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And Abner and the troops were lying around him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/26-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_26_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 26:7 - David Again Spares Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. 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Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> So David and Abishai went right into Saul’s camp and found him asleep, with his spear stuck in the ground beside his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying asleep around him. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26.htm">King James Bible</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/26.htm">New King James Version</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and there Saul lay sleeping within the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the people lay all around him. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So David and Abishai went to the army during the night, and there was Saul lying asleep inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> That night, David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the troops were lying around him. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> That night, David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the troops were lying around him. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay round about him. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> That same night, David and Abishai crept into the camp. Saul was sleeping, and his spear was stuck in the ground not far from his head. Abner and the soldiers were sound asleep all around him. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head: and Abner and the people lay round about him. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So David and Abishai went among [Saul's] troops that night. Saul was lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> So that night David and Abishai entered Saul's camp and found Saul sleeping in the center of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the troops were sleeping around him. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> David and Abishai went to the army at night, and Saul was lying there asleep in the encampment. His spear was stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army were lying all around him. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. <a href="/net/1_samuel/26.htm">NET Bible</a> So David and Abishai approached the army at night and found Saul lying asleep in the entrenchment with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the army were lying all around him. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, look, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay around him. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay about him. <a href="/web/1_samuel/26.htm">World English Bible</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay around him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David comes—and Abishai—by night to the people, and behold, Saul is lying sleeping in the path, and his spear is pressed into the earth by his pillow, and Abner and the people are lying around him. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David cometh -- and Abishai -- unto the people by night, and lo, Saul is lying sleeping in the path, and his spear struck into the earth at his pillow, and abner and the people are lying round about him. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will come, and Abishai, to the people by night; and behold, Saul lay sleeping in the track, and his spear pressed into the earth at his head: and Abner and the people sleeping round about him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> So David and Abisai came to the people by night, and found Saul lying and sleeping in the tent, and his spear fixed in the ground at his head: and Abner and the people sleeping round about him. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, David and Abishai went to the people by night, and they found Saul lying down and sleeping in the tent, with his spear fixed in the ground at his head. And Abner and the people were sleeping all around him. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Bible</a> So David and Abishai reached Saul’s soldiers by night, and there was Saul lying asleep within the camp, his spear thrust into the ground at his head and Abner and his troops sleeping around him. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So David and Abishai went to the army by night; there Saul lay sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the army lay around him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay asleep in the path, with his spear lying on the ground by his bedside; and Abner and the people lay round about him. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David and Abishi came to the people in the night, and behold, Shaul slept in the road, and his scepter spear was lying on the ground beside him, and Abnir and people were sleeping around him<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the barricade, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay round about him. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> So David and Abessa go in among the people by night: and behold, Saul was fast asleep in the chariot, and his spear was stuck in the ground near his head, and Abenner and his people slept round about him. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/26-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7851" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">David Again Spares Saul</a> …6And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. 7<a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: lay·lāh (N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">That night</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/52.htm" title="52: wa·’ă·ḇî·šay (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- My father is Jesse, an Isr. name. Or Abshay; from 'ab and shay; father of a gift; Abishai, an Israelite.">and Abishai</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the troops,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">and Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/7901.htm" title="7901: šō·ḵêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lie down. A primitive root; to lie down.">was lying</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/3463.htm" title="3463: yā·šên (Adj-ms) -- Sleeping. From yashen; sleepy.">asleep</a> <a href="/hebrew/4570.htm" title="4570: bam·ma‘·gāl (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- An entrenchment, track. Or feminine mapgalah; from the same as agol; a track; also a rampart.">in the inner circle of the camp,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2595.htm" title="2595: wa·ḥă·nî·ṯōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A spear. From chanah; a lance.">with his spear</a> <a href="/hebrew/4600.htm" title="4600: mə·‘ū·ḵāh- (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fs) -- To press, squeeze. A primitive root; to press, i.e. To pierce, emasculate, handle.">stuck</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ḇā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/4763.htm" title="4763: mə·ra·ʾă·šō·ṯō (N-fpc:: 3ms) -- A place at the head, head place. Formed like mar'ashah; properly, a headpiece, i.e. at the head-rest.">by his head.