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Commentary on 1 Samuel 26 verses 13–20
David having got safely from Saul's camp himself, and having brought with him proofs sufficient that he had been there, posts himself conveniently, so that they might hear him and yet not reach him (Sa1 26:13), and then begins to reason with them upon what had passed.
I. He reasons ironically with Abner, and keenly banters him. David knew well that it was from the mighty power of God that Abner and the rest of the guards were cast into so deep a sleep, and that God's immediate hand was in it; but he reproaches Abner as unworthy to be captain of the lifeguards, since he could sleep when the king his master lay so much exposed. By this it appears that the hand of God locked them up in this deep sleep that, as soon as ever David had got out of danger, a very little thing awakened them, even David's voice at a great distance roused them, Sa1 26:14. Abner got up (we may suppose it early in a summer's morning) and enquired who called, and disturbed the king's repose. "It is I," says David, and then he upbraids him with his sleeping when he should have been upon his guard. Perhaps Abner, looking upon David as a despicable enemy and one that there was no danger from, had neglected to set a watch; however, he himself ought to have been more wakeful. David, to put him into confusion, told him, 1. That he had lost his honour (Sa1 26:15): "Art not thou a man? (so the word is), a man in office, that art bound, by the duty of thy place, to inspect the soldiery? Art not thou in reputation for a valiant man? So thou wouldst be esteemed, a man of such courage and conduct that there is none like thee; but now thou art shamed for ever. Thou a general! Thou, a sluggard!" 2. That he deserved to lose his head (Sa1 26:16): "You are all worthy to die, by martial law, for being off your guard, when you had the king himself asleep in the midst of you. Ecce signum - Behold this token. See where the king's spear is, in the hand of him whom the king himself is pleased to count his enemy. Those that took away this might as easily and safely have taken away his life. Now see who are the king's best friends, you that neglected him and left him exposed or I that protected him when he was exposed. You pursue me as worthy to die, and irritate Saul against me; but who is worthy to die now?" Note, Sometimes those that unjustly condemn others are justly left to fall into condemnation themselves.
II. He reasons seriously and affectionately with Saul. By this time he was so well awake as to hear what was said, and to discern who said it (Sa1 26:17): Is this thy voice, my son David? In the same manner he had expressed his relentings, Sa1 24:16. He had given his wife to another and yet calls him son, thirsted after his blood and yet is glad to hear his voice. Those are bad indeed that have never any convictions of good, nor ever sincerely utter good expressions. And now David has as fair an opportunity of reaching Saul's conscience as he had just now of taking away his life. This he lays hold on, though not of that, and enters into a close argument with him, concerning the trouble he still continued to give him, endeavouring to persuade him to let fall the prosecution and be reconciled.
1.He complains of the very melancholy condition he was brought into by the enmity of Saul against him. Two things he laments: - (1.) That he was driven from his master and from his business: "My lord pursues after his servant, Sa1 26:18. How gladly would I serve thee as formerly if my service might be accepted! but, instead of being owned as a servant, I am pursued as a rebel, and my lord is my enemy, and he whom I would follow with respect compels me to flee from him." (2.) That he was driven from his God and from his religion; and this was a much greater grievance than the former (Sa1 26:19): "They have driven me out from the inheritance of the Lord, have made Canaan too hot for me, at least the inhabited parts of it, have forced me into the deserts and mountains, and will, ere long, oblige me entirely to quit the country." And that which troubled him was not so much that he was driven out from his own inheritance as that he was driven out from the inheritance of the Lord, the holy land. It should be more comfortable to us to think of God's title to our estates and his interest in them then of our own, and that with them we may honour him then that with them we may maintain ourselves. Nor was it so much his trouble that he was constrained to live among strangers as that he was constrained to live among the worshippers of strange gods and was thereby thrust into temptation to join with them in their idolatrous worship. His enemies did, in effect, send him to go and serve other gods, and perhaps he had heard that some of them had spoken to that purport of him. Those that forbid our attendance on God's ordinances do what in them lies to estrange us from God and to make us heathens. If David had not been a man of extraordinary grace, and firmness to his religion, the ill usage he met with from his own prince and people, who were Israelites and worshippers of the true God, would have prejudiced him against the religion they professed and have driven him to communicate with idolaters. "If these be Israelites," he might have said, "let me live and die with Philistines;" and no thanks to them that their conduct had not that effect. We are to reckon that the greatest injury that can be done us which exposes us to sin. Of those who thus led David into temptation he here says, Cursed be they before the Lord. Those fall under a curse that thrust out those whom God receives, and send those to the devil who are dear to God.
