1 Samuel 26:16-25

16 What you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD lives, you and your men must die, because you did not guard your master, the LORD’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?”
17 Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice, David my son?” David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.”
18 And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?
19 Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the LORD has incited you against me, then may he accept an offering. If, however, people have done it, may they be cursed before the LORD! They have driven me today from my share in the LORD’s inheritance and have said, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
20 Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”
21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong.”
22 “Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of your young men come over and get it.
23 The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed.
24 As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”
25 Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed, David my son; you will do great things and surely triumph.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.

Cross References 16

  • 1. 1 Samuel 24:16
  • 2. Job 13:23; Jeremiah 37:18; 1Sa 24:9,11-14
  • 3. 1 Samuel 24:9
  • 4. 2 Samuel 16:11
  • 5. Deuteronomy 20:16; Deuteronomy 32:9; 2 Samuel 14:16; 2 Samuel 20:19; 2 Samuel 21:3
  • 6. S Deuteronomy 4:28; S Deuteronomy 11:28
  • 7. S 1 Samuel 24:11
  • 8. 1 Samuel 24:14
  • 9. Jeremiah 4:29; Jeremiah 16:16; Amos 9:3
  • 10. S Exodus 9:27; 1 Samuel 15:24
  • 11. Psalms 72:14; 1 Samuel 24:17
  • 12. S Genesis 16:5; S Ruth 2:12; Psalms 62:12
  • 13. 2 Samuel 22:21,25; Psalms 7:8; Psalms 18:20,24
  • 14. 1 Samuel 24:18
  • 15. Psalms 54:7
  • 16. S Ruth 2:12
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.