</a> <a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: wə·’aḇ·nêr (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">And Abner</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: wə·hā·‘ām (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">and the troops</a> <a href="/hebrew/7901.htm" title="7901: šō·ḵə·ḇîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To lie down. A primitive root; to lie down.">were lying</a> <a href="/hebrew/5439.htm" title="5439: sə·ḇī·ḇō·ṯō (Adv:: 3ms) -- Circuit, round about. Or cbiybah; from cabab; a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly around.">around him.</a> 8Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm">1 Samuel 24:3-4</a> Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave. / So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19-20</a> Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? / Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">1 Samuel 13:11-12</a> “What have you done?” Samuel asked. And Saul replied, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me, and that you did not come at the appointed time and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash, / I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will descend upon me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a> But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">2 Samuel 2:22-23</a> Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” / But Asahel refused to turn away. So Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died. <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9-10</a> Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” / But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” <a href="/2_kings/6-14.htm">2 Kings 6:14-17</a> the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. / When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” ... <a href="/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3-4</a> For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah / Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1-3</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. / I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. / He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. <a href="/psalms/63-9.htm">Psalm 63:9-11</a> But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth. / They will fall to the power of the sword; they will become a portion for foxes. / But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52-54</a> “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? / But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. <a href="/luke/22-49.htm">Luke 22:49-51</a> Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” / And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. / But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him. <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a> Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.sleeping<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2,3</a> For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/judges/4-21.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Barricade</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-16.htm">Bolster</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/numbers/7-8.htm">Carts</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-14.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-16.htm">Night</a> <a href="/judges/6-3.htm">Planted</a> <a href="/judges/8-25.htm">Ring</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Round</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-3.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Stuck</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Trench</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Wagons</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-14.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-12.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/songs/8-9.htm">Barricade</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Bolster</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/psalms/65-11.htm">Carts</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-17.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-9.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-10.htm">Planted</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-16.htm">Ring</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-9.htm">Round</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-11.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/job/29-10.htm">Stuck</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">Trench</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-24.htm">Wagons</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-2.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 26</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul, </a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">but takes his spear and jug</a> 13. <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">David reproves Abner</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm">and exhorts Saul</a> 21. <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Saul acknowledges his sin</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>That night David and Abishai came to the troops David and Abishai's approach to Saul's camp occurs under the cover of darkness, a time often associated with vulnerability and divine intervention in biblical narratives. David, anointed by Samuel as the future king, is accompanied by Abishai, his nephew and a loyal warrior. This moment highlights David's strategic acumen and his reliance on God's guidance rather than human strength. The presence of Abishai underscores the theme of loyalty and the importance of wise counsel, reminiscent of Jonathan's earlier support for David.and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp Saul's position in the inner circle signifies his status as king, surrounded by his men for protection. Sleep, in this context, symbolizes a state of unawareness and vulnerability, both physically and spiritually. Saul's pursuit of David, driven by jealousy and fear, contrasts with his current defenseless state, illustrating the futility of opposing God's anointed. This scene echoes the theme of divine sovereignty, where God protects His chosen ones despite human opposition.with his spear stuck in the ground by his head The spear, a symbol of Saul's authority and military power, is ironically rendered useless as it rests by his head. This detail emphasizes the contrast between Saul's earthly power and David's reliance on God's protection. The spear's presence also foreshadows the potential for violence, yet David chooses mercy over vengeance, reflecting Christ-like restraint and forgiveness. This act prefigures Jesus' teaching on loving one's enemies and turning the other cheek.And Abner and the troops were lying around him Abner, Saul's cousin and commander of his army, represents the king's earthly security. The troops' presence signifies the human effort to safeguard Saul, yet they are rendered ineffective by divine intervention, as God causes a deep sleep to fall upon them. This scene highlights the limitations of human strength against God's will. The narrative invites reflection on the futility of relying solely on human defenses, pointing to the ultimate security found in God's providence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is being pursued by Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his refusal to harm Saul, the Lord's anointed. