1 Samuel 26:13

David Reproves Abner

13 Then David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them.

1 Samuel 26:13 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 26:13

Then David went over to the other side
To a hill on the other side, opposite to Hachilah, where Saul lay encamped; or "passed over the passage" ^F17, the valley that lay between the two hills, and perhaps passed over a brook that ran in the valley, which is not unusual; so Josephus ^F18 says, that he went over a brook and came to the top of a mountain:

and stood on the top of an hill afar off;
he chose the top of an hill, that his voice might be heard at a distance, as it might in a clear air, and still night; and to be afar off, that he might the better make his escape, should an attempt be made to pursue him:

a great space [being] between them;
a large valley lying between the two hills.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (rbeh rbeyw) "et transivit transitum", Montanus.
F18 Antiqu. l. 6. c. 13. sect. 9.

1 Samuel 26:13 In-Context

11 But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

12 So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

13 Then David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them.

14 And David shouted to the troops and to Abner son of Ner, “Will you not answer me, Abner?” “Who are you who calls to the king?” Abner replied.

15 So David said to Abner, “You are a man, aren’t you? And who in Israel is your equal? Why then did you not protect your lord the king when one of the people came to destroy him?