1 Samuel 26:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} and Abishai {H52} came {H935} to the people {H5971} by night {H3915}: and, behold, Saul {H7586} lay {H7901} sleeping {H3463} within the trench {H4570}, and his spear {H2595} stuck {H4600} in the ground {H776} at his bolster {H4763}: but Abner {H74} and the people {H5971} lay {H7901} round about {H5439} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

So David and Avishai went to the soldiers by night. Sha'ul was lying there asleep inside the barricade. His spear was stuck in the ground next to his head, with Avner and the troops asleep all around him.

Berean Standard Bible

That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him.

American Standard Version

So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay round about him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 26:7 presents a pivotal moment in David's life, depicting his second profound opportunity to eliminate King Saul, his relentless persecutor. This scene unfolds under the cover of night in the wilderness of Ziph, where David and his loyal nephew Abishai stealthily infiltrate Saul's sleeping encampment. The verse vividly portrays Saul's extreme vulnerability, lying in a deep slumber with his spear, a potent symbol of his royal authority, stuck in the ground at his head, while his elite guard, including the formidable Abner, also lie fast asleep around him. This dramatic tableau underscores the divine orchestration that delivered Saul into David's hands, setting the stage for David's remarkable demonstration of integrity, unwavering respect for God's anointed, and profound trust in divine justice over personal vengeance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger, unfolding narrative arc that meticulously chronicles King Saul's escalating irrationality and violent obsession with hunting down David, whom he perceives as a threat to his precarious throne. It functions as a powerful parallel to an earlier, equally dramatic encounter in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave of En Gedi"), where David similarly found Saul completely at his mercy within a cave but resolutely refused to harm him. The deliberate repetition of this profound ethical dilemma in [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul Again in the Wilderness") serves to underscore David's consistent character, his deep-seated conviction, and his unwavering commitment to honoring God's anointed, even when that anointed one acts as his bitterest enemy. The narrative immediately preceding this verse, specifically [1 Samuel 26:1-6](/1_samuel/26-1-6 "1 Samuel 26:1-6 - The Ziphites Betray David to Saul Again"), details the Ziphites' second betrayal of David's hiding place to Saul, which prompts Saul's renewed and relentless pursuit. The verses immediately following [1 Samuel 26:7](/1_samuel/26-7 "1 Samuel 26:7 - David and Abishai Enter Saul's Camp") vividly recount Abishai's eager proposal to kill Saul and David's firm, principled refusal, culminating in David taking Saul's spear and water jug as irrefutable proof of his unimpeded access and remarkable self-restraint.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this intense encounter is the wilderness of Ziph, a rugged, desolate, and often unforgiving region within the territory of Judah. This terrain, characterized by its numerous caves and wadis, offered natural hiding places for fugitives like David but also made him vulnerable to betrayal, as evidenced by the Ziphites' actions. The "trench" (Hebrew: _ma'gal_) mentioned in the verse likely refers to a circular encampment or a defensive perimeter formed by the sleeping soldiers, a common and effective military arrangement designed for protection in ancient warfare. The presence of Saul's spear "at his bolster" (Hebrew: _mera'ashotav_, literally meaning "at his head") carries profound cultural significance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's spear was far more than a mere weapon; it was a potent symbol of his authority, his power, and even his very presence. Its placement near his head indicated his readiness for battle and served as a visible and unmistakable marker of his royal tent or sleeping place within the camp. The deep, pervasive sleep that had fallen upon Saul and his entire retinue, including the formidable and typically vigilant Abner, is consistently interpreted by scholars as a divinely orchestrated slumber. This highlights God's direct and miraculous intervention in delivering Saul, in his most vulnerable state, directly into David's hands. This critical context powerfully underscores the immense gravity of David's decision not to harm "the Lord's anointed," a sacred principle deeply embedded in the Israelite understanding of kingship, divine election, and the inviolability of God's chosen instruments.