1 Samuel 26:17

KJV

And Saul knew David's voice, and said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And David said, [It is] my voice, my lord, O king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} knew {H5234} David's {H1732} voice {H6963}, and said {H559}, Is this thy voice {H6963}, my son {H1121} David {H1732}? And David {H1732} said {H559}, It is my voice {H6963}, my lord {H113}, O king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul recognized David's voice and said, "Is that your voice, my son David?"David said, "It is my voice, my lord king!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said.

American Standard Version

And Saul knew David’s voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a dramatic climax within the narrative of 1 Samuel 26, which mirrors an earlier encounter in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life"). Following Saul's renewed, obsessive pursuit of David into the wilderness of Ziph, David, accompanied by Abishai, daringly infiltrates Saul's sleeping camp. As a testament to his profound respect for God's anointed and a refusal to take vengeance into his own hands, David restrains Abishai from killing Saul. Instead, while a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon the entire camp, David takes Saul's spear and water jug from beside his head, tangible proofs of his access to the king's vulnerable state ([1 Samuel 26:12](/1_samuel/26-12 "1 Samuel 26:12 - God's Deep Sleep on Saul's Camp")). After safely withdrawing to a distance, David calls out to Abner, Saul's commander, chastising him for his failure to protect the king, and then directly addresses Saul, revealing his presence and presenting the undeniable evidence of his mercy. Verse 17 marks Saul's immediate, emotional, and surprising reaction to David's voice, signaling a brief return to sanity and a recognition of the profound truth of David's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the rugged wilderness of Ziph, a desolate region in Judah known for its numerous hiding places, perfectly suited to David's fugitive status. Saul's relentless pursuit of David was driven by a deep-seated jealousy and paranoia, exacerbated by God's anointing of David as the next king and the people's adoration of him ([1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7-9 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - Saul's Jealousy of David")). In ancient Near Eastern kingship, the king's spear and water jug were not merely personal items but potent symbols of his authority, life, and personal security. David's taking of these items, rather than Saul's life, was a profound symbolic act demonstrating his power to harm but his deliberate choice to honor. The concept of "the Lord's anointed" (Hebrew: _mashiach YHWH_) was paramount, signifying that the king's authority derived directly from God, making any attack on him an offense against God Himself ([1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Refuses to Harm the Lord's Anointed")). This cultural understanding undergirds David's consistent actions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, **David's unwavering integrity and respect for divine authority** are paramount; despite Saul's relentless persecution, David consistently refuses to harm the king, demonstrating his profound faith that God would establish him in His own time and way ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Reverence for God's Anointed")). Secondly, **Saul's fluctuating mental and spiritual state** is starkly highlighted; his recognition of David's voice brings a momentary return to sanity and a flicker of the paternal affection he once held for David, contrasting sharply with his usual murderous intent. This instability underscores the tragic consequences of disobedience and a hardened heart. Thirdly, **divine providence and protection** are vividly evident; the fact that David could twice come within striking distance of Saul and choose not to harm him, coupled with the supernatural sleep that fell upon Saul's men ([1 Samuel 26:12](/1_samuel/26-12 "1 Samuel 26:12 - God's Deep Sleep on Saul's Camp")), emphasizes God's sovereign hand orchestrating events to protect His chosen one and fulfill His purposes, even through human agency and restraint.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Hebrew, _nâkar'_):** The Hebrew verb נָכַר (_nâkar_) means "to scrutinize, to acknowledge, to be acquainted with, to perceive." In this context, Saul's immediate "knowing" or recognition of David's voice is profoundly significant. It implies a deep, personal familiarity that cuts through his paranoia and delusion, momentarily restoring a sense of their past relationship. The voice is an identifier, a unique signature that even in the dark and from a distance, could not be mistaken, signifying a moment of clarity and perhaps a subconscious yearning for the integrity David represented.
* **my son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** The possessive phrase בְּנִי (_bên_), "my son," is a term of endearment and paternal affection. Saul's use of this address, after years of trying to kill David, is startling and deeply poignant. It reveals a momentary softening of his heart, a flicker of the former bond they shared, reminding both men of the time when David served Saul faithfully and was beloved by him ([1 Samuel 16:21](/1_samuel/16-21 "1 Samuel 16:21 - David Becomes Saul's Armor-bearer")). This address underscores the tragedy of Saul's spiritual decline and the depth of his internal conflict, highlighting the personal cost of his jealousy and disobedience.
* **my lord, O king (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_ / _melek'_):** David's response, אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ (_ʼâdôwn_ / _melek_), "my lord, O king," is a formal and deeply respectful address. The term _ʼâdôwn_ signifies "sovereign, master, owner," while _melek_ means "king." By combining these, David maintains proper deference to Saul's divinely appointed office, despite being the wronged party and having Saul's life in his hands. This demonstrates David's unwavering loyalty to God's established authority, his humility, and his conviction that vengeance belongs to the Lord. It highlights his character as one who honors God's anointing, regardless of the personal cost or the personal failings of the one anointed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul knew David's voice":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dramatic shift in the narrative. Saul, who has been relentlessly pursuing David with murderous intent, suddenly recognizes the voice of his perceived enemy. This recognition is not merely auditory; it signifies a moment of profound mental clarity and emotional breakthrough, cutting through the fog of his jealousy and paranoia. It suggests a deep, ingrained familiarity with David's voice, hinting at the intimate relationship they once shared before Saul's descent into madness.
* **"and said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David?":** Saul's question is laden with surprise, vulnerability, and a profound sense of recognition. The interrogative "Is this thy voice?" expresses disbelief and shock at David's proximity and the implication of his actions. The subsequent address, "my son David," is the most striking element, betraying a momentary return to paternal tenderness and affection that had long been absent. This phrase reveals a flicker of the former, healthier relationship, momentarily overriding the king's madness and hostility, and hinting at a deep, though fleeting, regret.
* **"And David said, [It is] my voice, my lord, O king.":** David's response is direct, clear, and assertive, yet deeply respectful. "It is my voice" confirms his identity and presence, acknowledging the truth of Saul's recognition and the undeniable evidence of his mercy. The subsequent "my lord, O king" is a deliberate and formal address, reiterating David's unwavering respect for Saul's divinely appointed office, even as Saul acts as his persecutor. This demonstrates David's consistent character, his humility, and his refusal to usurp authority or repay evil with evil, even when he has the power and opportunity to do so.

#### 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](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life")), 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.

* [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Reverence for God's Anointed")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Not Retaliating")

### 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
* **How does David's response to Saul, despite being persecuted, challenge my natural inclination to retaliate or seek revenge against those who wrong me?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take matters into my own hands rather than trusting God's timing and justice for vindication?**
* **What does David's consistent respect for Saul's office, despite Saul's personal failings, teach me about respecting authority, even when it is flawed or unjust?**

### 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](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David Refuses to Harm the Lord's Anointed")), 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](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")). 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](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Not Retaliating")). 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](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). David's restraint points to the greater self-emptying of Christ ([Philippians 2:5-7](/philippians/2-5-7 "Philippians 2:5-7 - Christ's Humility and Self-Emptying")), 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](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). 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.

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 24:16

¶ And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

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.