing this principle shift your approach to those who have wronged you?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't David just kill Saul when he had the chance?**

Answer: David consistently refused to kill Saul because Saul was "the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Refuses to Harm Saul")). This was a profound and non-negotiable theological principle for David. He deeply believed that God had chosen Saul as king, and therefore, only God had the divine right to remove him from that position. To lay violent hands on Saul would be to usurp God's prerogative and act directly against divine will. David explicitly states his trust that God Himself would deal with Saul in His own way and time, whether through natural death, in battle, or by direct divine intervention ([1 Samuel 26:10](/1_samuel/26-10 "1 Samuel 26:10 - David's Trust in God's Judgment")). This demonstrates David's deep reverence for God's sovereignty and his unwavering commitment to waiting on God's perfect timing for justice and vindication, a theme powerfully echoed in the New Testament's call to "leave room for God's wrath" and not take vengeance into our own hands ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")).

**What was the significance of taking Saul's spear and water jug?**

Answer: Taking Saul's spear and water jug was a highly symbolic act with immense practical and communicative significance. The spear was not merely a weapon but a potent symbol of Saul's royal authority and military power, often carried by the king himself as a scepter or badge of office ([1 Samuel 18:10](/1_samuel/18-10 "1 Samuel 18:10 - Saul's Spear")). The water jug represented his personal sustenance, daily provision, and ultimate vulnerability. By taking these highly personal and symbolic items, David provided undeniable and irrefutable proof to Saul and his commander, Abner, that he had indeed been in their midst, had the perfect opportunity to kill the king, yet chose not to ([1 Samuel 26:16](/1_samuel/26-16 "1 Samuel 26:16 - Abner's Negligence")). This act served multiple purposes: it publicly shamed Saul and Abner for their negligence in guarding the king, and more importantly, it powerfully vindicated David's character, demonstrating his mercy, his respect for God's anointed, and his non-violent intentions. It was a tangible, silent testimony to his integrity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's remarkable restraint and strategic wisdom in [1 Samuel 26:13](/1_samuel/26-13 "1 Samuel 26:13 - David's Strategic Withdrawal") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David, though a righteous king and a man after God's own heart, was still a fallen human being. Yet, his profound refusal to harm God's anointed, his patient endurance of unjust persecution, and his unwavering trust in divine justice powerfully foreshadow the perfect character and mission of the true and ultimate King, Jesus. Just as David was relentlessly pursued by a jealous Saul, Jesus, the perfect Son of God, was ceaselessly pursued, slandered, and ultimately crucified by those who rejected His rightful claim to the throne. Yet, like David, Jesus never retaliated against His adversaries. When reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He made no threats, but instead willingly entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). The "great space" David created before confrontation can be seen as a type of the spiritual distance Jesus maintained from the world's sinful ways, even as He compassionately engaged with it, embodying a perfect righteousness that set Him utterly apart. Ultimately, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not seek vengeance on His enemies but willingly offered Himself as the ultimate, atoning sacrifice, establishing a new covenant through His shed blood. His glorious resurrection is the ultimate vindication, demonstrating God's perfect justice, His sovereign power over sin and death, and His ultimate authority over all things, far surpassing David's temporary reprieve from Saul. Through Christ, believers are called to a similar posture of non-retaliation, patient endurance, and absolute trust in God's perfect timing and ultimate judgment, knowing that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")).

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 24:8

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

Judges 9:7

¶ And when they told [it] to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.