Study notes

1 Samuel 26

Introducing 1 SamuelWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

24:1–26:25 Section

Saul chased David for a long time to try and kill him. Twice David had the opportunity to kill Saul. Both times his soldiers encouraged him to do it. But David respected Saul because God had chosen him to be Israel’s first king. David wouldn’t harm someone who was anointed to serve God.

But David did want to harm Nabal for treating him unkindly. David made a foolish and violent promise to kill all the men in Nabal’s household. Abigail was a wise and brave woman. Her words encouraged David not to kill his enemy. When Nabal died soon after, David wasn’t guilty of his death.

26:1

The men from Ziph had earlier offered to capture David and give him to Saul (1 Samuel 23:19–20).
Hakilah opposite Jeshimon: The same place they had told Saul about before (1 Samuel 23:19). David likely stayed nearby because the hilly area had many caves, which were good for hiding.

26:1–25

This was the last time Saul and David were together. The Ziphites informed Saul again about David's hiding place (see 1 Samuel 23:19–20). David spared Saul's life again, just like he did in the cave at En-gedi (see 1 Samuel 24).

26:3

Saul went after David again, even though he had earlier admitted that he was wrong (1 Samuel 24:17–21). By this time, Saul was no longer able to think clearly or speak truthfully.

26:5

Abner the son of Ner: See study note on 1 Samuel 20:2.

26:6

This is the only reference to Ahimelech the Hittite.
Zeruiah was David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:16), making Abishai David’s nephew. Zeruiah's sons (Abishai, Joab, and Asahel) were three of David’s most loyal followers (for example, 2 Samuel 2:18). But they sometimes caused him trouble (see 2 Samuel 3:39; 16:10; 19:22).

26:8

God has delivered your enemy into your hand: Compare 1 Samuel 24:4.

26:9

the LORD’s anointed: See study note on 1 Samuel 24:6.

26:10

David was confident that God would judge between him and Saul just as he had done between him and Nabal (see 1 Samuel 25:38). Saul died in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:6).

26:14

Abner: See study note on 1 Samuel 20:25.

26:16

deserve to die: Death was the punishment for failing to do one's duty.

26:17

Is that your voice, David my son?: See 1 Samuel 24:16.

26:19

If the LORD has stirred you up against me: David was confused by Saul’s actions and worried he might have sinned without knowing.
if men have done it: This might refer to Doeg (1 Samuel 22:9–10).
serve other gods: This idea is similar to Psalm 137:4. People exiled from the holy land could not worship the Lord through sacrifices at the main sanctuary.

26:20

a flea: Compare 1 Samuel 24:14.

26:21

I have sinned: Saul had realized his mistakes before (1 Samuel 24:16–19). David had no reason to trust him again (see 1 Samuel 27:1).
I have played the fool: The Hebrew word used here (sakal) means “to act foolishly” or “to play the fool” (see also 1 Samuel 13:13). This word is different from the word for “fool” (nabal) used in 1 Samuel 25. Even though the words are different, they have similar meanings. This helps show that Saul and Nabal are parallel figures. Both act foolishly and oppose God’s purposes.