THE SPEAR EPISODE - 1 SAMUEL 26

David Gets Sneaky

26:1-12

The men of Ziph decided to betray David to Saul again. They went to Saul in Gibeah and told him where David was hiding out.

So Saul gathered his 3,000 chosen men again and set out after David. But David remained hidden in the wilderness. He found out where Saul was camped. Then he went there and saw Saul sleeping in the midst of his army. Abner, the commander of the army, slept next to him.

David had two men with him, Ahimelech, a Hittite, and Abishai, the brother of Joab, who later would become commander of the army of Israel after killing Abner. David wanted to sneak into Saul’s camp and Abishai agreed to go with him. This was a very bold move. 

When David and Abishai came upon Saul, Abishai volunteered to kill him with his spear. His arguments were similar to those of David’s men in the previous encounter. And it would have made a great point: Saul would be killed by his own spear, which was his symbol of authority, taken away by David. But David again refused.

David again made the point that he would not strike Saul because he was the Lord’s anointed. It would be the Lord who took care of Saul (“will strike him”). Either the Lord would strike him, he would die of natural causes, or he would die in battle. David seems to have learned a lesson from his encounter with Nabal: David can leave the matter in God’s hands and God will take care of him. 

David was demonstrating faith in God. He did not know how or when God would act. But he believed God would act and carry out his will for David to be king. 

David did take Saul’s spear and jar of water when he left. It was proof to Saul that David was in the camp and over Saul’s body.

The writer gives credit to the Lord for giving a deep sleep to all of Saul’s men. Saul was helpless because God made him that way. 

David Taunts Abner

26:13-16

After David left the camp, he taunted Abner and the army of Saul. He acused them of failing to keep watch over the king. He said they deserved to die because of their failure. As proof, he showed them Saul’s spear and jar of water. 

The passage does not tell us why David did this, but it appears it was to get Saul’s attention and again show him that David is able to harm him, but will not. 

David Addresses Saul

26:17-20

When Saul recognized David’s voice, David questioned Saul’s pursuit of him. It is similar to his speech in chapter 24. David asked Saul what evil did Saul think David had done. 

David said, if the Lord had stirred Saul up against him, he would make an offering to atone for his wrongs. But, if men had stirred up Saul, they should be cursed. It appears, though, that Saul’s own troubled spirit was to blame. 

David went on to tell Saul the effect of his pursuit. David was robbed out of his share in the heritage of the Lord.  He has been told to go serve other gods. (19) If he is run out of the country, he will lose his identity as an Israelite, as one of God’s people. He will be cut off from his families allotment of land, his access to the Tabernacle, and his participation in the feasts. He will lose the ability to worship God as he is supposed to and will lose the fellowship of God’s people. 

David again emphasized his insignificance compared to Saul, calling himself a flea. 

Saul Repents 

26:21-25

Upon hearing David’s speech, Saul repented. He acknowledged his sin and vowed to quit trying to harm David. It is interesting to see Saul do wrong, seemingly repent, and return to doing wrong. 

In response to Saul’s repentance, David returned Saul’s spear. He also acknowledged that the Lord rewards those who act in righteousness and faithfulness, and claims to have done so by sparing Saul’s life. He added a prayer, though, asking God to hold his life as precious and he held Saul’s. He asked God to deliver him from all of his tribulations.

In response, Saul blessed David for future success. Then they parted. They would never see each other again. 

Take Aways

David continues to grow in faith as he refuses to strike Saul and relies on God’s providence. Sometimes Satan presents opportunities to us that seem good. But, if they require actions that we know are contrary to God’s will, we must reject them even if they would seem to make life easier. 

David does not rely on Saul’s apparent repentance. He did not join Saul, but went his own way.