1 Samuel 26:5

And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.

And David {H1732} arose {H6965}, and came {H935} to the place {H4725} where Saul {H7586} had pitched {H2583}: and David {H1732} beheld {H7200} the place {H4725} where Saul {H7586} lay {H7901}, and Abner {H74} the son {H1121} of Ner {H5369}, the captain {H8269} of his host {H6635}: and Saul {H7586} lay {H7901} in the trench {H4570}, and the people {H5971} pitched {H2583} round about {H5439} him.

David set out and went to where Sha'ul had pitched his camp. He saw where Sha'ul and Avner the son of Ner, the commander of his army, were sleeping. Sha'ul was lying inside the barricade with the troops asleep all around him.

Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp, with the troops camped around him.

And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had encamped; and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay within the place of the wagons, and the people were encamped round about him.

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 26:5

This verse opens the account of David's second opportunity to take King Saul's life, an act he again refrains from. Following Saul's relentless pursuit, David, who is hiding in the wilderness of Ziph, receives intelligence that Saul has renewed his hunt. This scene vividly describes David's daring reconnaissance mission into the very heart of Saul's camp. It sets the stage for a critical moment demonstrating David's character, his trust in God's sovereignty, and his respect for the Lord's anointed, even while Saul is actively seeking his demise. This event mirrors a similar encounter in the cave of En-gedi, recorded in 1 Samuel 24.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Protection and Providence: David, despite being pursued by a powerful army, is able to move freely and observe Saul's highly guarded camp undetected. This highlights God's hand in protecting David and orchestrating events for His purposes.
  • Saul's Vulnerability: The verse emphasizes Saul's exposed position, sleeping in the midst of his camp, surrounded by his forces but unaware of the immediate danger. This contrasts with David's keen awareness and strategic insight.
  • David's Strategic Acumen and Courage: David's decision to personally scout Saul's camp demonstrates his bravery, leadership, and careful planning. He assesses the situation thoroughly before acting, showcasing his military intelligence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Saul lay in the trench" translates the Hebrew word ma'gal (ืžึทืขึฐื’ึธึผืœ), which often refers to a circular encampment, a wagon-fort, or a defensive perimeter. It implies a central, presumably secure, position within the camp, not merely a ditch. This detail underscores the apparent impregnability of Saul's position, making David's infiltration even more remarkable. Abner, as "the captain of his host," would have been positioned to provide immediate protection, further emphasizing the perceived security that David nevertheless breached.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 26:5, though a descriptive verse, introduces a narrative that profoundly illustrates several enduring principles:

  • Trust in God's Timing: David's ability to infiltrate the camp sets up another opportunity to take matters into his own hands, but he chooses to wait for God's timing. This encourages believers to exercise patience and trust in divine justice rather than seeking revenge or taking shortcuts.
  • Respect for Authority (Even Imperfect Authority): Despite Saul's unjust persecution, David maintains a profound respect for Saul's position as the Lord's anointed king. This principle of respecting authority, even when flawed, is a consistent theme in David's life (see 1 Samuel 26:9).
  • God's Presence in Adversity: David's ability to navigate such a dangerous situation safely reminds us that God is with His people even in the midst of intense trials and opposition.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 17:55 (5 votes)

    And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son [is] this youth? And Abner said, [As] thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.

  • 1 Samuel 17:20 (3 votes)

    And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 (3 votes)

    And the name of Saul's wife [was] Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host [was] Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

  • 1 Samuel 14:51 (3 votes)

    And Kish [was] the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel.

  • 2 Samuel 3:7 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Saul had a concubine, whose name [was] Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and [Ishbosheth] said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?

  • 2 Samuel 3:8 (2 votes)

    Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, [Am] I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?

  • 2 Samuel 2:8 (2 votes)

    ยถ But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;