1Sa 26:3-4 | KingComments | STEP | In this chapter we see David again at a spiritual high point, while in the next chapter he fails again. We also saw this in 1 Samuel 24-25. It teaches us that we are constantly dependent on grace in all things. We have also seen the Ziphites before as traitors of David ( ). Now they betray again to Saul where David is. Their communication is reason for Saul to continue his pursuit of David. Although Saul knows that the LORD is with David, he is tireless in his attempts to eliminate David. Saul does not want to hand over the kingdom to the hand of the man God has chosen in his place. It is the attitude of every human who does not bow to the authority of Christ, Who is still rejected today, while God has already “made Him both Lord and Christ” ( ). Christ means ‘Anointed’. He is the anointed King of God. In Saul’s attitude we see how the flesh is. It never gives in; it never bends before God. We will always have to be careful that it does not assert itself in our lives.

‏ 1 Samuel 26:3-4

Introduction

In this chapter we see David again at a spiritual high point, while in the next chapter he fails again. We also saw this in 1 Samuel 24-25. It teaches us that we are constantly dependent on grace in all things.

Saul Pursues David

We have also seen the Ziphites before as traitors of David (1Sam 23:19). Now they betray again to Saul where David is. Their communication is reason for Saul to continue his pursuit of David. Although Saul knows that the LORD is with David, he is tireless in his attempts to eliminate David. Saul does not want to hand over the kingdom to the hand of the man God has chosen in his place.

It is the attitude of every human who does not bow to the authority of Christ, Who is still rejected today, while God has already “made Him both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Christ means ‘Anointed’. He is the anointed King of God. In Saul’s attitude we see how the flesh is. It never gives in; it never bends before God. We will always have to be careful that it does not assert itself in our lives.

David Goes to Saul

David does not go for rumors but wants to know for sure if it is true that Saul is looking for him again. That is why he sends out spies. The messages turn out to be correct. Then David takes the initiative to go to Saul. David’s approach this time is different than in 1 Samuel 24. He does not flee further but goes toward Saul. What happens next is remarkably like what we read in 1 Samuel 24.

Yet he exposes himself to much greater dangers here. In the first case Saul, without knowing it, came close to David. It was an accidental ‘meeting’. Here David goes to Saul himself. Saul is not alone here, but is in the circle of the camp, surrounded by his soldiers. What David does seems overconfident, but God is with him, for He lets fall a sound sleep upon Saul and all who are with him (1Sam 26:12).

With his action David puts his life again at risk. He must have a great deal of peace in his heart to venture this adventure. He asks two men who will go down with him. Abishai has the same courage as David and offers to join him. The sense of this action of David seems to be a new attempt to prove his innocence.

Striking is again the remark about Saul’s spear, which says that Saul stuck the spear “in the ground at his head”. He has the spear within reach to seize it at the slightest threat of danger. It is the spear with which he has tried to kill David several times.