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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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/26-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/09_1Sa_26_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 26:12 - David Again Spares Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/26-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/26-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/26.htm">Chapter 26</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm" title="1 Samuel 26:11">◄</a> 1 Samuel 26:12 <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm" title="1 Samuel 26:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26.htm">New International Version</a> So David took the spear and water jug near Saul&#8217s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the LORD had put them into a deep sleep. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> So David took the spear and jug of water that were near Saul’s head. Then he and Abishai got away without anyone seeing them or even waking up, because the LORD had put Saul’s men into a deep sleep. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26.htm">King James Bible</a> So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/26.htm">New King James Version</a> So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul’s head, and they got away; and no man saw or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So David took the spear and the jug of water that were at Saul’s head, and they left; and no one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone awaken, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul&#8217s head, and they went away, but no one saw or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a sound sleep from the LORD had fallen on them. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul’s head, and they went away, but no one saw or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a sound sleep from the LORD had fallen on them. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul’s head, and they went away, but no one saw or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a sound sleep from Yahweh had fallen on them. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul’s head, and they left, and no one saw or knew nor did anyone awaken, because they were all sound asleep, for a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So David took the spear and the water jug by Saul’s head, and they went their way. No one saw them, no one knew, and no one woke up; they all remained asleep because a deep sleep from the LORD came over them. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So David took the spear and the water jug by Saul&#8217s head, and they went their way. No one saw them, no one knew, and no one woke up; they all remained asleep because a deep sleep from the LORD came over them. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's head; and they gat them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Jehovah was fallen upon them. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David took the spear and the water jar, then left the camp. None of Saul's soldiers knew what had happened or even woke up--the LORD had made all of them fall sound asleep. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's head; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David took the spear and the jar of water near Saul's head, and they left. All of them were asleep. No one saw them, knew about it, or woke up. The LORD had made them fall into a deep sleep. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> So David took the spear and the water jar from right beside Saul's head, and he and Abishai left. No one saw it or knew what had happened or even woke up--they were all sound asleep, because the LORD had sent a heavy sleep on them all. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> So David took the spear and the jug of water at Saul's head, and they left. No one saw, and no one knew, because no one was awake. They were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen over them. <a href="/net/1_samuel/26.htm">NET Bible</a> So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul's head, and they got out of there. No one saw them or was aware of their presence or woke up. All of them were asleep, for the LORD had caused a deep sleep to fall on them. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So David took the spear and the jar of water at his head, and they went away. And no one saw it or knew about it, nor did any awake. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they departed, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep: because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_samuel/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/web/1_samuel/26.htm">World English Bible</a> So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away. No man saw it, or knew it, nor did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Yahweh had fallen on them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David takes the spear, and the jug of water by the pillow of Saul, and they go away, and there is none seeing, and there is none knowing, and there is none awaking, for all of them are sleeping, for a deep sleep [from] YHWH has fallen on them. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David taketh the spear, and the cruse of water at the pillow of Saul, and they go away, and there is none seeing, and there is none knowing, and there is none awaking, for all of them are sleeping, for a deep sleep from Jehovah hath fallen upon them. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will take the spear, and the cruse of water at Saul's head, and they will go for themselves, and none saw and none will know, and none waking: for all of them were sleeping; for a deep sleep of Jehovah fell upon them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> So David took the spear, and the cup of water which was at Saul's head, and they went away: and no man saw it, or knew it, or awaked, but they were all asleep, for a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, David took the spear, and the cup of water that was at Saul’s head, and they went away. And there was no one who saw it, or realized it, or awakened, but they were all sleeping. For a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen over them. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Bible</a> So David took the spear and the water jug from their place at Saul’s head, and they withdrew without anyone seeing or knowing or awakening. All remained asleep, because a deep slumber from the LORD had fallen upon them. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So David took the spear that was at Saul’s head and the water jar, and they went away. No one saw it, or knew it, nor did anyone awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So David took the spear and the jug of water from Saul's bedside; and they went away, and no man saw it nor knew it, neither awaked, for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David took the spear and the jug from the side of Shaul and they went, and no man saw neither knew, neither awoke, because all of them had been sleeping, and a stupor from LORD JEHOVAH had fallen upon them<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's head; and they got them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> So David took the spear, and the pitcher of water from his bolster, and they went home: and there was no one that saw, and no one that knew, and there was no one that awoke, all being asleep, for a stupor from the Lord had fallen upon them. