1 Samuel 26:20-25

20 "Now then, do not let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to search for 1a single flea, just as one hunts a partridge in the mountains."
21 Then Saul said, "2I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again because * my life was precious in your sight this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious * error."
22 David replied, "Behold the spear of the king! Now let one of the young men come over and take it.
23 "3The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but 4I refused * to stretch out my hand against the LORD'S anointed.
24 "Now behold, as your life was 5highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the LORD, and may He 6deliver me from all distress."
25 Then Saul said to David, "7Blessed are you, my son David; you will both accomplish much and surely prevail." So 8David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

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 8

  • 1. 1 Samuel 24:14
  • 2. Exodus 9:27; 1 Samuel 15:24, 30; 1 Samuel 24:17
  • 3. 1 Samuel 24:19; Psalms 7:8; Psalms 18:20; Psalms 62:12
  • 4. 1 Samuel 24:12
  • 5. 1 Samuel 18:30
  • 6. Psalms 54:7
  • 7. 1 Samuel 24:19
  • 8. 1 Samuel 24:22
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