1 Samuel 26:1-25
Q.1. Why did Saul take his army to the wilderness of Ziph? Was David aware of Saul’s movements? Who joined him at Saul’s camp? How did David respond to the king’s vulnerability? – (1 Sam.26:1-12)
The city of Ziph was in the Wilderness of Ziph in the southern region of David’s tribe of Judah (Josh.15:21-24; 1 Sam.23:19-24; 26:1-2; Ps.54 Intro.). The Ziphites alerted Saul to David’s presence yet again – Is David not hiding with us in the strongholds on the hills of Hachilah near Jeshimon? (1 Sam.26:1 c.f. 1 Sam.23:19). David discovered the betrayal, and took Abishai, the son of Zeruiah to pay a visit to Saul and his army (1 Sam.26:3-6). Abishai expressed his intention to pin Saul to the ground with his spear, and thus get rid of their assailant (1 Sam.26:6-8). However, David responded – The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against God’s anointed … (1 Sam.26:11). He understood that there would be far-reaching repercussions if he assassinated the king. He refused to take his own revenge (c.f. Mt.26:52; Rom.12:19). David took Saul’s spear and water bottle and departed. All Saul’s army had been overcome by a deep sleep, which the Lord had brought upon them. (1 Sam.26:12).
Q.2. What was David’s charge against Abner, the army, and the king? Was Saul’s penitence genuine? What appeal did David make to Saul? What kind of leadership did Saul provide? – (1 Sam.26:13-25)
David then retreated to a mountain overlooking the army and charged Abner with his failure to protect the king. David stated that Abner and his men were surely worthy of death for their neglect (1 Sam.26:13-16). He produced the king’s spear and water jug, to prove that Saul’s pursuit of him was pointless (1 Sam.26:17-20). Saul admitted that he had acted as a fool, as he had done previously (1 Sam.26:21; 24:17). David loudly stated his belief about godly leadership before Saul and his army and said – 23 The Lord will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. 24 Now behold, as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the Lord, and may He deliver me from all distress (1 Sam.26:23-24). Once more, Saul acknowledged David.