1 Samuel 26

Another Chance to Kill Saul, Another Pass

1 Some folks from Ziph went to Saul and snitched again: “Listen, David’s hiding on the hill of Hakilah, across from Jeshimon.”

2 So Saul took 3,000 of his elite soldiers and went down to the desert of Ziph to hunt David.

3 He camped on the hill of Hakilah. David was still out in the wilderness. When he heard Saul came for him again,

4 He sent scouts to confirm, yup, Saul was posted up for real.

David Creeps Into the Camp

5 David got up and rolled up to where Saul was camped. He spotted Saul sleeping inside the circle of camp, with Abner, the commander, posted up right beside him.

6 David said to Ahimelech and Abishai, “Who riding with me into Saul’s camp?” Abishai said, “I got you. Let us move.”

7 So they crept in at night. There was Saul, sleeping with his spear stuck in the ground next to his head. Abner and the rest were knocked out around him.

David Spares Saul Again

8 Abishai whispered, “God handed him to you again. Lemme end him right now, one hit, I will not need a second swing.”

9 David said, “Nah. Do not touch him. Who can attack the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?”

10 He added, “The Lord will handle him, either he will die naturally, or fall in battle.”

11 “But I am not touching God’s chosen. Just grab his spear and water jug by his head, then let us bounce.”

12 So David snatched the spear and jug. Nobody woke up, because the Lord put everyone in a deep sleep.

David Calls Saul Out from a Distance

13 David crossed to the other side of the valley, stood on a hill far off, safe distance.

14 He shouted to the army and to Abner: “Listen, Abner! are you not going to answer me,” Abner said, “Who dares wake the king?”

15 David said, “are you not the head of security, You failed, bro! You were supposed to guard the king. Somebody came in and coulda killed him.”

16 “You slipping. You deserve to lose your life. Where is the king’s spear and water jug?”

Saul and David Speak One More Time

17 Saul recognized the voice. “Is that you, David, my son?” David said, “It is me, my king.”

18 “Why are you chasing me again, What did I do wrong?”

19 “If God told you to come for me, then I will take the L. But if this is all people stirring you up, may the Lord judge them.”

20 “Do not let me die like some anybody. I am just a flea out here, a bird flying in the wind, why are you hunting me like this?”

Saul Humbles Himself

21 Saul said, “I messed up, my son. Come back. I will not try to hurt you again. I played myself big time.”

22 David said, “Here is your spear. Let one of your boys come get it.”

23 “The Lord rewards those who do right. He gave you to me today, but I did not touch you, because I fear God.”

24 “I valued your life today. May the Lord value mine and rescue me from all trouble.”

Final Goodbye

25 Saul said, “Bless you, David. You are going to do big things and win big battles.” Then Saul went home. David went his way.