1 Samuel 26:18

18 Why," David continued, "is my master chasing me, his servant? What have I done and what wrong am I guilty of?

1 Samuel 26:18 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 26:18

And he said, wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his
servant?
&c.] Suggesting that it was both below him to do it, and against his interest; for David was his servant, and he would gladly have continued in his service, and done his business, but he drove him from it, and pursued him as a traitor, when he had not been guilty of any offence to his knowledge: and therefore puts the following questions:

for what have I done? or what evil [is] in mine hand?
what crime had he committed, that he was pursued after this manner, and his life sought for? what had he done worthy of death? having a clear conscience, he could boldly ask these questions.

1 Samuel 26:18 In-Context

16 What you've done is terrible! As surely as the LORD lives, all of you are dead men because you didn't keep close watch over your master, the LORD's anointed. Have a look around! Where are the king's spear and the water jug that were by his head?"
17 Saul recognized David's voice and said, "David, my son, is that your voice?" David said, "Yes it is, my master the king.
18 Why," David continued, "is my master chasing me, his servant? What have I done and what wrong am I guilty of?
19 My master the king, please listen to what your servant has to say. If it is the LORD who has incited you against me, then let him accept an offering! But if human beings have done it, then let them be cursed before the LORD because they have now driven me off, keeping me from sharing in the LORD's inheritance. ‘Go!' they tell me. ‘Worship other gods!'
20 Don't let my blood spill on the ground apart from the LORD's presence, because the king of Israel has come out looking for a single flea like someone hunting a partridge in the mountains."
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