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/26-12.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=7915" 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> …11But the LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” 12<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·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.">So David</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">took</a> <a href="/hebrew/2595.htm" title="2595: ha·ḥă·nîṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- A spear. From chanah; a lance.">the spear</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ham·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">and water</a> <a href="/hebrew/7226.htm" title="7226: mê·ra·’ă·šō·ṯê (N-fpc) -- A pillow. From ro'sh; a pillow."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6835.htm" title="6835: ṣap·pa·ḥaṯ (N-fsc) -- A jar, jug. From an unused root meaning to expand; a saucer.">jug</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.">by Saul’s head,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and they departed.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">No</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rō·’eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">one saw them</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·w·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knew about it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">nor did anyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/6974.htm" title="6974: mê·qîṣ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- Arise, be awake, watch. A primitive root (compare yaqats); to awake.">wake up;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵul·lām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">they all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3463.htm" title="3463: yə·šê·nîm (Adj-mp) -- Sleeping. From yashen; sleepy.">remained asleep,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/8639.htm" title="8639: tar·dê·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Deep sleep. From radam; a lethargy or trance.">a deep sleep</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">from the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nā·p̄ə·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">had fallen</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on them.</a> <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="/genesis/2-21.htm">Genesis 2:21</a> So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. <a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Judges 7:13-15</a> And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” / His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.” / When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4-7</a> 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. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14</a> And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand. <a href="/2_kings/6-18.htm">2 Kings 6:18-20</a> As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. / And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. / When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria. <a href="/psalms/3-5.htm">Psalm 3:5</a> I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. <a href="/psalms/4-8.htm">Psalm 4:8</a> I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. <a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Psalm 127:2</a> In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved. <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a> There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10</a> For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. <a href="/matthew/26-40.htm">Matthew 26:40-43</a> Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. / “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” / A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” ... <a href="/mark/14-37.htm">Mark 14:37-41</a> Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? / Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” / Again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing. ... <a href="/luke/22-45.htm">Luke 22:45-46</a> When Jesus rose from prayer and returned to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. / “Why are you sleeping?” He asked. “Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.” <a href="/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6</a> When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6-11</a> On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. / Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they got them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen on them.So David<a href="/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7</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="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4</a> And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.a deep sleep<a href="/genesis/2-21.htm">Genesis 2:21</a> And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;<a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12</a> And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.<a href="/esther/6-1.htm">Esther 6:1</a> On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-7.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/judges/5-12.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/judges/16-14.htm">Awaked</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Bolster</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Cruse</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-49.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Jar</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/3-20.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-40.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">Awaked</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm">Bolster</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm">Cruse</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm">Jar</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-16.htm">Water</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>So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. David's actions here demonstrate his respect for Saul's life, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him. The spear and water jug symbolize Saul's vulnerability and David's ability to take his life, yet he chooses not to. This act of mercy reflects David's adherence to God's command not to harm the Lord's anointed (<a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a>). The spear, a weapon of war, contrasts with the water jug, a symbol of life and sustenance, highlighting the choice between violence and mercy. This event occurs in the Wilderness of Ziph, a region known for its rugged terrain, which provided David with strategic advantage and concealment. David's decision to take these items rather than harm Saul foreshadows Christ's teaching on loving one's enemies (<a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>).No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; This phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of David's