1
The Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah in the wilderness.”
2
Then Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
3
Saul camped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road in the wilderness, while David stayed in the wilderness. When David learned that Saul had come after him into the wilderness,
4
he sent out spies, and he learned that Saul had indeed come.
5
So David arose and came to the place where Saul had camped. When David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner son of Ner, the commander of his army—Saul lying in the middle of the camp, while the people camped around him—
6
David spoke to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, saying, “Who will go down with me to Saul into the camp?” Abishai answered, “I will go down with you.”
7
So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and there Saul was lying asleep in the middle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, while Abner and the people lay around him.
8
Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand; now let me pin him to the ground with this spear, with one thrust; I will not need to strike him twice.”
9
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lay hands on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”
10
David also said, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will surely strike him: either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish there.
11
The LORD forbid that I should lay hands on the LORD’s anointed. Now take the spear that is by his head and the water jar, and let us go.”
12
So David took the spear and the water jar from beside Saul’s head, and they went away. No one saw it, no one knew it, and no one awoke, for they were all asleep, because the LORD had caused a deep sleep to fall on them.
13
Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on the top of the mountain far away, with a great distance between them.
14
And David called out to the army and to Abner son of Ner, saying, “Will you not answer, Abner?” Then Abner answered and said, “Who are you, that you call out to the king?”
15
David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? Who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy the king, your lord.
16
That is not a good thing that you have done. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you did not keep watch over your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now see, where are the king’s spear and the jug that was by his head?”
17
Saul recognized David’s voice, and he said, “Is that your voice, my son David?” David answered, “It is my voice, my lord the king.”
18
Then he said, “Why does my lord pursue his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?
19
Now therefore, let my lord the king listen to the words of his servant. If it is the LORD who has stirred you up against me, let him accept an offering; but if it is men, cursed are they before the LORD, for they have driven me out today, so that I have no share in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
20
Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to seek my life, as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”
21
Then Saul said, “I have sinned; return, my son David, for I will do you no more harm, because my life was precious in your eyes today. Indeed, I have acted foolishly, and I have gone utterly astray.”
22
But David answered, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men cross over and take it.
23
The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed.
24
And indeed, as your life was precious in my eyes today, so may my life be precious in the eyes of the LORD, and may he deliver me out of all trouble.”
25
Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed, my son David. Whatever you do, you will surely succeed.”
Then David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.
🛡️🕊️🔁 Summary of 1 Samuel 26 – A Second Chance, Consistent Forgiveness
1 Samuel 26 is a repetition of the same test for David: Saul again pursues David, and the LORD gives David another opportunity to kill his enemy. But as before, David refuses to repay evil with evil. This time, he enters Saul’s camp secretly, takes the spear and water jug as proof, then calls out from a distance to show that he is innocent. David’s character as a servant of God who fears God is tested and proven again.
📌 1. The Ziphites Betray David Again (verses 1–5)
➡️ The Ziphites again reported to Saul that David was hiding on the Hill of Hachilah
➡️ Saul came down with 3,000 chosen men, just as in 1 Samuel 24
➡️ David sent out scouts and came secretly to Saul’s camp
🎯 God sometimes allows the same test to strengthen our character in righteousness.
📌 2. David Enters Saul’s Camp (verses 6–12)
➡️ David and Abishai went into the middle of the camp while everyone was asleep
➡️ Abishai said: “Let me pin him to the ground with his spear just once.”
➡️ But David refused:
“Do not kill him, for who can lay hands on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”
➡️ David only took Saul’s spear and water jug as proof
➡️ The LORD caused them all to sleep soundly, so that they did not wake up
🎯 True integrity is refusing sin even when the opportunity is safe and supported by those around us.
📌 3. David Rebukes Saul from a Distance (verses 13–20)
➡️ David called out to Abner, Saul’s commander, and rebuked him for not guarding his master
➡️ He showed the spear and the jug as proof that he could have killed Saul, but did not
➡️ David asked: “Why does my lord pursue his servant? What have I done wrong?”
➡️ He affirmed that he was not a traitor, and only wanted to live in peace
🎯 True justice is not only refusing to retaliate, but also daring to speak the truth with respect.
📌 4. Saul Again Admits His Wrong (verses 21–25)
➡️ Saul was moved again and said:
“I have sinned… you are very precious to me.”
➡️ David returned the spear, saying:
“The LORD repays each person according to his righteousness.”
➡️ They parted again—Saul went home, David remained cautious
🎯 Forgiveness does not always mean full reconciliation—sometimes distance is still needed for safety.
📖 Main Teaching
- The LORD can test us twice with the same problem to see the consistency of the heart
- The righteous refuse to repay evil even when the circumstances strongly favor it
- The LORD sees and repays every righteous act—there is no need to seize one’s own rights
- Forgiveness is moral strength, not weakness
- Respect for authority is part of fearing the LORD
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
➡️ David is a living picture of love toward enemies.
“Do not repay evil with evil, but with blessing.”
➡️ David answered Saul’s pursuit with protection and honor.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
➡️ David overcame Saul’s resentment with goodness and justice.
“The servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone…”
➡️ David showed the attitude of a true servant of the Lord.
🕊️ “Do not kill him… for he is the LORD’s anointed.” – 1 Samuel 26:9
🕊️ “The LORD has delivered you into my hand today…” – 1 Samuel 26:23
🕊️ “The LORD repays each person according to his righteousness.” – 1 Samuel 26:23
🕊️ “Truly I have sinned.” – 1 Samuel 26:21