2.He insists upon his own innocency: What have I done or what evil is in my hand? Sa1 26:18. He had the testimony of his conscience for him that he had never done nor ever designed any mischief to the person, honour, or government, of his prince, nor to any of the interests of his country. He had lately had Saul's own testimony concerning him (Sa1 24:17): Thou art more righteous than I. It was very unreasonable and wicked for Saul to pursue him as a criminal, when he could not charge him with any crime.
3.He endeavours to convince Saul that his pursuit of him is not only wrong, but mean, and much below him: "The king of Israel, whose dignity is great, and who has so much other work to do, has come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains," Sa1 26:20 - a poor game for the king of Israel to pursue. He compares himself to a partridge, a vert innocent harmless bird, which, when attempts are made upon its life, flies if it can, but makes no resistance. And would Saul bring the flower of his army into the field only to hunt one poor partridge? What a disparagement was this to his honour! What a stain would it be on his memory to trample upon so weak and patient as well as so innocent an enemy! Jam 5:6, You have killed the just, and he doth not resist you.
4.He desires that the core of the controversy may be searched into and some proper method taken to bring it to an end, Sa1 26:19. Saul himself could not say that justice put him on thus to persecute David, or that he was obliged to do it for the public safety. David was not willing to say (though it was very true) that Saul's own envy and malice put him on to do it; and therefore he concludes it must be attributed either to the righteous judgment of God or to the unrighteous designs of evil men. Now, (1.) "If the Lord have stirred thee up against me, either in displeasure to me (taking this way to punish me for my sins against him, though, as to thee, I am guiltless) or in displeasure to thee, if it be the effect of that evil spirit from the Lord which troubles thee, let him accept an offering from us both - let us join in making our peace with God, reconciling ourselves to him, which may be done, by sacrifice; and then I hope the sin will be pardoned, whatever it is, and the trouble, which is so great a vexation both to thee and me, will come to an end." See the right method of peace-making; let us first make God our friend by Christ the great Sacrifice, and then all other enmities shall be slain, Eph 2:16; Pro 16:7. But, (2.) "If thou art incited to it by wicked men, that incense thee against me, cursed be they before the Lord," that is, they are very wicked people, and it is fit that they should be abandoned as such, and excluded from the king's court and councils. He decently lays the blame upon the evil counsellors who advised the king to that which was dishonourable and dishonest, and insists upon it that they be removed from about him and forbidden his presence, as men cursed before the Lord, and then he hoped he should gain his petition, which is (Sa1 26:20), "Let not my blood fall to the earth, as thou threatenest, for it is before the face of the Lord, who will take cognizance of the wrong and avenge it." Thus pathetically does David plead with Saul for his life, and, in order to that, for his favourable opinion of him.
But Saul recognized David's voice, etc. Saul, recognizing David's voice, moved by his humility, innocence, and justice, confessed that he had sinned and promised not to sin against him anymore, and orders him to return. Many of the leaders of the Jews, recognizing the voice of Christ through the apostles' exhortation, confessed that they had sinned, repenting, and implored him with many tears and great prayers to return by the grace of forgiveness to their hearts, which he had deserted because of their faithlessness.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 26:17 captures a profoundly poignant and pivotal moment in the relentless conflict between King Saul and David. This verse details Saul's immediate recognition of David's voice, prompting a fleeting return to paternal tenderness and a moment of stark clarity, while David, despite being unjustly persecuted, reaffirms his identity and unwavering respect for Saul's royal office. It underscores David's consistent integrity and God's sovereign hand in protecting His chosen servant, even amidst intense hostility, setting the stage for a dramatic, yet temporary, reconciliation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Dialogue is central, as the direct exchange between Saul and David reveals their characters, their complex relationship, and the profound tension of the moment. Saul's question, "Is this thy voice, my son David?", is a poignant example of a rhetorical question, conveying his shock, disbelief, and a fleeting return to sanity. The phrase "my son David" is a striking use of pathos, evoking a deep sense of tragedy and lost affection, highlighting the depth of Saul's spiritual and emotional decline and the former bond that was tragically broken. There is also a strong element of irony at play: the hunted fugitive (David) holds the life of his powerful persecutor (Saul) in his hands, yet chooses to show mercy and respect, reversing the expected power dynamic. This moment also serves as a parallel to the earlier encounter in the cave of En-gedi (1 Samuel 24), reinforcing David's consistent character and God's repeated protection and vindication of His chosen servant.