1 Samuel 26:20-25

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.

1 Samuel 26:20-25 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 26

This chapter relates that Saul, upon the information of the Ziphites, went out again with an armed force to seek David, 1Sa 26:1-3; of which David having intelligence, and of the place where he pitched, came with one of his men and reconnoitred his camp, and finding Saul and his men asleep, took away his spear, and the cruse of water at his head, and departed, without taking away his life, though solicited to it by his servant, 1Sa 26:4-12; which spear and cruse of water he produced to the reproach of Abner, Saul's general, and as a testimony of his sincere regard to Saul, and that he had no design upon his life, 1Sa 26:13-20; of which Saul being convinced, blessed David, and returned home again, 1Sa 26:21-25.

Cross References 10

  • 1. S 1 Samuel 24:11
  • 2. 1 Samuel 24:14
  • 3. Jeremiah 4:29; Jeremiah 16:16; Amos 9:3
  • 4. S Exodus 9:27; 1 Samuel 15:24
  • 5. Psalms 72:14; 1 Samuel 24:17
  • 6. S Genesis 16:5; S Ruth 2:12; Psalms 62:12
  • 7. 2 Samuel 22:21,25; Psalms 7:8; Psalms 18:20,24
  • 8. 1 Samuel 24:18
  • 9. Psalms 54:7
  • 10. S Ruth 2:12
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