escape. The fact that no one saw or knew about David's actions underscores the divine intervention at play. In a military camp, guards would typically be alert, yet here, they are unaware, highlighting God's protection over David. This scenario parallels other biblical instances where God blinds or confuses enemies to protect His chosen ones, such as in <a href="/2_kings/6-18.htm">2 Kings 6:18</a> when Elisha prays for the Arameans to be struck with blindness.they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them. The deep sleep is a divine act, reminiscent of the "deep sleep" God caused to fall on Adam in <a href="/genesis/2-21.htm">Genesis 2:21</a>. This supernatural slumber signifies God's direct involvement in the events, ensuring David's safety and the fulfillment of His purposes. It also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over human affairs, as He can alter natural states to achieve His will. This divine intervention is a testament to God's faithfulness in protecting David, who is anointed to be king, and it prefigures the peace and security found in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to David (<a href="/2_samuel/7-16.htm">2 Samuel 7:16</a>).<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 King Saul. David demonstrates restraint and respect for God's anointed king, Saul, despite being unjustly hunted. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who is in pursuit of David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. Saul is unaware of David's presence due to a divinely induced sleep. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> David's nephew and a warrior, who accompanies David into Saul's camp. He suggests killing Saul, but David restrains him, emphasizing respect for God's anointed. 4. <a href="/topical/z/ziph_desert.htm">Ziph Desert</a> The location where Saul is encamped with his men while pursuing David. It is a wilderness area that serves as a backdrop for this encounter. 5. <a href="/topical/d/deep_sleep_from_the_lord.htm">Deep Sleep from the LORD</a> A supernatural sleep that God places on Saul and his men, allowing David to enter and leave the camp undetected. This highlights God's sovereignty and protection over David.<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 to respect those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> The deep sleep from the LORD illustrates God's control over circumstances. We can trust that God is actively working in our lives, even when we cannot see it. <a href="/topical/r/restraint_and_self-control.htm">Restraint and Self-Control</a> David's restraint in not killing Saul, despite Abishai's encouragement, is a powerful example of self-control and reliance on God's justice rather than taking matters into our own hands. <a href="/topical/g/god's_protection.htm">God's Protection</a> The passage reminds us of God's protection over His people. Just as He protected David, He watches over us and can intervene in miraculous ways. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_timing.htm">Faith in God's Timing</a> David's actions show his faith in God's timing for his ascension to the throne. We are encouraged to wait patiently for God's timing in our own lives.<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/is_saul's_sleep_natural_or_supernatural.htm">Does the claim that God caused Saul’s camp to fall into a deep sleep have any natural explanation, or is it purely supernatural? (1 Samuel 26:12) </a> <a href="/q/why_wasn't_abner_punished_for_failing_saul.htm">Why did Abner, responsible for guarding Saul, face no immediate consequences for failing to protect the king? (1 Samuel 26:15-16)</a> <a href="/q/which_bible_verses_support_exorcism.htm">What Bible verses support Christian exorcism practices?</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>(12) No man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked.--The Hebrew is more graphic: "And none saw, and none knew, and none awaked."A deep sleep from the Lord.--The inference here, at first sight, certainly is that an unnatural, or rather, a supernatural drowsiness had fallen on the camp of Saul. Still, it is not absolutely necessary to suppose that a special miracle was wrought on this occasion. The memory of great carelessness and want of vigilance in the royal army was evidently in David's mind when he sarcastically reproves the royal general Abner, in <a href="/context/1_samuel/26-14.htm" title="And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answer you not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who are you that cry to the king?">1Samuel 26:14-16</a>. They were in a friendly district, and never dreamed of a surprise, and possibly the rough soldiers on duty had been carousing. David too and Abishai, owing to their long experience in camp life, often flying before their enemies, were practised scouts, and in the dark night did their perilous work speedily and noiselessly.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - And no man saw it, etc. The Hebrew text describes the occurrence in a much more lively manner: "And none saw, and none knew, and none awaked." A deep sleep from Jehovah, etc. So surprising a fact as that two men could penetrate into the very centre of a considerable army, and remove the king's sceptre and water bottle from his side, could only be accounted for by the interference of Providence in their behalf. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/26-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So David דָּוִ֨ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse took וַיִּקַּח֩ (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take the spear הַחֲנִ֜ית (ha·ḥă·nîṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2595.htm">Strong's 2595: </a> A lance and water הַמַּ֙יִם֙ (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen jug צַפַּ֤חַת (ṣap·pa·ḥaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6835.htm">Strong's 6835: </a> A jar, jug by Saul’s head, שָׁא֔וּל (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 and they departed. וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk No וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle one saw them רֹאֶה֩ (rō·’eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see [or] וְאֵ֨ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle knew about it, יוֹדֵ֜עַ (yō·w·ḏê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know nor did anyone וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle wake up; מֵקִ֗יץ (mê·qîṣ) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6974.htm">Strong's 6974: </a> Arise, be awake, watch they all כֻלָּם֙ (ḵul·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every remained asleep, יְשֵׁנִ֔ים (yə·šê·nîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3462.htm">Strong's 3462: </a> To be slack, languid, sleep, to grow old, stale, inveterate because כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction a deep sleep תַּרְדֵּמַ֣ת (tar·dê·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8639.htm">Strong's 8639: </a> A lethargy, trance from the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had fallen נָפְלָ֖ה (nā·p̄ə·lāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie on them. עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 26:12 So David took the spear and (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:13" /></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>