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 26:7](/1_samuel/26-7 "1 Samuel 26:7 - David and Abishai Enter Saul's Camp") contributes powerfully to several overarching and profound themes woven throughout the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it unmistakably showcases **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God actively orchestrates circumstances, even seemingly impossible ones, to fulfill His divine purposes. The ease with which David and Abishai penetrate the heavily guarded camp and find Saul and his entire army in a profound sleep points not merely to human stealth but to a supernatural intervention, a direct act of God. Secondly, it highlights **David's Integrity and Righteous Character**, presenting a stark and compelling contrast with Saul's increasingly erratic, paranoid, and ungodly behavior. David's unwavering refusal to "stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 26:9](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9 - David's Refusal to Harm Saul")) is a profound testament to his deep reverence for God's chosen instruments and his absolute trust in God's perfect timing for justice and vengeance. This principled decision solidifies David's moral authority and legitimacy as the future king, proving him to be a "man after God's own heart," unlike Saul, who repeatedly disobeys God's explicit commands, as vividly detailed in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). Finally, the verse powerfully reinforces the crucial theme of **Waiting on the Lord versus Taking Matters into One's Own Hands**, a timeless and vital lesson for all believers facing injustice or adversity. David's remarkable patience and unwavering faith in God's ultimate vindication serve as an exemplary model for righteous conduct under duress and a profound demonstration of spiritual maturity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sleeping (Hebrew, _yâshên'_):** The KJV translates this simply as "lay sleeping," but the Hebrew verb יָשֵׁן (_yâshên_) conveys a sense of deep, profound slumber. The context of an entire military encampment, including its notoriously vigilant commander Abner, falling into such an intense and simultaneous sleep, strongly suggests a divinely induced state. This "deep sleep" is not merely the result of natural exhaustion but a supernatural act orchestrated by God, removing all human obstacles and ensuring Saul's complete vulnerability, thereby providing David with unimpeded access.
* **Trench (Hebrew, _maʻgâl'_):** While the King James Version renders this as "trench," the Hebrew word מַעְגָּל (_maʻgâl_) more accurately denotes "an entrenchment," "a circular encampment," or even "a wagon laager." This implies that Saul's forces were arranged in a defensive circle, likely using wagons or the bodies of sleeping men to form a protective perimeter around the king's quarters. The fact that David and Abishai were able to penetrate this supposedly secure formation underscores the extraordinary depth of the sleep that had fallen upon the camp, strongly implying divine intervention.
* **Bolster (Hebrew, _mᵉraʼăshâh'_):** The Hebrew word מְרַאֲשָׁה (_mᵉraʼăshâh_) literally translates to "at his head" or "at his head-place." This precise detail is crucial for visualizing Saul's extreme vulnerability. His spear, a potent symbol of his authority and his primary weapon, was positioned not far away but immediately accessible right at his head. Yet, despite its proximity, Saul remained utterly oblivious to the mortal danger. This specific visual detail powerfully emphasizes the ease with which David could have ended Saul's life, making his subsequent refusal to do so even more profound and ethically significant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David and Abishai came to the people by night:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the stealth, danger, and calculated risk involved in their mission. David, accompanied by his trusted nephew Abishai, undertakes a perilous nocturnal infiltration into the very heart of the enemy camp. The phrase "the people" refers to Saul's entire army, indicating a large and typically well-guarded encampment, thus highlighting David's extraordinary courage and determination.
* **"and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench,"** The exclamation "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) serves to draw immediate and emphatic attention to the astonishing sight that confronts David and Abishai. Saul, the powerful and relentless king, is discovered in a state of absolute vulnerability, deeply asleep within his own defensive perimeter. This immediate revelation signals a moment of profound divine opportunity, as Saul is delivered into David's hand without any struggle or resistance.
* **"and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster:"** This highly specific and symbolic detail is central to the verse's meaning. The spear, a potent emblem of royal authority, kingship, and military power, is positioned directly at Saul's head, theoretically ready for immediate use. Its presence underscores Saul's royal status and his supposed readiness for battle, yet his profound sleep renders it utterly useless. This vivid visual emphasizes how effortlessly David could have taken Saul's life and, by extension, seized the very symbol of his kingship.
* **"but Abner and the people lay round about him."** This concluding clause powerfully highlights the comprehensive nature of the divine intervention. Abner, Saul's highly capable, loyal, and typically vigilant commander, along with the entire army, is also found in a state of deep, unnatural sleep. This detail confirms that no human watchfulness or military prowess could have prevented David's access, reinforcing the profound theological idea that God Himself had supernaturally delivered Saul into David's power, setting the stage for David's demonstration of integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Samuel 26:7](/1_samuel/26-7 "1 Samuel 26:7 - David and Abishai Enter Saul's Camp") is rich with literary devices that significantly enhance its meaning, dramatic tension, and theological impact. **Irony** is profoundly evident: Saul, the powerful, reigning king, surrounded by his entire armed force, is rendered utterly helpless and vulnerable to the very man he relentlessly pursues. His supposed security, symbolized by the "trench" and the immediate presence of his spear, proves