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> David's nephew and a loyal warrior. He accompanies David into Saul's camp and suggests killing Saul, but David restrains him. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The current king of Israel, who is seeking to kill David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. <a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a> The commander of Saul's army, responsible for the king's safety, yet found sleeping during this critical moment. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_camp.htm">The Camp</a> The setting is Saul's encampment, where he and his men are vulnerable, illustrating the theme of divine protection and human vulnerability.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_god's_anointed.htm">Respect for God's Anointed</a> David's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> David's actions demonstrate a deep trust in God's timing and plan. We are reminded to wait on the Lord and not take matters into our own hands. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_restraint.htm">The Power of Restraint</a> Abishai's willingness to act and David's restraint highlight the power of self-control and the importance of seeking God's will before acting. <a href="/topical/d/divine_protection.htm">Divine Protection</a> The vulnerability of Saul's camp, despite being surrounded by his troops, illustrates God's sovereign protection over David. We can trust that God watches over us even when we are surrounded by challenges. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_integrity.htm">Leadership and Integrity</a> David's leadership is marked by integrity and faithfulness. As leaders, we are called to act with integrity, even when it is difficult or when others encourage us to do otherwise.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 26</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_sneak_into_saul's_camp.htm">How could David and Abishai enter Saul’s camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7–12) </a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_david_threaten_violence_here.htm">1 Samuel 25:21–22 – Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_saul_chase_david_in_1_sam_26.htm">If Saul previously admitted David’s righteousness in 1 Samuel 24, why is he chasing David again in 1 Samuel 26? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) Within the trench.--As above, in <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm" title="And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.">1Samuel 26:5</a>, "within the barrier of the wagons."His spear . . . at his bolster.--"Bolster," literally, the place where his head is, better rendered at his head; and so in <a href="/context/1_samuel/26-11.htm" title="The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed: but, I pray you, take you now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.">1Samuel 26:11-12</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm" title="This thing is not good that you have done. As the LORD lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept your master, the LORD's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.">1Samuel 26:16</a>. The same Hebrew word occurs in the narration of Jacob's dream (<a href="/genesis/28-11.htm" title="And he lighted on a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.">Genesis 28:11</a>); it is there rendered in our English Version, "his pillows." It was the tall spear which ever seems to have been in Saul's hand, or placed close to him. We read of it in battle in his hand, and in the council chamber and at the state banquet it was within his reach, and now it was evidently reared upright beside the sleeping king. "I noticed at all the encampments which we passed that the sheik's tent was distinguished from the rest by a tall spear stuck upright in the ground in front of it; and it is the custom when a party set out on an excursion for robbery or for war, that when they halt to rest the spot where the chief reclines or rests is thus designated"--Thomson, Land and the Book.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 7, 8. - The two accordingly go by night, or "at night," as soon as night came on, and find Saul asleep within the trench, i.e. inside the wagon rampart, as in ver. 5, and his spear, the sign of his royal authority, stuck in the ground; not at his bolster, but "at his head; and so in vers. 11, 12, 16. The word literally signifies "the place where the head is." Like David's men in <a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4</a>, Abishai sees in Saul's defenceless condition a proof that it was God's will that he should die, but there is a difference of language in the Hebrew which the A.V. does not represent. There the word rendered deliver is really give; here it is "hath locked up." At once. Hebrew, "once." Abishai would pierce him through with a single stroke so thoroughly that no second blow would be necessary. The purpose of this would be to prevent an outcry. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/26-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>That night לַיְלָה֒ (lay·lāh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity David דָוִ֨ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and Abishai וַאֲבִישַׁ֥י ׀ (wa·’ă·ḇî·šay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_52.htm">Strong's 52: </a> Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name came וַיָּבֹא֩ (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the troops, הָעָם֮ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and Saul שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites was lying שֹׁכֵ֤ב (šō·ḵêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7901.htm">Strong's 7901: </a> To lie down there וְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! asleep יָשֵׁן֙ (yā·šên) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3463.htm">Strong's 3463: </a> Sleeping in the inner circle of the camp, בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל (bam·ma‘·gāl) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4570.htm">Strong's 4570: </a> An entrenchment, track with his spear וַחֲנִית֥וֹ (wa·ḥă·nî·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2595.htm">Strong's 2595: </a> A lance stuck מְעוּכָֽה־ (mə·‘ū·ḵāh-) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4600.htm">Strong's 4600: </a> To press, to pierce, emasculate, handle in the ground בָאָ֖רֶץ (ḇā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land by his head. מְרַאֲשֹׁתָ֑יו (mə·ra·’ă·šō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4763.htm">Strong's 4763: </a> A place at the head, head place And Abner וְאַבְנֵ֣ר (wə·’aḇ·nêr) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_74.htm">Strong's 74: </a> Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name and the troops וְהָעָ֔ם (wə·hā·‘ām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were lying שֹׁכְבִ֖ים (šō·ḵə·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7901.htm">Strong's 7901: </a> To lie down around him. סְבִיבֹתָֽיו׃ (sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯāw) Adverb | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5439.htm">Strong's 5439: </a> A circle, neighbour, environs, around <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-7.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 26:7 So David and Abishai came to (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>