1 Samuel 26:22

KJV

And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Behold the king's {H4428} spear {H2595}! and let one {H259} of the young men {H5288} come over {H5674} and fetch {H3947} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

David answered, "Here is the king's spear. Send one of the men over to bring it back.

Berean Standard Bible

“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it.

American Standard Version

And David answered and said, Behold the spear, O king! let then one of the young men come over and fetch it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 26:22, David, having once again demonstrated remarkable restraint and integrity by sparing King Saul's life, publicly calls out to the king from a safe distance. This verse captures David's confident and bold declaration as he presents Saul's own spear as irrefutable proof of his presence in the sleeping camp and his deliberate choice not to harm "the Lord's anointed." It underscores David's unwavering trust in God's divine protection and timing, even in the face of relentless and unjust persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This dramatic encounter is the second instance where David has the opportunity to kill King Saul but chooses to spare him, mirroring the earlier event in the cave of En Gedi ([1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave")). Immediately preceding this verse, Saul, driven by intense jealousy and paranoia, has relentlessly pursued David into the wilderness of Ziph. David and his companion Abishai stealthily infiltrate Saul's encampment under the cover of a divinely induced deep sleep that has fallen upon Saul and his entire army ([1 Samuel 26:7-12](/1_samuel/26-7 "1 Samuel 26:7-12 - David Enters Saul's Camp")). Abishai urges David to strike Saul down, but David vehemently refuses to harm [God's anointed king](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David's Refusal to Harm the Lord's Anointed"), instead taking Saul's spear and water jug from beside his head. David then withdraws to a distant hill, and as Saul awakens, David uses these items as undeniable evidence of his presence and his merciful restraint, challenging Saul's general Abner for his failure to protect the king. This verse is David's direct address to Saul, presenting the spear as the ultimate proof of his innocence and forbearance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern warfare, a king's spear was not merely a weapon but a potent symbol of his authority, power, and personal security. Its placement near his head while sleeping indicated its critical importance and constant readiness. For David to take Saul's spear meant he had Saul's life literally in his hands, demonstrating an extraordinary level of vulnerability on Saul's part and an equally extraordinary act of restraint on David's. The concept of "the Lord's anointed" (Hebrew: _mashiach_ or _christos_ in Greek) was deeply significant in Israel, referring to someone consecrated by God for a specific office, particularly the king. To harm such a person, even if they were acting wickedly, was seen as an offense against God Himself, who had established their authority. David's actions reflect a profound understanding and respect for this theological principle, even as Saul's actions violated the very trust inherent in his anointing.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in the books of Samuel. Firstly, **Divine Protection and Providence** are paramount, as God orchestrates the deep sleep of Saul's army, delivering Saul into David's hands not for vengeance, but as a testament to David's character and God's sovereign control over the unfolding events. Secondly, **David's Integrity and Innocence** are highlighted; his consistent refusal to take matters into his own hands against Saul, first in [the cave at En Gedi](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave") and now in the camp, demonstrates his pure motives and unwavering trust in God's ultimate vindication. The spear serves as tangible, irrefutable proof of his mercy and lack of malice. Thirdly, **Respect for God's Anointed** is a central tenet of David's faith. Despite Saul's wicked intentions and relentless pursuit, David maintains profound reverence for Saul's position as king, recognizing that Saul's anointing by God made him untouchable by human hand. This principle is foundational to David's character and his understanding of divine authority, setting him apart from Saul's own disregard for divine commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spear (Hebrew, _chanith'_):** The term חֲנִית (_chanith_) refers to a spear or javelin, a common weapon in ancient warfare. In this context, it is more than just a weapon; it is a potent symbol of Saul's royal authority, military power, and personal security. Its presence "at his head" signifies its immediate availability and importance to the king. David's act of taking it, rather than Saul's life, transforms it into a symbol of Saul's vulnerability, David's access, and David's merciful restraint. It becomes the undeniable, physical proof of David's integrity and a silent witness to God's providence.
* **Young Men (Hebrew, _ne'arim'_):** The word נְעָרִים (_ne'arim_) refers to young men or servants, often those who would be part of a king's retinue or military guard. David's command, "let one of the young men come over and fetch it," is a bold, almost defiant challenge. It implies that Saul's own elite guards, who were supposed to protect him, have failed, and it underscores David's complete confidence in his actions. He is not afraid of Saul's men; rather, he is daring them to acknowledge the truth of what has transpired and to retrieve the symbol of their king's shame and David's mercy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David answered and said,"**: This phrase marks David's confident and public declaration. He is not whispering or hiding; he is speaking loudly enough for Saul and his men to hear him from a distance, initiating a direct confrontation that is both accusatory and revelatory. His "answer" is to Saul's recognition of his voice, setting the stage for a dramatic reveal.
* **"Behold the king's spear!"**: This is the dramatic climax of David's proof. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) is an interjection used to draw immediate attention, signifying a crucial revelation. By presenting the spear, David offers irrefutable, tangible evidence that he was indeed in Saul's camp and had the king's life in his hands. It is a powerful, non-verbal accusation against Saul's relentless pursuit and a clear demonstration of David's pure intentions.
* **"and let one of the young men come over and fetch it."**: This is a direct challenge and a test. David, from his position of safety, dares Saul to send one of his men to retrieve the spear. This command further highlights the shame of Saul's guard and the extent of David's access. It also serves as a public demonstration of David's lack of malice; he is not using the spear as a weapon against Saul, but as an object lesson in forbearance and trust in God's justice.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of several **Literary Devices**. **Symbolism** is central, with the spear representing Saul's authority, vulnerability, and David's mercy. David's act transforms this instrument of power into a testament of his integrity. There is significant **Dramatic Irony** in the scene, as Saul relentlessly pursues David to kill him, while David, having multiple opportunities, consistently refuses to harm the king, demonstrating a higher moral and spiritual ground. The deep sleep that falls upon Saul's camp is an instance of **Divine Intervention**, highlighting God's protective hand over David and His sovereign control over events. The entire exchange is a powerful **Contrast** between Saul's paranoia and vengeful spirit versus David's trust, patience, and respect for God's anointed. Finally, David's public challenge, "let one of the young men come over and fetch it," serves as a **Rhetorical Question** or a **Defiant Challenge**, underscoring his confidence and Saul's humiliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This episode profoundly illustrates the tension between human vengeance and divine justice, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. David's refusal to harm Saul, despite immense provocation and clear opportunity, is not merely an act of personal integrity but a deep theological conviction rooted in his reverence for God's sovereignty over kingship. He understood that Saul's anointing placed him under God's unique protection, and only God had the right to remove him from power. This act of patient endurance and trust in God's timing stands in stark contrast to the human impulse for immediate retribution. It teaches that true vindication comes from God, not from our own hands, and that our obedience and integrity in the face of injustice are paramount.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Take Revenge")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in 1 Samuel 26:22 offer a profound model for believers navigating personal conflict and injustice. In a world that often champions retaliation and self-vindication, David's unwavering commitment to God's justice and his respect for divinely ordained authority, even when that authority is corrupt, challenges us to a higher standard. His integrity, demonstrated not just by words but by tangible proof (the spear), reminds us that our character is forged in the crucible of adversity. We are called to trust God's timing for justice, to refuse to take matters into our own hands, and to maintain a clear conscience, knowing that God sees and will ultimately vindicate His faithful servants. This passage encourages us to respond to those who wrong us with mercy and patience, reflecting the very character of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to take matters into your own hands rather than trusting God for vindication or justice?**
* **How can you demonstrate integrity and a clear conscience, like David, even when facing false accusations or difficult circumstances?**
* **What does David's respect for "the Lord's anointed" teach us about our attitude towards flawed or unjust authorities in our lives today?**
* **How does waiting on God's timing, as David did, cultivate patience and deepen your trust in His sovereign plan?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't David kill Saul if he had the chance?**