entirely ineffectual due to the divinely induced sleep that has fallen upon his guards, including the formidable Abner. This starkly contrasts with David, the hunted fugitive, who is remarkably alert, courageous, and in complete control of the perilous situation. **Symbolism** is also powerfully at play, most notably with Saul's spear. It represents his kingship, his authority, and his military might. Its placement "at his bolster" signifies that the very essence of Saul's rule, his life and power, is literally within David's grasp. David's subsequent decision to take the spear but spare Saul's life is a profound symbolic act of disarming Saul's power and demonstrating David's own moral superiority and legitimate claim to rule, achieved without resorting to regicide. Furthermore, the scene employs **Foreshadowing**, echoing the earlier incident in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul in the Cave of En Gedi"). This deliberate repetition reinforces David's consistent character of integrity and patience, and subtly foreshadows his eventual, divinely appointed rise to kingship, not through violent usurpation, but through patient waiting and God's sovereign timing. Finally, the deep, pervasive sleep of the entire camp can be seen as a clear instance of **Divine Intervention**, highlighting God's active and direct role in the narrative, supernaturally removing human obstacles to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and to provide David with the critical opportunity to display his unwavering integrity and trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 26:7 stands as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, the nature of true human integrity, and the characteristics of righteous leadership. It vividly illustrates God's active and meticulous involvement in the lives of His chosen ones, orchestrating circumstances, even miraculous ones, to test character, refine faith, and ultimately reveal His overarching plan. David's resolute refusal to harm Saul, despite possessing every human justification and a clear, unimpeded opportunity, is not merely an act of mercy but a deeply theological decision rooted in his profound reverence for God's anointing. He understands that Saul's kingship, though currently flawed and tragically misdirected, was divinely instituted, and therefore, vengeance and the removal of God's anointed belong solely to the Lord. This remarkable act of restraint powerfully underscores David's unwavering faith that God would ultimately bring about justice and establish His chosen king in His own perfect timing, without David having to defile himself with the blood of God's anointed. This patient trust in divine justice and providence, even in the face of relentless and unjust persecution, sets David apart as a true "man after God's own heart" and provides a powerful, enduring model for believers facing injustice and adversity in any era.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Not Retaliating")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound narrative of 1 Samuel 26:7 offers timeless and deeply relevant lessons for contemporary believers navigating complex relationships, challenging circumstances, and the pervasive temptation to take matters into one's own hands. David's steadfast refusal to act on a clear opportunity to eliminate his persecutor serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, patience, and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty. In a world that often champions immediate gratification, swift retaliation, and the pursuit of personal advantage at any cost, David's example calls us to a higher, more counter-cultural standard: to trust implicitly in God's perfect timing and His sovereign justice, rather than seeking personal vengeance or resorting to unrighteous means to achieve our desired outcomes. It reminds us that our integrity, demonstrated through patient endurance and trust in the face of injustice, is a more potent and enduring witness than any act of retribution. Furthermore, David's profound respect for the office of the king, despite the king's personal failings and malicious intent, challenges us to critically examine our own attitudes towards authority, whether in government, church, or family. It compels us to recognize that God often places individuals in positions of power for His own inscrutable purposes, and our respect for the office itself can reflect our respect for God's divine order, even when we deeply disagree with or suffer under the person holding it. Ultimately, this passage profoundly encourages us to cultivate a heart that waits patiently on the Lord, believing with unwavering conviction that He is our ultimate vindicator and that His ways are always infinitely higher and more perfect than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's decision to spare Saul, despite repeated opportunities, challenge your natural inclination to seek immediate resolution or revenge when you feel wronged?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently tempted to "take matters into your own hands" rather than trusting God's timing and sovereign providence?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more biblical respect for authority, even when those in power act unjustly or imperfectly, recognizing God's ultimate sovereignty over all things?**
* **What practical and spiritual steps can you take to more consistently "wait on the Lord" and exhibit patience when facing difficult, unfair, or seemingly intractable circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't David kill Saul, especially since Abishai offered to do it?**