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter in 1 Samuel 26:17 powerfully illustrates the theological principle of trusting God's sovereignty and timing, rather than resorting to human vengeance or self-vindication. David's consistent refusal to harm "the Lord's anointed" demonstrates profound faith, recognizing that Saul's kingship, though deeply flawed and spiritually compromised, was divinely instituted. David understood that God alone had the right to remove Saul and elevate him to the throne. This act of restraint, even towards an unjust and relentless persecutor, reflects a deep spiritual maturity and reliance on divine justice. It highlights that true leadership, in God's eyes, is characterized by humility, integrity, and a willingness to suffer unjustly rather than compromise divine principles or usurp God's prerogative. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the spiritual strength required to honor God's authority even when the human vessel of that authority is deeply flawed and actively hostile.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound exchange in 1 Samuel 26:17 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating conflict and injustice in their own lives. David's example challenges us to maintain our integrity and show respect, even towards those who persecute us or act unjustly, mirroring the call to love our enemies. In a world quick to retaliate and seek immediate gratification, David's consistent refusal to take vengeance, despite having the perfect opportunity, calls us to a higher standard of trusting God's justice and His perfect timing. It reminds us that our character, forged in the crucible of adversity, can speak volumes, sometimes even softening the hearts of our adversaries, if only for a moment, and always testifying to the power of God at work within us. This passage encourages us to rely on divine providence for our protection and vindication, rather than resorting to our own strength, schemes, or self-righteous anger. It also prompts us to consider the transformative power of humility and consistent, godly conduct in challenging situations, demonstrating that true strength lies not in asserting our own rights or power, but in obediently submitting to God's will and trusting His ultimate justice.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Saul recognize David's voice specifically?
Answer: Saul's recognition of David's voice, rather than his appearance, is highly significant and deeply symbolic. It suggests a profound, ingrained familiarity and personal connection that transcended the physical distance and the darkness of the night. Their relationship had been intimate for years – David was Saul's armor-bearer, his personal musician who soothed his tormented spirit, and his son-in-law. The voice, a unique identifier, cut through Saul's mental and spiritual confusion, momentarily bringing him back to a place of clarity and perhaps even a flicker of the affection he once held for David. It was a moment where the personal bond momentarily overshadowed the political and spiritual animosity, reminding Saul of who David truly was before jealousy consumed him. This recognition highlights the profound impact David's character and presence had on Saul, even in his tormented state, and the deep, tragic irony of their relationship.
What is the significance of David calling Saul "my lord, O king" despite being persecuted?
Answer: David's decision to address Saul as "my lord, O king" is a powerful demonstration of his unwavering respect for the divinely appointed office of the king, even when the man holding that office was actively seeking his life. This was not a sign of weakness or fear, but of profound spiritual maturity and obedience to God. David understood that Saul was "the Lord's anointed" (1 Samuel 26:9), and to harm him would be to lift his hand against God's chosen representative. By maintaining this respectful address, David affirmed his loyalty to God's established order, demonstrated his own integrity, and placed his vindication entirely in God's hands. It underscored that his conflict was not with Saul as a person, but with the evil spirit that tormented Saul, and that his ultimate allegiance was to God's will and His timing for the transfer of kingship.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter between David and Saul in 1 Samuel 26:17, particularly David's non-retaliation and continued respect for the Lord's anointed, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, the future king of Israel, suffers unjustly at the hands of the reigning, yet spiritually compromised, king. Despite having the power and opportunity to take Saul's life, David consistently chooses mercy, humility, and trust in God's timing, refusing to lift his hand against the one God had anointed. This mirrors Christ, the ultimate "Lord's Anointed" (Messiah), who, though innocent and possessing all power, willingly submitted to unjust suffering and persecution at the hands of those in authority (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus, "who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:23). Like David, who honored Saul's office despite his personal failings, Christ perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, even unto death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). David's restraint points to the greater self-emptying of Christ (Philippians 2:5-7), who, though King of kings, came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Thus, David's integrity and deferential suffering serve as a powerful Old Testament shadow of the perfect humility, obedience, and redemptive suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ, who ultimately conquered sin and death not through force, but through self-sacrificial love.