1 Samuel 26:9

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

And David {H1732} said {H559} to Abishai {H52}, Destroy {H7843} him not: for who can stretch forth {H7971} his hand {H3027} against the LORD'S {H3068} anointed {H4899}, and be guiltless {H5352}?

But David said to Avishai, "Don't destroy him! Nobody can raise his hand against ADONAI's anointed without becoming guilty!"

But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not; for who can put forth his hand against Jehovah’s anointed, and be guiltless?

Commentary

1 Samuel 26:9 presents a powerful moment of David's integrity and profound respect for God's divine appointment, even towards his persecutor, King Saul.

Context of 1 Samuel 26:9

This verse occurs during David's flight from King Saul, who relentlessly sought to kill him out of jealousy and fear. This particular incident, often called David's second opportunity to spare Saul's life, finds David and his men secretly entering Saul's camp at night in the wilderness of Ziph. While Saul and his army slept, David's nephew, Abishai, saw a clear chance to eliminate their enemy, offering to strike Saul down with his spear. However, David famously restrains Abishai, uttering the words of this verse. This mirrors an earlier event where David also spared Saul in the cave of Engedi (1 Samuel 24), further highlighting David's consistent character.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Respect for God's Anointed: David understood that Saul, despite his unrighteous actions and rejection by God, was still the LORD'S anointed king. To harm him would be to lift one's hand against God's chosen representative. This demonstrates a deep reverence for divine ordination rather than human justice.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: Instead of taking vengeance into his own hands, David chose to trust that God would deal with Saul in His own time and way. This reflects a profound faith in God's sovereignty and righteousness, knowing that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
  • David's Integrity: David's refusal to harm Saul underscores his moral fortitude and unwavering commitment to God's principles, even when it was personally inconvenient or dangerous. His actions here cemented his reputation as a man after God's own heart.

Linguistic Insights

The crucial phrase "the LORD'S anointed" translates from the Hebrew mashiaḥ (מָשִׁיחַ), from which we get the word "Messiah." In this context, it refers to someone consecrated or set apart by God through anointing with oil for a specific office, in this case, the kingship of Israel. David recognized the sacredness of Saul's position, regardless of Saul's personal failings. To "stretch forth his hand against" such a person was considered an act of great presumption and sacrilege, implying a challenge to God's own authority.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 26:9 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Respect for Authority: While we are called to discern and challenge unrighteousness, this verse teaches us to respect positions of authority, understanding that they are often established by God (cf. Romans 13:1).
  • Trusting God's Timing: It reminds us not to take matters into our own hands, especially when we feel wronged. Instead, we are called to trust God to work out justice and deliverance in His perfect timing.
  • Maintaining Integrity: David's example encourages us to maintain our integrity and character, even when others act unjustly towards us. Our response should reflect God's character, not merely react to human provocation.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 1:14 (6 votes)

    And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?

  • Psalms 105:15 (5 votes)

    [Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

  • 2 Samuel 1:16 (5 votes)

    And David said unto him, Thy blood [be] upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

  • 1 Samuel 24:6 (4 votes)

    And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 24:7 (4 votes)

    So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on [his] way.