Answer: David refused to kill Saul primarily because Saul was "the Lord's anointed" (Hebrew: _mashiach Yahweh_). In ancient Israel, the king was chosen and consecrated by God through a prophet, making him sacred in a unique way. David, being a man after God's own heart, deeply respected this divine appointment and the sanctity of the office. He believed that only God had the right to remove His anointed one, and he trusted God to do so in His own perfect time and way. David's words in [1 Samuel 26:10](/1_samuel/26-10 "1 Samuel 26:10 - David's Trust in God's Judgment") explicitly state his conviction that "the Lord will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish." This demonstrates David's profound faith in divine justice and his steadfast refusal to usurp God's prerogative. His actions set a powerful precedent for righteous leadership and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, even when facing severe and unjust persecution.

**How were David and Abishai able to get into Saul's camp undetected when Abner and the army were guarding him?**

Answer: The biblical text strongly implies, and indeed explicitly states, divine intervention as the primary reason for David and Abishai's unimpeded access. [1 Samuel 26:12](/1_samuel/26-12 "1 Samuel 26:12 - A Deep Sleep from the Lord") explicitly states that "a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them." This was not merely natural exhaustion or human oversight but a supernatural phenomenon orchestrated by God to ensure Saul's complete vulnerability and David's unimpeded access. The fact that Abner, a highly capable and vigilant commander, and the entire army were all in such a profound slumber that they did not see or hear David and Abishai, allowed them to walk directly into the heart of the encampment, take Saul's spear and water jug, and leave without detection. This miraculous element underscores God's active hand in delivering Saul into David's power, providing David with the ultimate test of his character and faith in divine justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David sparing Saul in [1 Samuel 26:7](/1_samuel/26-7 "1 Samuel 26:7 - David and Abishai Enter Saul's Camp"), and indeed throughout the book of Samuel, profoundly foreshadows the character and redemptive mission of Jesus Christ, the ultimate and eternal King. David, as God's anointed (though not yet enthroned), consistently refuses to take up the sword against God's current, albeit flawed and rebellious, anointed king. He trusts implicitly in God's timing and justice, demonstrating a righteousness that transcends human vengeance and self-preservation. This remarkable ethical stance finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus, the true "Anointed One" (Christ), who, when faced with betrayal, injustice, and the opportunity to wield divine power for His own protection, did not retaliate. Instead, He perfectly submitted to the will of His Father. He rebuked Peter for drawing his sword ([Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Jesus Rebukes Peter for Drawing His Sword")), declaring that His kingdom was not of this world, and if it were, His servants would indeed fight ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Like David, who could have seized power by force but chose restraint and trust in God, Jesus, possessing all power and authority in heaven and on earth, willingly laid down His life, trusting His vindication and ultimate exaltation to God alone ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Not Retaliating")). He endured the cross, despising its shame, knowing that God would ultimately exalt Him to the highest place ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith")). David's act of mercy, his profound trust in divine timing, and his refusal to defile himself with the blood of God's anointed, all point prophetically to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, not by conquering through earthly force, but by a willing, sacrificial death, thereby perfectly fulfilling God's eternal plan for redemption and ultimately leading to His glorious resurrection and eternal reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

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 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.