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1 Samuel 26:18 And he continued, "Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?
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What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Why are you chasing me? What have I done? What is my crime?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil <i>is</i> in mine hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he said, “Why does my lord thus pursue his servant? For what have I done, or what evil <i>is</i> in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He also said, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He also said, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He also said, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He also said, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And David said, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What crime have I committed?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Why are you hunting me down? Have I done something wrong, or have I committed a crime? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Why are you pursuing me?" he added. "What have I done? What crime have I committed?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And he added, "Why, sir, are you still pursuing me, your servant? What have I done? What crime have I committed? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David said, "Why is your majesty pursuing his servant? For what have I done, and what evil do I bear toward you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he continued, ?Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He went on to say, "Why is my lord chasing his servant? What have I done? What wrong have I done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Why doth my lord thus pursue his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, “Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What evil is in my hand? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says, “Why [is] this—my lord is pursuing after his servant? For what have I done, and what evil [is] in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he saith, 'Why is this -- my lord is pursuing after his servant? for what have I done, and what is in my hand evil?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, Wherefore this my lord pursued after his servant? for what did I? and what evil in my hand?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said: Wherefore doth my lord persecute his servant? What have I done? or what evil is there in my hand? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said: “For what reason has my lord pursued his servant? What have I done? Or what evil is there in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He continued: “Why does my lord pursue his servant? What have I done? What evil am I planning?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And he added, “Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What guilt is on my hands?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then David said, Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hands?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David said: “My Lord, why are you chasing after your Servant? What have I done and what is the evil that is in my hands?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said: 'Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Why does my lord thus pursue after his servant? for in what have I sinned? and what unrighteousness has been found in me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/26-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7993" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">David Reproves Abner</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">And he continued,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">is my lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: rō·ḏêp̄ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">pursuing</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·dōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servant?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have I done?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·mah- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">is in my hand?</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3-5</a></span><br />O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, / if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, / then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-7.htm">Psalm 35:7</a></span><br />For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-3.htm">Psalm 109:3-5</a></span><br />They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. / They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/59-3.htm">Psalm 59:3-4</a></span><br />See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. / For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-161.htm">Psalm 119:161</a></span><br />Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart fears only Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Psalm 56:5-6</a></span><br />All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. / They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-1.htm">Psalm 140:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, / who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. / They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a></span><br />For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19-20</a></span><br />Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason. / Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-21</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18-21</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / 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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-14.htm">1 Peter 4:14-16</a></span><br />If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. / Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. / But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, Why does my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?</p><p class="hdg">Wherefore</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">1 Samuel 24:9,11-14</a></b></br> And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3-5</a></b></br> O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-7.htm">Psalm 35:7</a></b></br> For without cause have they hid for me their net <i>in</i> a pit, <i>which</i> without cause they have digged for my soul.</p><p class="hdg">what have I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-29.htm">1 Samuel 17:29</a></b></br> And David said, What have I now done? <i>Is there</i> not a cause?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-46.htm">John 8:46</a></b></br> Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/10-32.htm">John 10:32</a></b></br> Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">Added</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-35.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-15.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/27-4.htm">Added</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-6.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-30.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-6.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">but takes his spear and jug</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">David reproves Abner</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm">and exhorts Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Saul acknowledges his sin</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>And he continued,</b><br>This phrase indicates that David is in the midst of a dialogue, continuing a conversation. The context is a confrontation between David and King Saul. David has just spared Saul's life for the second time, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king despite Saul's pursuit of him. This ongoing dialogue reflects David's patience and persistence in seeking reconciliation and understanding.<p><b>“Why is my lord pursuing his servant?</b><br>David addresses Saul with respect, calling him "my lord," which acknowledges Saul's position as king. The term "servant" reflects David's humility and his previous role in Saul's court. This question highlights the unjust nature of Saul's pursuit, as David has consistently shown loyalty. The pursuit is a result of Saul's jealousy and fear, as seen in earlier chapters where Saul becomes increasingly paranoid about David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him.<p><b>What have I done?</b><br>David's question is rhetorical, emphasizing his innocence. Throughout 1 Samuel, David's actions have been honorable, and he has not committed any offense against Saul. This question invites Saul to reflect on his actions and the baselessness of his accusations. It also echoes the broader biblical theme of the innocent suffering unjustly, a motif seen in the lives of other biblical figures such as Joseph and ultimately Jesus Christ.<p><b>What evil is in my hand?</b><br>The phrase "in my hand" suggests actions or deeds. David is asserting that he has not committed any wrongdoing or evil act against Saul. This is significant because David had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose not to, demonstrating his integrity and trust in God's justice. The imagery of the hand is often used in scripture to symbolize power and action, and here it underscores David's restraint and righteousness. This restraint foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who advocated for love and forgiveness towards one's enemies.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently being pursued by King Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his refusal to harm Saul, despite being unjustly hunted.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and jealous of David, fearing the loss of his throne. Saul's pursuit of David is driven by insecurity and disobedience to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_of_ziph.htm">The Wilderness of Ziph</a></b><br>A desert area where David and his men are hiding. It is a place of refuge for David but also a place of testing and reliance on God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a></b><br>David's nephew and one of his loyal warriors, who accompanies David into Saul's camp and offers to kill Saul, but David restrains him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_camp_of_saul.htm">The Camp of Saul</a></b><br>The location where Saul and his men are encamped, and where David demonstrates his integrity by sparing Saul's life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_adversity.htm">Integrity in Adversity</a></b><br>David's question to Saul highlights his innocence and integrity. Believers are called to maintain their integrity even when falsely accused or pursued by adversaries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>David's restraint in not harming Saul demonstrates his trust in God's justice. Christians are encouraged to rely on God to vindicate them rather than taking matters into their own hands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_persecution.htm">Responding to Persecution</a></b><br>David's respectful address to Saul, despite Saul's hostility, teaches believers to respond to persecution with grace and respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_clear_conscience.htm">The Power of a Clear Conscience</a></b><br>David's ability to confront Saul with confidence stems from his clear conscience. Maintaining a clear conscience before God and others empowers believers to stand firm in truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_godly_counsel.htm">The Role of Godly Counsel</a></b><br>David's interaction with Abishai shows the importance of surrounding oneself with godly counsel that encourages righteousness and restraint.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_bethlehem's_biblical_role.htm">What was the purpose of Jesus being anointed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_david_merciful_to_saul_in_1_sam_24.htm">Why does David's mercy toward Saul in 1 Samuel 24 contradict other violent actions David takes elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_sam_19_9_fit_a_good_god.htm">How could an 'evil spirit from the Lord' (1 Samuel 19:9) align with a belief in a benevolent God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_verify_1_sam_12_19_repentance.htm">How could the people's immediate repentance in 1 Samuel 12:19 be verified historically or culturally?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">What have I done?</span>--The whole address of David to Saul is intensely reverent, even loving. The conspicuous trophy of his late "night raid" was in his hand; we can imagine the first rays of the morning sun lighting up the glittering royal spear grasped by David. Saul could not help recognising that at least the son of Jesse sought not his life.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/26-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And he continued,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֕אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֥מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is my lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sovereign, controller</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pursuing</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹדֵ֖ף</span> <span class="translit">(rō·ḏêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his servant?</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·dōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(meh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have I done?</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשִׂ֔יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַה־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is in my hand?</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָדִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/26-18.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 26:18 He said Why does my lord pursue (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:19" /></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>