Answer: David's refusal to kill Saul, despite having multiple opportunities (here and in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave")), stemmed from his profound reverence for Saul's position as "the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David's Principle of Not Harming God's Anointed")). David understood that Saul had been chosen and consecrated by God, and therefore, to lay hands on him would be to offend God Himself. David believed that God, who had appointed Saul, would also be the one to remove him in His own time and way. This demonstrates David's deep faith and his commitment to allowing God to execute justice and establish His kingdom according to His divine will, rather than through human violence or usurpation.

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

Answer: Taking Saul's spear and water jug served as irrefutable, tangible proof of David's presence in the sleeping camp and his deliberate choice to spare Saul's life. The spear, a symbol of royal authority and personal defense, being taken from right beside Saul's head, dramatically illustrated Saul's vulnerability and David's complete access. The water jug, a common item for sustenance, further emphasized the intimacy of David's access to Saul's personal space. These items were not taken as trophies of war but as silent, undeniable witnesses to David's mercy and integrity. They humiliated Saul and his general Abner by exposing their failure to protect the king, while simultaneously vindicating David in the eyes of any who might doubt his intentions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's remarkable act of sparing Saul's life, despite Saul's relentless pursuit and murderous intent, prefigures the ultimate act of mercy and self-sacrifice found in Jesus Christ. David, the "man after God's own heart," refused to take vengeance on his enemy, trusting God for vindication. This foreshadows Christ, the true Son of David, who, though innocent and supremely powerful, did not come to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). While David refused to harm "the Lord's anointed," Jesus, as the perfectly "Anointed One" (Christ), willingly allowed Himself to be harmed, persecuted, and ultimately crucified by His enemies. He did not call down legions of angels to defend Himself ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")), nor did He retaliate when reviled ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). Instead, He offered Himself as the Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world, even praying for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")). David's mercy spared a king for a time; Christ's mercy secured eternal life for His enemies, transforming them into His beloved children through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His 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.